Love Finds You In Victory Heights, Washington {Litefuse Blog Tour}

Book Description:  The Second World War has stolen Rosalie's fiance from her. But rather than wallow, Rosalie throws herself into her work at the Boeing plant in Victory Heights, shooting rivets into the B-17 bombers that will destroy the enemy. A local reporter dubs her Seattle's Own Rosie the Riveter, and her story lends inspiration to women across the country. While Rosalie's strong arms can bear the weight of this new responsibility, her heart cannot handle the intense feelings that begin to surface for Kenny, the handsome reporter. Fear of a second heartbreak is a powerful opponent - but will it claim victory over love?

My Review:  I absolutely enjoy reading the Love Finds You . . . Series!  Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington is a fantastic read about Rosie the Riveter during World War II. 

Rosalie's(Rosie) fiancee is shot down in the war.  She is sad but is still strong.  She, like most of the women during WWII, are doing a man's job while their men are off fighting the war.  Quite by accident Rosalie gets into a competition at work and is dubbed "Rosie the Riveter." 

Yes, there is a place right outside of Seattle, Washington named Victory Heights.  I love the play on words in the title. . . Victory Heights AND the victory's we won in WWII.

This is a delightful read with comedy & romance (not sappy) and about the lives of the women in the factories plus how they had to ration everything.  
I instantly felt a kinship with Rosalie.  She had tragedy hit her square in the face but she didn't buckle or complain.  She relied on God to give her strength and He saw her through her pain.

Facts about WWII are intermingled with the story of Rosalie, her friends, and the "heroes at home."  The authors did great research for this time period.

This was a sad time in our history but together Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss write a beautiful, flowing 5 star story.  

A story that brings out the best in us and makes us proud to be Americans and women! 

CONTEST

Tricia is giving away 5 Victory Prize packs during the blog

tour. This contest is open to both you and your blog readers so please share

it in your blog post too. That info can be found on this blog post (which

will be live on August 14th). http://triciagoyer.blogspot.com/2010/08/win-victory-prize-pack.html 

**Please share the contest on twitter and Facebook.**

Here is a sample tweet or post you could use:

TWITTER:

The latest in the Love Finds You series, Victory Heights, could win you a

Victory Prize Pack from @TriciaGoyer. http://ow.ly/2nfSK

FACEBOOK:

The latest release in the Love Finds you series, Love Finds You in Victory

Heights, Washington by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss  is in stores now!

Check out the reviews and win a Victory Prize Pack here: http://ow.ly/2nfSK

*I reviewed this book for Summerside/Litefuse Group.com*

The Winner Is.....

The winner of the book

Amish Proverbs

with the best family proverb 

is

MAN!

{Winner has been contacted by email.  

Thanks to all who entered.}

The Goodness of God by Randy Alcorn

Book Description:  Through Pain and Tears…Finding a Way to God’s Heart

 For those times when we’re wounded by broken trust, assaulted by disease, or victimized by evil—or when we’re crushed to see such things happen to people we love—Randy Alcorn offers something solid to hold onto. 

In this specially focused condensation of Alcorn’s If God Is Good…: Faith in the Midst of Suffering and Evil, we’re continually guided into a deeper glimpse of God’s loving ways and higher purposes—the very things we’re often most blinded to whenever we battle pain and anguish.

Alcorn avoids superficial or sentimental responses, and instead presses forward boldly to explore all the troubling doubts and questions that agitate within us when we confront suffering and evil.

The issues are far from simple, the answers far from easy—but Alcorn shows how the way of suffering—a path that Jesus himself followed more than anyone else—can ultimately become a journey into wholeness and even logic-defying joy.

My Review:  I love the subtitle to the book, The Goodness of God---Assurance of Purpose in the Midst of Suffering.  If you haven't read Randy Alcorn's books then this is a great time to start and you don't even have to be going through a trial to read and glean from his books.  

In true "Alcorn fashion" Randy gently but effectively teaches through his writings about God's goodness.  I love chapter 7 - God's Control Our Freedom.  How many times do see those two words together?  Control AND Freedom? This chapter allowed me to "see" how letting God control my life brings freedom to me!  Wonderful inspiration!

One of my mom's favorite comebacks to people who say, "Why me?" when something bad happens to them is to respond with, "If we ask 'Why me?' when something unfortunate happens we also have to ask 'Why me?' when we are blessed above measure."  And that is what Randy Alcorn impresses me with in this book The Goodness of God . . . here's a quote from the book on page 65, "If you've lived long enough, if enough time has passed since some of those "worst things" happened to you, you'll certainly find an overlap. . . Because God is both loving and sovereign. Our lists provided persuasive proof that while evil and suffering are not good, God can use them to accomplish immeasurable good. . . We can trust that God has a purpose for whatever he does and whatever he permits."

What a joy and encouragement to read this 5 star book The Goodness of God!  Thanks, Randy Alcorn, for your insightful writings!

This beautiful book makes a great present, too!   I'm definitely giving this book to my husband for Christmas! 

*I reviewed this book for Reader's Favorites.com*

{GIVEAWAY} Seaside Romance: Three-in-one collection!

