The Accidental Bride by Denise Hunter ~ Book Review

Book Description:
When a wedding reenactment turns real, this cowgirl suddenly finds she’s an accidental bride.

Shay Brandenberger is raising her daughter in Moose Creek, Montana on her childhood ranch, nestled against the Yellowstone River. Despite her hard work, she can’t seem to keep her head above water—and now the bank is threatening to foreclose. She prays for a miracle, but the answer she receives is anything but.

Having agreed to play the bride in the Founders Day wedding reenactment, Shay is mortified to be greeted at the end of the aisle by none other than Travis McCoy, her high school sweetheart—the man who left her high and dry for fame and fortune on the Texas rodeo circuit.

Then the unthinkable happens. Thanks to a well-meaning busy body and an absent minded preacher, the wedding reenactment results in a legal marriage. But before Shay can say annulment, Travis comes up with a crazy proposal. If she refuses his offer, she’ll lose her home. But if she accepts, she may lose her heart.

Shay isn’t sure if the recent events are God’s will or just a preacher’s blunder. Will trusting her heart to the man who once shattered it be the worst mistake of her life? Or could their marriage be the best accident that ever happened?

My Thoughts:

First of all, an accidental wedding is near to impossible, as the author explains at the end of the book, so while reading the book I was very aware that this story couldn't really happen to anyone.  However, the story line was comical, fun and easy to read.

This story deals with second chances and trusting God to lead you through unexpected circumstances.  We all have people in our lives who have hurt us and either want a second chance or we need to forgive and give them a second chance for our own health and peace of mind.

Denise Hunter does a great job of showing the struggle the main character Shay has with forgiveness and trusting in God in every circumstance.

If you are in for a nice, easy, fun read this book is for you.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booksneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Boot Camp Update

Well I have finished week #2 of the Tyson Method for Moms Boot Camp.  (well not quite, tomorrow is my last workout in week #2)

One word I would use to describe the Tyson Method is -- WOW!

The first day I got there was the first class in the next 6 week session.  Tami started out by saying that we were going to do a easier workout to get into it.  This class was supposed to work your legs and butt.  Boy oh boy did it ever!

It was hard.  And I mean really H-A-R-D!

We did squats and lunges.  And more squats and lunges.  For 50 minutes!

Even before the class was over my legs were rubber.  In fact for the rest of the day my legs were rubber, although the major problem was going down stairs.  The next day wasn't too bad.  I was a little sore and stairs were still a problem but for the most part I was doing good.  The next day however (Wednesday) was NOT good.  I was fine once I was standing or sitting, but the in between getting up and sitting down were torture.  I had no idea how I was going to work out in 2 days (Friday).

Well Friday came and we worked on abs & shoulders.  This class went much better and my shoulders were only slightly sore the next day.

Monday again we worked on butt and abs as well as cardio.  While the class was hard and I was very tired afterwards I found this class to be my favorite.  Maybe it was because of the type of exercises or maybe it was because I was already 3 boot camp classes in -- who knows?

Ryan comes with me to these classes.  He's not very outgoing with the other kids there so he generally just sits beside me during the workouts.  He is very quick to let me know when I am not doing exactly what the instructor is doing or when I am slowing down.

Let me be honest here. I cannot do every exercise that they introduce into the class.  I am just not strong enough is some areas (basically my whole core area) to do the exercises the way they are meant to be.  But that's okay.  While others are doing exercises where I cannot participate, I modify the exercise so that I am still getting a workout.  The trainers and instructors are very helpful in finding a way to modify the exercises so everyone can participate.

Another thing about the instructors & trainers -- They are encouraging.  They are genuinely there to help woman find their INNER beauty.  They are there to help woman gain confidence in themselves and their bodies while providing resources.

I don't see myself doing this Boot Camp week after week - I don't enjoy being away from the house 5 mornings a week (trust me when I say my housework has been pushed out of the way lately).  But I think it's a good way to jump start a workout or if you are at home the other 2 or 3 days of the week.

Check them out -- Tyson Method for Moms --

They have boot camp classes in Rosenort, St. Jean, Niverville, Winkler, and of course Steinbach.

AND they are coming to Lorette SOON!

They also have on-line workouts and a Fat Shredder program too.

His Steadfast Love ~ By Golden Keyes Parsons

Book Description

The Civil War - a defining time of great sacrifice, change, and betrayal which determined the fate of the Nation.

It isn’t until it comes into her very home that Amanda Belle must face impossible choices of love, loss, and loyalty.

It's the spring of 1861 on the Gulf Coast of Texas. Although Amanda never thought she would marry because of her promise she made to her dying mother, her attraction to Captain Kent Littlefield is undeniable.

When Texas secedes from the Union, her brother Daniel marches off to war to fight for the Confederate States and Kent remains with the Union troops.

Her heart is torn between the two men she loves and the two sides of the conflict. When she turns to God for help, Amanda expects direction and support, but hears nothing. Is God listening to her anymore? Where is God in the atrocities of war—and whose side is He on?

