Sunday, March 31, 2013

BEWARE

 
I just had to share this.
My youngest left this on the bathroom door while I was out.
 

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

A BLAST FROM THE PAST ... 1933 TO BE EXACT

 
 

Title: Love Finds You in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Author: Pamela S Meyers
Publisher: Summerside Press, an imprint of Guideposts (April 1, 2013)
Pages: 320

LOVE FINDS YOU IN LAKE GENEVA, WISCONSIN, by PAMELA S MEYERS, is a good old fashion romance with a touch of mystery, set in 1933. It’s always fun to read a story located in a familiar place, and even more so when it’s one you’ve visited. Though I must admit, my visit as a kid was nothing compared to Meg Alden’s.
 
Meg Alden works for the town newspaper, and is hoping to gain a spot as a reporter when in waltzes Jack Wallace, dousing any hopes she has for the position. Meg’s not about to let that deter her. When her friend speaks of an opening at a newspaper in California, Meg is willing to start at the bottom and work her way up. At least there, she has a chance of becoming a reporter … doesn’t she?

Jack Wallace’s father thinks he needs to experience a small-town paper before taking over theirs in Chicago. Jack’s immediately drawn to Meg Alden, the woman who works at the said paper his father feels he needs to experience.

Can Jack convince Meg to stay in Lake Geneva? Will Jack go back to the family business in Chicago? And what will happen the opening day of the Riviera!

You didn’t really think I’d reveal any of those answers, did you?

LOVE FINDS YOU IN LAKE GENEVA, WISCONSIN is a fun read, taking you back in time. MS MEYERS unique style of writing includes many great lines that will have you smiling. I loved the reference to the Big Bands, taking me back to my childhood, listening to my grandfather talk about the different bands as he watched The Lawrence Welk Show.

Each time I read the words, The Elgin Club, a trill came over me. I was born and raised in Elgin, I wasn’t familiar with it. After reading MS MEYERS book, I searched the internet for The Elgin Club, and was elated to find a website on it.

I just so happen to be going to Lake Geneva this April, and you can bet one of my stops will be at the Riviera. MS MEYERS has definitely captured my attention, drawing me into the era with the Big Bands and all the hoopla around the opening of the grand Riviera.

Saturday, March 23, 2013

REMEMBERING THE PAST - THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY

Family history, as well as the past way of life, has always interested me. I grew up watching Little House On The Prairie. As an adult, I often read inspirational historical romances. I love to take a trip back in time to the simpler days.
Or was it?

I bet our grandparents may have something to say to that.

What I do know, is there is always good and bad. The below was a post on facebook. I thought it was quite interesting, and at the same time made me cringe. As one that prefers to take a shower each morning, the thought of taking a bath in those times is less then desirable. I have had a glimpse into such circumstance in the books I have read, but the author was wise (in my opinion) not to reveal the extent of the bath ritual.
They used to use urine to tan animal skins, so families used to all pee in a pot & then once a dayit was taken & Sold to the tannery.......if you had to do this to survive you were "Piss Poor"

But worse than that were the really poor folk who couldn't even afford to buy a pot......they "didn't have a pot to piss in" & were the lowest of the low

The next time you are washing your hands and com...plain because the water temperature isn't just how you like it, think about how things used to be. Here are some facts about the 1500s:

Most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May, and they still smelled pretty good by June.. However, since they were starting to smell . ...... . Brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odor. Hence the custom today of carrying a bouquet when getting Married.

Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water. The man of the house had the privilege of the nice clean water, then all the other sons and men, then the women and finally the children. Last of all the babies. By then the water was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it.. Hence the saying, "Don't throw the baby out with the Bath water!"

Houses had thatched roofs-thick straw-piled high, with no wood underneath. It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the cats and other small animals (mice, bugs) lived in the roof. When it rained it became slippery and sometimes the animals would slip and fall off the roof... Hence the saying "It's raining cats and dogs."

There was nothing to stop things from falling into the house. This posed a real problem in the bedroom where bugs and other droppings could mess up your nice clean bed. Hence, a bed with big posts and a sheet hung over the top afforded some protection. That's how canopy beds came into existence.

The floor was dirt. Only the wealthy had something other than dirt. Hence the saying, "Dirt poor." The wealthy had slate floors that would get slippery in the winter when wet, so they spread thresh (straw) on floor to help keep their footing. As the winter wore on, they added more thresh until, when you opened the door, it would all start slipping outside. A piece of wood was placed in the entrance-way. Hence: a thresh hold.

