Because You’re Mine

Alanna does not know where to turn or what to do. Her husband has been killed in a car bomb and she is left alone and pregnant. Her only hope at a new life away from the controlling hands of her father-in-law is to marry her manager. It seem like a dream come true. Alanna’s dream, however, quickly turns into a nightmare.

First, I have to point out, Alanna is from Ireland!! 🙂 so for part of the story it is set in that beautifully scenic country. IRELAND! And then colleen brings us to America’s Southern charm. The family heritage from both sides of the waters, both accents, the family home in Charleston…. And of course the mystery. What on earth is going on? (MINI SPOILER ALERT- The only thing I did not like was no satisfactory explanation, as in NO explanation whatsoever, of the large painting).

*I received this book free from Thomas Nelson and Fiction Guild in exchange for my honest review. What I have expressed are my own thoughts.*

The Mark of the King

Julianne Chevalier has been condemned to a life in prison and branded as a criminal. Her only piece of hope is trading her prison life for a life in the new world as an exile. She is sent to Louisiana. One she is sent, however, she discovers she needs more strength than she ever imagined. Does she have enough to survive this new life?

This story took me by the hand and pulled me back to 1700’s France and America. From the Birthing Room to the prison, from the ship to the fledgling colony in Louisiana. And each step in Julianne’s journey brought trials and dangers. Some of them even meant choosing the “lesser of two evils”. I enjoyed this story very much. I will definitely be keeping a lookout for Jocelyn Green’s other books.

*I received this book free from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. What I have shared about this book are entirely my own thoughts.*

Relax and Explore Oversees

    Good afternoon my friends. Is it just me or is this particular Wednesday tough to get through? I wish I had time for a nap, lol.

Any who, as the children are sleeping I thought I would take this quiet time to tell you more about Ireland. Specifically, where I find it especially relaxing. There is about park in Dublin, Merrion Squar Park that is set right in the city. Yet, as soon as bouts I walk into the park all the noise of the city- the traffic, the people…. fades away. It is as if it is in another world. The calmness of the park, the beautiful scenery along he trails. Above is a picture of the poet Oscar Wilde. He hangs out on that rock in Merrion Square Park. The greenery, of course.

I remember sitting there on a bench for a few hours as my friend worked. I could not have asked for a better place to hang out at. I wish I could travel there every day. The park even gave me inspiration for writing. There is a coffee shopot and bakery nearby asports well that had pretty yummy goodies. Yes, I definitely stopped there on my way to the park. How could I not?

I hope if you ever make the to Ireland that you are able too go too often Merrion Square Park and find it as relaxing as I do.

 

Peace,

Kymberli

No Computer Day

Good morning my friends. I hope you are having a good week so far.

Today I have three kids to watch. And I’m making it a no Computer Day for the kids. Partly because of nessessity, partly for them. Yesterday my dog decided to chew and eat my charger cord to my you laptop. So until the new cord arrives we will other be using my laptop. And so I thought, let’s just make today a no Computer Day. And guess what? No complaints about it so far! I’miss pretty sure they will survive.

The three year olds are playing the Legos and my old Playskool dollhouse together. Oh, the conversations they are having with each other are priceless! So far I have not had to interfere or suggest new games. They are playing well together, no arguments, sharing well, and their imaginations are amazing!! I am looking forward to seeing what else they come up with!

Enjoy your day, and perhaps have a no Computer Day with your family?

 

Peace,

Kymberli

Balance

    Good evening friends,

Last week was a tough week for me. Some of you know and some do not, I have depression. Some days are great. Some are not. Last week were a lot of not great days. And then I wake up one morning and I am perfectly well. Such is the journey. It made me think, however, on my day to day activities. When I have energy and get my house sparkling clean and days where I can’t even get out of bed. But sometimes that’s okay. Because there is balance in that. Knowing when you’re feeling well and can get a lot done and when you need rest, physically and mentally. And that’s okay. It’s okay to take a nap during the day if you need it, or after work. It’s okay to put your pajamas on even if you are not going to bed right away. I cannot stress it enough. It Is Okay! Don’t stress any more than you might already be stressing. (Easier said than done, I know. But, at least try?) And when you are back on your feet, then tackle the dishes and laundry. Take care of yourself first!