Amanda senses her life is at a turning point. But she must trust God to bring her family through the chaos that threatens her home, her family, and the beloved state of Texas . . . with her heart, and her faith, intact.

***

Although it took me a little while to actually get into the story, by the end of the book I was completely involved in the characters' lives.

This story speaks to the tough decisions in life where we may need to go against all we have ever known.  Amanda wants an easy answer from God as to what road she is supposed to take.  However she feels like God ins't answering her, even though maybe all he really wants from her is to wait and trust in Him.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booksneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Wonder Of Your Love ~ Beth Wiseman

Book Description

Katie Ann lost the love of her life. Then God offers her a new beginning in Colorado.

Katie Ann Stolzfus lives in the small Amish community of Canaan, Colorado. At forty she is widowed and raising her first child. But baby Jonas will never know his father, and Katie Ann wonders if her Heavenly Father hasn't forgotten about her as well. Is it really God's plan for her to be a single parent?

Eli Detweiler has come to Canaan for a wedding and a long vacation. Having raised six children following the death of his young wife, Eli is finally an empty-nester. He's enjoying the slower pace of having no one to care for but himself.

When Katie Ann and Eli meet, there is an instant connection. Yet as strong as the attraction is, they both acknowledge that a romance would never work. He is done parenting, while she has just begun.

But as their friendship slowly blossoms into feelings that are as frightening as they are intoxicating, Katie Ann and Eli question if the plans they made for themselves are in line with God's plans.

Can Katie Ann entrust her heart to another man, and rediscover the wonder of God's love?

MY THOUGHTS:  I love reading Amish fiction by Beth Wiseman and this book is no different.  Her easy reading, creative writing makes reading her books a joy.

This book focuses on trust and God's love and plans for our lives.  It was a great reminder that just because WE think our lives should be one way that God is ultimately in control and knows the best path for our lives.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Gabby, God's Little Angel

I received the book Gabby, God's Little Angel from Booksneeze to review.

Book Overview:

This first book in a delightful new series offers a comforting message for young readers—God loves you very much and is always watching over you!

What little girl wouldn’t love her very own guardian angel? Parents and children alike will be won over by this humorous tale of Gabby, a guardian angel in training who has much to learn about taking care of God’s little ones. Her new assignment is to protect a young girl named Sophie, but Gabby soon realizes that watching after Sophie is a bigger challenge than she had expected! After a close call while riding her pony, Sophie learns what the Bible says about guardian angels: “He will put his angels in charge of you. They will watch over you wherever you go” (Psalm 91:11 ICB).

My Thoughts:

This is an adorable book to read to young girls. Lots of colors and wonderful, funny antics. It also has large enough print that as they learn to read they can read it themselves.

I really liked that the book focused on the Bible verse Psalm 91:11 ~ “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways”. Young girls need lots of positive affirmation and knowing that their Heavenly Father cares SO much about them to send angels to guard them is a great way for them to start their relationship with him!

Definitely a good read or Christmas present for that special girl in your life.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Treasuring Emma ~ Book Review

Emma has put everyone else first in her life. Now at nearly 25, has she missed her chance at marriage?

Emma was Adam's first love but circumstances made them both choose different paths in life. Emma's heart breaks all over again when Adam returns to the Amish community of Middlefield, Ohio, years later.

For the past ten years, Emma has been a care-giver. First for her mother who unsuccessfully battled breast cancer, and now for her grandmother who gets more frail with each passing year. Emma has always put the needs of others above her own. With more time on her hands, she determines to focus on herself and her dream of opening a rescue shelter for stray animals in the community.

With Adam's return come feelings Emma's long buried. They're older and life hasn't turned out the way they thought it would. Adam's feelings for Emma are stronger than ever, but will he be able to convince her to put the past aside and give their love a chance?

Kathleen Fuller does a great job of creating and showcasing a strong character in Emma.  One who knows how to stand her ground.  In this novel Emma learns how to lean on God and trust that he will truly provide everything she and her family needs.

This book is well written and is good, quick reading material.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nature Clean giveaway from Mommy Moment

Enter to win another GREAT giveaway at Mommy Moment!!


Mommy Moment is giving away a prize package from Nature Clean valued at over $100 for one lucky Canadian reader!

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Pure Body Conditioner

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Sensitive Bath Bar

Refresh Bath Bar

Calm Bath Bar

Household Care:

Automatic Dishwasher Pacs

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Unscented Dish Soap

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2 in 1 Shampoo

Plush Toy

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Head on over to Mommy Moment to enter this great contest!!

Spring For Susannah - Book Review

I recently received Spring For Susannah by Catherine Richmond from Booksneeze to review.

For some reason, I have a soft spot in my heart for Mail-order Bride books and think I enjoyed this one the best!

Here is a summary of the book:

When Susannah goes to Dakota territory as a mail-order bride she finds something she never dreamed she would - true love.