In those old days, they cooked in the kitchen with a big kettle that always hung over the fire.. Every day they lit the fire and added things to the pot. They ate mostly vegetables and did not get much meat. They would eat the stew for dinner, leaving leftovers in the pot to get cold overnight and then start over the next day. Sometimes stew had food in it that had been there for quite a while. Hence the rhyme: Peas porridge hot, peas porridge cold, peas porridge in the pot nine days old. Sometimes they could obtain pork, which made them feel quite special. When visitors came over, they would hang up their bacon to show off. It was a sign of wealth that a man could, "bring home the bacon." They would cut off a little to share with guests and would all sit around and chew the fat.

Those with money had plates made of pewter. Food with high acid content caused some of the lead to leach onto the food, causing lead poisoning death. This happened most often with tomatoes, so for the next 400 years or so, tomatoes were considered poisonous.

Bread was divided according to status. Workers got the burnt bottom of the loaf, the family got the middle, and guests got the top, or the upper crust.

Lead cups were used to drink ale or whisky. The combination would Sometimes knock the imbibers out for a couple of days. Someone walking along the road would take them for dead and prepare them for burial.. They were laid out on the kitchen table for a couple of days and the family would gather around and eat and drink and wait and see if they would wake up. Hence the custom of holding a wake.

England is old and small and the local folks started running out of places to bury people. So they would dig up coffins and would take the bones to a bone-house, and reuse the grave. When reopening these coffins, 1 out of 25 coffins were found to have scratch marks on the inside and they realized they had been burying people alive... So they would tie a string on the wrist of the corpse, lead it through the coffin and up through the ground and tie it to a bell. Someone would have to sit out in the graveyard all night (the graveyard shift.) to listen for the bell; thus, someone could be, saved by the bell or was considered a dead ringer.
 



Saturday, March 16, 2013

PRISON ART - 2013 - JUAN

 
This is a drawing one of my pen pals sent me. We’ve been writing since 2005. He’s the most amazing Christian … and artist. Juan is one of those guys that should no longer be behind bars. Unfortunately, he’s been incarnated since he was 15, for a crime he claims he didn’t do, and has a life sentence. And I believe him.
But God can work miracles. I pray that one day they’ll let him out since he was just 15 when he supposedly committed the crime he’s in for. There are laws being made and carried out that juveniles cannot be sentence for life. Hopefully that will be said of Nevada and they will allow Juan a second chance in life.
You can read about his case on this site, www.iippi.org/inmates/nevada/juancastillo.html
You can also read about "JUAN'S STORY" in STORIES OF FAITH AND COURAGE FROM PRISON, by Connie Cameron and Jeff Peck. http://kymmcnabney.blogspot.com/p/books_24.html

Saturday, March 9, 2013

A JOURNEY YOU WON’T SOON FORGET


Title: To Whisper Her Name (A Belle Meade Plantation Novel)
Author: Tamera Alexander
Publisher: Zondervan (October 23, 2012)
Pages: 480

Once again, I am at awe of TAMERA ALEXANDER'S writing. Don't let the number of pages intimidate you. TO WHISPER HER NAME will take you on a journey. One you will never want to end, with exquisite writing, an amazing storyline, and three-dimensional characters, both in the main as well as the secondary characters. It is packed full of great lines that won’t disappoint.

With nowhere to go, and her reputation ruined by her late husband, Olivia Aberdeen arrives at Belle Meade Plantation as a guest of her deceased mother's good friend, "Aunt" Elisabeth. If truth were told, Olivia’s Aunt's husband, Confederate General William Giles Harding, is not too keen on the idea.

Ridley Cooper, a Southern man who chose to fight for the Union, finds himself at the Belle Meade Plantation, seeking knowledge of training thoroughbreds. He doesn't expect to stay long, but with encouragement from General Harding, Ridley's short stay extends to a year. Not that he minds. In fact, getting to know Olive has made his decision to leave harder then he could have imagined.

Ridley has a secret he has vowed not to reveal. Olivia has scars from an abusive marriage, and is determine to not marry again. Only time will tell if they both can overcome their past in order to have a future.
 
TO WHISPER HER NAME is filled with a touch of history, adding to the rich plot. A glimpse into what slaves endured, as well as faith, woven in a subtle, yet powerful way. Each character comes to life with their own story. How could one not fall in love with Ridley and Olivia.

 Make sure to check out the book trailer, along with a short video of MS ALEXANDER’S at Belle Meade, with a peek into the history behind the Plantation.

