Book Review: A Change of Fortune

A Change of Fortune

This is a book review on AChange of Fortune by Jen Turano.  

This book had everything I enjoy in a novel; God, adventure, romance and humor.   I could not put it down. A lady down on her luck sets out to defend her family’s name and recover a lost fortune.  Lady Eliza Sumner left penniless, to follow her father’s former man of affairs and governess to America.  To find income and a place close to society she poses as a governess and gains employment.  She teams up with a mismatched group of people.  While she ends up in many difficult situations, she begins to fall in love with her rescuer, Beckett, and his children. The characters struggle with their relationships with God after dealing with harsh realities is life. 

This is a review copy from Bethany House Publishing Group.  I chose this book from a list as an item of interest.  I was not compensated and opinions are my own.

Book Review: Whispers in the Wind

This is a book review on Whispers in the Wind (Wild Wild West) by Lauraine Snelling.  This is book two to the Wild West Wind series.  I have not read book 1 or 3. 

Cassie arrives in South Dakota at a ranch with a group of ‘family’, a bunch of people from her former life in a Wild West show.  She has claim to the ranch as it is a piece of property her father jointly owned with a friend before he joined the show.  The show has disbanded, and her father has passed on.  Cassie hopes to make a future for herself and her family there.  She struggles with her new place, as she doesn’t really have any knowledge of domestic skills such as cooking.  The partner, in land ownership has also passed away, leaving his wife and children to run it.  The wife verifies the claim and they all learn to share the land. 

Whispers in the Wind

I thought the story was nice. I wondered what went on in book 1, and what will happen in 3.  I will add these to my reading list.  I am giving it a four star based on really liking the story, however, the book was repeatedly put down and felt like a chore at times.  Having read it all I’m still going to read the rest of the series.

This is a review copy from Bethany House Publishing Group.  I chose this book from a list as an item of interest.  I was not compensated and all opinions are my own.

Growing in Faith

I’ve been growing in my ‘Unglued’ study, by Lysa TerKeurst.  http://www.ungluedbook.com/  . Being involved in this group has involved me in scripture and wrapped me in God’s glory and grace.  I feel like I smile more, can face more and care more. I am walking a closer path.  Some key things or words that inspire me from this series are:

·         Honor God with my words and actions

·         Before acting or reacting, remember I am God’s child and should not feed the enemy

·         Decision making should be Good not Easy

·         Strive to be calm at the beginning of strife, invite Jesus and his ways into the situation

·         Turning around to praise God in all situations

One of the biggest things, for me was being so relaxed I didn’t have crazy woman days (PMS).  Days flew past without me knowing it, and all of a sudden I was shaking my head.  I had allowed skills to calm me to the point where I wasn’t a shrew for those days I think I suck as a human, wow.  TMI? Sorry, had to share, because those days are the worst. I feel so mean, and sad.  I feel like I have no filter and no self control.  I yell, cry and blurt out the least tactful words I ever utter.  Why am I sharing? I’m sharing because we all have those days or moments, when we know we’re not going to behave ideally.  

The growth I’ve experience had me going online for more resources. I like the Proverbs 31 site. I stumbled upon an online bible study group trough it.  It made me think of my mommy friends who are at home with babies and tots and can’t venture out to these groups, without disrupting family life and having to seek a sitter.  I shared the link with them, and my ladies group discussion leader. 

Another New Year

I told myself in November I would blog more.  I posted a couple of entries, and now it's January 10th.  So, Happy New Year!

I am participating in a new six week study with my ladies group at church.  It's part of the 'Unglued' series by Lysa TerKeurst.  http://www.ungluedbook.com/  

This could not have come at a better time.  I have been growing spiritually, at an awkward rate for over a year now.  What I mean by awkward growth, is growth that progresses with the initial steps being out of my comfort zone.  Three major things most recently taken on were the VBS kitchen, a coffee group for moms with a play group and....drum-roll please....becoming a Sunday-school preschool teacher. All things I look forward to, now.  I loved the VBS kitchen experience, and have all ready thrown my hat in for next summer.  I love my mommy/coffee/playgroup.  I love my little un-predictable 3 year olds. 