With no prospects for marriage and her parents recently deceased, Susannah Underhill agrees to go west to the Dakota territory to marry her minister's homesteading brother, Jesse. But Susannah is painfully shy, doesn't see herself as worthy of love from either a husband or from God, and lives in constant fear that Jesse is going to ship her back to Detroit.

In spite of her petite size and the fact that Susannah doesn't look like she could survive on the prairie, Jesse quickly discovers that his new wife is a greater blessing than even he hoped for.  The years she spent as her father's veterinarian assistant allow her to save Jesse's cattle and help other neighbors with their animals.

But Susannah's feelings of unworthiness are deeply rooted, and she can't believe that Jesse's praise - or the tenderness and love he shows - could possibly last.  The thawing of her heart seems almost as distant as Spring in the midst of the winter blanketing the Dakota prairie.

This book deals with Susannah being unable to trust the people she comes in contact with and lives with. On top of it all, Susannah also does not trust God but needs to learn to lean on Him while living alone in a vacant land.

Spring for Susannah definitely hit home for me, as it is hard for me to put my trust in others and make friends. But ultimately we need to remember that God is someone that we can always put our trust in.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Fairer Than Morning - Book Review

Fairer Than Morning by Rosslyn Elliott was the latest book that I recevied from BOOKSNEEZE to review.

Here is a description of the book:

Ann dreams of a marriage proposal from her poetic suitor—until she meets a runaway apprentice who knows what a truly noble man is.

In 1826, Ann Miller travels to Pittsburgh with her widowed father and two young sisters, only to find that a mysterious man has pursued them all the way from Ohio. Is Ann’s father just a circuit minister, or is he hiding something that may endanger them all?

Will Hanby indentures with a Pittsburgh saddle maker, only to discover that his master is a cold-hearted tyrant. 

After years of abuse, Will becomes a prisoner of his own mind. But then lovely Ann Miller comes to stay next door and her compassion lights a long-dark part of Will’s soul. His renewed courage puts his life in jeopardy as he begins to assist fugitive slaves.

Will's murderous master and Ann's questions about her family may keep both of them bound  in the shadows forever. Or will they find freedom—together?

As I have stated in the past, I am someone that doesn't venture easily into reading books by authors I have never read before. But I am glad I did with this book. The book captivated my attention and I told my husband one night before bed that I just HAD to finish the book before I could sleep. (Always the sign of a good read!)

I loved all the history that the book had in it and was pleasantly surprised when I read the afterward that the whole Saddler's Legacy series was inspired by a real family who to this day are the most celebrated citizen's of Weterville, Ohio.

The next book in the series comes out in February 2012.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A Cowboy's Touch - Book Review

I chose A Cowboy's Touch by Denise Hunter to review from Booksneeze.

Here is a short description of the book:

Wade's ranch home needs a woman's touch. Abigail's life needs a cowboy's touch.

Four years ago, rodeo celebrity Wade Ryan gave up his identity to protect his daughter. Now settled on a ranch in Big Sky Country, he lives in obscurity, his heart guarded by a high, thick fence.

Abigail Jones isn't sure how she went from big-city columnist to small-town nanny, but her new charge is growing on her, to say nothing of her ruggedly handsome boss. Love blossoms between Abigail and Wade – despite her better judgement. Will the secrets she brought with her to Moose Creek, Montana separate her from the cowboy who finally captured her heart?

I had never read on of Denise Hunter's books and am always a little leery to read a book from a new-to-me author. But I was not disappointed! From the minute I picked up the book it was hard to put down.

The book was a nice clean book, with lots of Christian content. I was especially impressed with the reference all characters made to asking God what to do in certain situations.

The only thing that would have made this book better would have been another few chapters – or maybe a sequel.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

An Amish Love - 3 Amish Novellas - Book Review

 An Amish Love is a collection of 3 Novellas:

A Marriage Of The Heart by Kelly Long – Abigail Kauffman is looking for a way out, and Joseph Lambert is looking for a way in. Only after they find themselves suddenly married to each other do they begin to understand the tender truths of life-long love.

What The Heart Sees by Kathleen Fuller – When Ellie Chupp loses her sight in an accident, she believes love will never be in her future. Christopher Miller has returned home after fleeing from the tragedy that broke his heart. When Ellie and Chris meet again, sparks fly. Could true love be a matter of seeing with new eyes?

Healing Hearts by Beth Wiseman – He left to find himself. She found her way without him. Could it be that their prior years together have simply been a preface to a greater love than they have ever known?

When I saw the book and picked it I thought it would be a “typical” Amish novel – easy to read with predictable endings. I was pleasantly surprised that while the endings were always happy ones, the actual stories and the way the endings came about were something different. The story lines kept me glued to the book and I didn't want to put it down.

I would definitely recommend this book if you are looking for a great, easy to read Amish story.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://booksneeze.com/> 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”