 

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

OF TRITON - EVEN THE NAME SOUNDS INTRIGUING


It’s always fun to be introduced to a new author by chance. Even better if you like their writing, and more so if you love the story. That’s what happened when THE POSEIDON by ANNA BANKS ended up in my hands. After reading her first novel, I couldn’t wait for the next. Finally, months later – a year to be exact – the next book is due out, OF TRITON.
To say that I’m excited is an understatement. The last thing I need in my life is another book to read, but the question is not IF I'll purchase OF TRITON, but when.
What book are you anxiously waiting for the next to come out?

Sunday, March 3, 2013

ACFW MARCH 2013 NEW RELEASES

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.

Catching Her Heart by Carolyne Aarsen -- When they fell in love that summer, Jess Schroder never knew the secret Naomi Deacon carried away with her. Eight years later, she's back in Hartley Creek - a nurse's aide devoted to healing others. As she gets to know the good, caring man Jess has become, Naomi realizes they both deserve a second chance. Is Jess ready to let Naomi past his defenses? (Romance from Love Inspired).

Moonlight Masquerade, A Regency by Ruth Axtell -- Lady Celine Wexham seems the model British subject. French by birth but enjoying life in 1813 as a widowed English countess, she is in the unique position of being able to help those in need-or to spy for the notorious Napoleon Bonaparte. When Rees Phillips of the British Foreign Office is sent to pose as the countess's butler and discover where her true loyalties lie, he is confident he will uncover the truth. But the longer he is with her, the more his staunch loyalty to the Crown begins to waver. (Historical Romance from Revell).

Rekindled Romance by Lorraine Beatty -- Back home again to regain her health, Shelby Russell finds herself babysitting for Matt Durrant's adorable kids, but the trouble is, Matt's the man she jilted for her career years ago. (Romance from Love Inspired).

The Hidden Son by Dianna T. Benson -- When U.S. DEA Special Agent Lelisa Desmond refuses to follow an order to bury evidence in a high profile case, her superior inexplicably hires a hit man to kill her. Lelisa barely survives the first attempt on her life, but someone close to her is mistakenly murdered in her place. Lelisa sets off on a daring mission to bring down the man who ordered her execution. A man with powerful friends who will stop at nothing to protect his son. Can she take him down, before he sends someone else to silence her forever? (Suspense/Police Procedural from Ellechor Publishing House).

Strand of Deception by Robin Caroll -- Strand of Deception offers romance, suspense, and a lively debate about the impact of DNA testing, for better or worse, on the United States justice system. (Romantic Suspense from B&H Publishing).

Swept Away by Mary Connealy -- Ruthy MacNeil is rescued from a flood by Luke Stone...who is on his way to fight the man who killed his father...so unfortunately, there are more chances to die in Ruthy's immediate future. (Historical Romance from Realms - Charisma Media).

Scorned Justice by Margaret Daley -- Texas Ranger Brody Calhoun realizes the attack on his high school sweetheart's brother is more than it seems. Judge Rebecca Morgan is in the midst of a trial involving the Russian Mafia and suddenly her life is in danger. (Romantic Suspense from Abingdon Press).

When Truth Whispers by Dora Hiers -- After a humiliating breakup, best-selling romance author Teal Benning flees to Promise Lake to complete her current novel, minus paparazzi and flashing cameras. Suffering from writer's block and a broken heart, Teal accepts the offer of help from neighbor, Hunter Miciver. Hunter longs to be more than the friend who picks up the shattered pieces of Teal's heart, but when Teal finds out his secret, will she see him for the man he is? (Contemporary Romance Novella from White Prose Publishing (Pelican).

Journey's Embrace by Dora Hiers -- After an injury forces Deputy U.S. Marshal Sage Michaelson off duty, he heads to his hometown with two things on his mind: recuperating and reevaluating, but Sage can't refuse his best friend's plea to keep a protective eye on his little sister after someone ransacks her house. Flight Medic Delaney Hunt has loved Sage forever. But, he's all about control while she takes risks. She doesn't need Sage looking over her shoulder. But when things go wrong and she finds herself hanging by her fingertips, who does she call to rescue her? (Contemporary Romance from White Rose Publishing (Pelican).

Angel Falls by Connie Mann -- A fiercely protective Brazilian orphanage director and a burned-out Army Ranger are forced together in a deadly race to save one helpless baby. (Romantic Suspense from Abingdon Press).

Love Will Find a Way by Pamela S. Meyers -- When April Love opens her new eatery and catering business in an old Victorian in the village of Canoga Lake, Wisconsin, trouble is afoot. During renovations, she discovers evidence that the home had once been the hideout of a famous gangster. When several break-ins and an attempted arson fire threaten the grand opening, April and handsome fiancé Marc Thorne wonder if the gangsters still around? (Cozy Mystery from OakTara Publishers).