So, what now? I’ve been going to Wednesday night church.  It means my kids may be tired the next day, and may be rushed through homework and dinner.  We don’t see hubby/dad because he is just waking up when we are eating dinner and leaves before we return.  That’s fine.  We gain much more than we lose.  We gain new lessons about Jesus, scripture and friendship. I’ve been at home with kids for almost 7 years.  Most of that time, I’ve been alienated from community and friends.  I didn’t realize how much I missed sharing joy and burden with others. I had been so wrapped up in me and mine, I forgot that there was an outside world, that I could be part of.  It wasn’t a purposeful decision. I grew out of being lost.  I quit my job to stay at home.  There’s a lot of weirdness between moms that work and don’t work. (another post altogether)

I’ve also been receiving books to review that are fiction, devotional, non-fiction, etc form Baker/Bethany House.  I listen to Family Life Radio more often. I have sermons on podcast.  I did advent devotions and ornaments each day. I didn’t grow up in the church.  I grew up to have faith.  I am now diving in to live in a way that follows Jesus. 

Back to the ‘Unglued’ series.  When I don’t get enough sleep or over schedule myself I become unglued. I am not a patient person by nature and explode at times.  Times I should have taken a breath or a break.  Times I should have hugged my child or relieved tension with a tickle. I decided to blog about my journey, because this morning I screamed while brushing my daughter’s hair.  The morning after committing to make changes, I explode. Here’s to my journey.  At least I’m realizing my fault and trying to better.  Dear Lord, give strength and guidance to our group as we try to be at peace using scripture and your path as example.

PASTA, HAM AND PEA SALAD

 PASTA, HAM AND PEA SALAD (LIKE RUBY TUESDAY'S)
1 pound rotini pasta
3/4 cup reduced-fat ranch dressing
3/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise (used olive oil mayo)
1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
aslo added a dash of onion powder and black pepper
8 ounces diced ham
1 cup frozen green peas, defrosted
4 ounces (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain well and place in a large mixing bowl.
Whisk the ranch dressing, mayonnaise and seasoning salt. Toss the dressing with the pasta and then gently stir in the ham, peas, cheese and bell pepper. Taste and add more seasoning salt, if needed. Refrigerate several hours or overnight.
Makes 8-10 side dish servings.

This recipe slightly adjusted from one I saw on Pinterest; PASTA, HAM AND PEA SALAD

I made this for the first time today. Yum, I ate a bowl before I put it in the fridge.
 

Two of my favorite recipes.

I realized this morning that in the past 24 hours I've made two recipes from one blog.  I thought I should share the links because I make these over and over again.  Thank you Lynn's Kitchen Adventures!

Double Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins these freeze well, they make a big batch, like super chocolate brownies with a hint of pumpkin/cinnamon.

Broccoli Beef Stir Fry You'll never like the buffet version over your own, just try it!

Book Review: A Perfect Word for Every Occasion

I am doing a book review of A Perfect Word for Every Occasion  by Liz Duckworth; this was sent to me by Bethany House Publishing Group specifically as a review copy.

My first reaction was, wow! After a brief perusal of the contents, a flip through the book and the summary on the back, I became more excited about using this as a reference tool.  The summary says it offers "examples and guidelines for things to say, lines to write and scripture verses to share" and "you'll even discover what not to say".   This book delivers as promised.

The table of contents divides the book into situations you may encounter, but wonder what words to use, such as; grieving, gratitude, weddings, birthdays, sick and suffering and more!  As I went further into my reading I was very amused by the what not to do sections on etiquette.

I would recommend this book for anyone.  It would also make a good gift item, to keep on hand. I plan to keep my copy with my dictionary and reference books and use it to be more eloquent in the future.