That is my word of the week. Balance. Know when you can do things and do them. Know when to rest and rest. Again, I repeat, it is okay.

Peace,

Kymberli

When Tides Turn book review

    Tess Beaumont joins the Navy’s newly established WAVES program for women. (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service), hoping to convince people there is more to her than just a pretty face. Lt. Dan Amery is a determined man, focused on his job and doing his part in the war. The last thing he wants is a distraction named Tess. However, when she needs help rooting out a possible spy, how can he say no?

I have always enjoyed Sarah Sundin’s stories and as with the other books, I was looking forward to reading this one. I love how Ms. Sundin takes true events and weaves them into a novel. I always learn something new (to me) while reading her books. This ne is no different. I did not know about the WAVES program until this book. She makes history come to life.

*I received this book free from Revell in exchange for my honest review. What I have expressed are entirely my own thoughts.*

The Silent Songbird book review

    Evangeline has been gifted with a beautiful voice. But now she is on the run, determined to not be forced to marry Lord Shiveley- a man twice her age and harboring sinister motives. She remains silent, afraid if anyone hears her they will recognize her and send her back. Can she trust the man who has offered to help her with her life? Perhaps even with her heart?

This story had a way of easily taking me back to my teenage years, when I was about 14 or 15. The subtle fairy tale setting, the costumes, the characters…. in a way it was a breath of fresh air getting to experience that again for a little while. The cover image is captivating (although, I do need to point out that the model’s eye color is wrong. It does not match Evangeline’s eye color.) All in all this was a light, entertaining read. I already have a friend who wants to read it.

*I received this book free from Thomas Nelson and Fiction Guild in exchange for my honest review. What I have expressed are entirely my own thoughts.*

The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill book review

    Welcome to the village of Ivy Hill, a quaint village overlooking the Wiltshire countryside. Its coaching Inn, The Bell, is its lifeline, as it has been for generations. Now, however, the coach line is threatening to change the route it takes. If it does, it could bring a close to The Bell forever.

This story reminded me of a mix of a Jane Austen setting with the determination of the women from Steel Magnolias, set on making their mark in the world. Although the story was centered solely around one family mainly, I liked that Julie Klassen included side stories of the other women in the village. Others who were determined to rise above challenges and make a life of their own. Not let the weight of their worlds push them down. I am looking forward to more stories from Ivy Hill.

*I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. What I have expressed are entirely my own thoughts.*

Child of the River book review

    Persomi dreams of a world much bigger than the one given her in the Bushveld of the 1940’s and 1950’s of South Africa. How long and how strong can she continue to dream?

Persomi has been born into a poor, illiterate, farming family, a family working on someone else’s land. She dreams of an education, a profession, and of love. But her dreams seem too grand for her life; too distant. However, she has  determination. And she is not about to give that up. This is a compelling coming of age story with a memorable heroine, and I do not say that lightly.

This is by far my favorite book of the year so far. The cover image, the heroine, the rest of the cast, the style of writing, the setting, the situations Persomi is faced with, all of it. I inhaled this story because I could not put it down, and at the same time I did not want it to end. It has an ending, however, and I came to it too soon. I gladly lost sleep over this book. I was sad to reach the last page, the last sentence, the last word. Great job, Irma Joubert! I truly, highly recommend this book!

*I received this book free from Thomas Nelson and Fiction Guild in exchange for my honest review. What I have expressed are entirely my own thoughts.*

The Candidate book review

    How far would a candidate go to become the next president of the United States of America?

Newsmaker Erica Sparks is covering the presidential election campaign. As she questions and witnesses the interactions between the candidates she begins to suspect that one of them, Mike Ortiz, is dependent on his wife. To an unnatural degree. What is this seemingly perfect couple hiding? Can Erica figure it out before the vote is cast? Or is she being paranoid?

This is book two of The Newsmakers Series and I have not yet read book one. However, I did not feel as if I missed out on anything. I really liked diving into the back scenes of politics. Usually these types of stories are not my cup of tea but I could hardly keep this book down. I wanted to know what Erica would discover next. What was really happening? I very much enjoyed the book and I look forward to more from Lis Wiehl.

*I received this book free from Thomas Nelson and Fiction Guild in exchange for my honest review. What I have expressed are entirely my own thoughts.*