The Survivor by DiAnn Mills -- Kariss helps a woman involved with a 23 year old cold case and steps into a viper's pit of danger. (Romantic Suspense from Zondervan).

When Memories Fade (Victory Gospel Series 2) by Tyora Moody -- Angel Roberts has embraced her new faith, but past memories remain fresh. After her beloved grandmother suffers a stroke, Angel sets out to investigate a mystery that has lingered since she was five years old. What happened to her mother? She teams up with investigative reporter, Wes Cade, a man obsessed with his Alzheimer stricken grandfather's remaining memories. As Angel lets her guard down with Wes, his determination to get the story could push her to the edge. Is his interest in her or the story? (Romantic Suspense from Love for the Right Reasons by Donna L. Rich -- Beverly Lahmeyer falls in love with her new boss, but devastating news brings their relationship to a halt. (Contemporary Romance from Heartsong Presents).

Mountain Homecoming by Sandra Robbins -- In the second book in the Smoky Mountain Dreams series, the Martin family realizes their way of life is changing as the lumber companies begin to invade their remote valley deep in the Smoky Mountains. (Romance from Harvest House).

The Tempted Soul by Adina Senft -- A childless Amish woman is tempted by medical technology to betray her beliefs. (Contemporary Women's Fiction from Faith Words (Hachette).

Antique Dreams by Amber Stockton -- Fulfilling a deathbed promise, Aaron Stone encourages Lillian Bradenton to bring life back to a boarded-up bookstore, but before he can make good on his promise, he is called away to settle a family emergency, leaving Lillian to wonder if she's lost him forever. (Historical Romance from Heartsong Presents).

Forsaken Dreams by Mary Lu Tyndall -- Forsaken Dreams launches readers on a romantic adventure as Colonel Blake Wallace leaves the war-torn South behind to build a utopian society in Brazil. But will unexpected dangers on the ship and the secret of one captivating lady keep him from beginning anew? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing).

Ring of Secrets by Roseanna M. White -- Love has no place in a world of spies. (Historical Romance from Harvest House).

Friday, March 1, 2013

A BOOK EVERYONE SHOULD READ


Title: Boundaries: When to Say Yes, When to Say No-To Take Control of Your Life
Author: Dr Henry Cloud and Dr John Townsend
Publisher: Zondervan (2002)
Pages: 304

DR HENRY CLOUD has been a guest speaker at my church on more than one occasion over the years. He’s an amazing speaker, and seems like a genuinely nice guy. When I heard about BOUNDARIES: WHEN TO SAY YES, WHEN TO SAY NO – TO TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE by DR HENRY CLOUD AND JOHN TOWNSEND, I decided to purchase it.

I’m sorry to say I let it sit on my bookshelf for some time before finally reading it. Once I got started, I quickly realized what a treasure I’d stumbled upon. There’s so much good stuff packed into 304 pages, I can’t begin to cover it all. I will say that I have more dog-eared paged in BOUNDARIES, then I do in any other book I’ve ever owned.

I didn’t realize I had boundaries issues until I read this book. There wasn’t a chapter I didn’t get something out of it or couldn’t connect with. I had thought about skipping the section on “Boundaries and Work”, since I’m no longer in the work field. I would have missed out if I had. It was a real eye opener to when I had worked, and packed with wonderful information if I ever decided to return to working.

Boundaries are needed in all parts of our lives including, our family, friends, spouses, kids, and those we work with. We as individuals need to set our own boundaries as well. To not do so would only be cheating oneself. We also need to recognize that God has boundaries as well.

BOUNDARIES will teach you all you need to know about boundaries in all aspects of your life, and how to apply them properly. I love the reference to Christianity, but even if you’re not a believer, I highly recommend this book.

My copy of BOUNDARIES is filled with highlights, parentheses, and astericks. If I had to pinpoint the most valuable piece of information I took away, it would have to be in a paragraph on page 89.

“What you can do is influence others. But there is a trick. Since you cannot get them to change, you must change yourself so that their destructive patterns no longer work on you. Change your way of dealing with them; they may be motivated to change if their old ways no longer work.”

What amazing advice. How often do we gripe and groan about others? How often do we try to change others, whether in the way they act or what they say? And more importantly … how often do our efforts have a positive result? On page 89, BOUNDARIES teaches us that we are the ones that need to make a change, and by doing so, we may be instrumental in changing other’s life.

I can’t even begin to guess how many people I’ve recommended this wonderful book too, packed full of knowledge for every person, written in a way that anyone can grasp. It’s a book that will remain in my home indefinitely.