Book Description:  Relive yesteryear’s glory days in Capernaum Island, Providence, and Newport, Rhode Island, through the eyes of three young women on the tide of love. Judith lives at the lighthouse her father operates, but when an old friend returns, will his fears keep him from reaching her? Becca’s first day on the job as a maid ends with a marriage proposal to a business tycoon, but can she trust his sincerity? Francesca is being pressured to enter a prestigious marriage, but can true love be within her reach? Enjoy this delightful collection of historical romances.

GIVEAWAY!

If you'd like to win this book 

  Please leave your email address 

      with a comment.
Bonus Entry:  
Be or become a follower of this blog--please let me know in a separate entry) can have up to TWO entries :).

      Ends on September 17!

Love, Charleston

Book Description:  Charleston's past is full of romance. Does Anne's future hold the same?  Charleston's Anne Brumley has long dreamed of love while rining the bells at St. Michael's, but those dreams are beginning to fade. Her sister Alisha and cousin Della encourage the thirty-six year old to move somewhere new for a fresh start. Widower Roy Summerall has happily ministered to the country folks of Church of the Good Shepherd for years. So why would the Lord call him and his daughter away to Charleston--the city that Roy remembers from his childhood as pretentious and superficial? Surely the refined congregation of St. Michael's won't accept a reverend with a red neck and a simple faith.  Meanwhile, Anne's sister, Alisha, struggles with her husband's ambition, which seems to be taking him further from their dreams of a happy family. And Cousin Della's former fiance has returned to Charleston, making her wonder if she chose the wrong path when she married her gifted but unemployed-artist husband.  Family, friendship, and faith converge in a beautiful story about how God's transforming love works in the Holy City of Charleston.

My Review: This is another "new author" for me and I wasn't disappointed.  I chose this book because it deals with a pastor and his daughter and because my in-laws live in Charleston so many of the "things" mentioned in this book brought back fond memories of "things" they've talked about or seen.  So, as I read this book I felt like I was "there."  A deja-vu kind of feeling .

This book cover is romantic and beautiful.  The open door "speaks" of many possibilities and this is exactly what happens in Love, Charleston.

The characters are well rounded, well thought out.  I especially liked Pastor Roy Summerall.  Ministers are a group unlike any other group (I'm married to a minister) and ministers truly feel God's calling.  Like Moses they may not always understand this calling but they go in faith.  So, off Pastor Summerall and his daughter go to do  God's bidding.  Unfortunately, just because God calls you doesn't mean it will all be grand.  

Then there's Anne and her  sister, Alisha . . . choices and purposes created by each individual.

Just like life this story doesn't have a neat/tidy ending.  But a great ending, nonetheless!

In the grand scheme of life, though, God has a purpose and a plan for each of us and this is what comes out in this wonderful 4 star read!

*I reviewed this book for Thomas Nelson/BookSneeze*

About the Author:  Beth Webb Hart, a South Carolina native, holds a B.A. in English Literature from Hollins College and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Sarah Lawrence College. Her first novel, Grace at Low Tide, was one of three finalists for the 2006 Christy Awards in the general/contemporary/fiction category. She lectures on a variety of topics and has taught creative writing on the college and high school level where she received two national awards from Scholastic, Inc.  Beth Webb lives with her husband, composer Edward Hart, and their daughter in Charleston, South Carolina where she serves as a writer-in-residence at Ashley Hall.

PJ Sugar Licensed for Trouble by Susan May Warren

Book Description:  PJ Sugar receives shocking news that she’s inherited the Kellogg family mansion. Though she has no idea why, the timing is perfect—PJ has clearly worn out her welcome at her sister’s house. Unfortunately, the mansion is in shambles, and PJ is short on cash. Rescue comes in the form of Max Smith, a mysterious handyman willing to trade his services for PJ’s investigative skills. But PJ already has a full docket with cramming for her PI license and nurturing a growing romance with her boss, Jeremy Kane. Can she take on Max’s case without dropping the ball?

My Review: Susan May Warren is one of my favorite authors and I love the PJ Sugar series. I read Nothing But Trouble, Double Trouble and now Licensed for Trouble.  I'm not sure you need to read the first two books in this series to enjoy Licensed for Trouble but I recommend that you do even though the stories don't overlap there is history that makes more sense if read in order.

I enjoyed the first two books immensely but Licensed for Trouble is absolutely fantastic.  I simply couldn't put  it down.  This story has more mystery and suspense than should be allowed in a read!  

PJ Sugar finds out she is the sole heir to the Kellogg mansion and properties.  Of course, said mansion is a fixer upper, kind-of-like PJ's life.  PJ never gives up and many things from the past become "unhidden" and more mysteries in PJ's life are solved.  SO much happened in this book BUT I do hope there will be a fourth book....I NEED to know who PJ ends up with!

Mystery, Mayhem and Much love abound in this read!

Don't miss Licensed for Trouble a definite 20 star read (okay...5 stars)!

Forgotten by Melody Carlson

Add caption

Book Description:  With MIA parents, overdue rent, and no one to turn to, Adele is forced out of her home. She strives to maintain the pretense of a “normal” life while struggling to finish high school, all the while concealing that she is homeless. But is she strong enough to keep up the act?

Every teenage girl has a secret. And every teenage girl loves hearing someone else’s secret. But some secrets are big enough to detour, derail, or even destroy a young person’s life. Each of Melody Carlson’s Secrets novels will propel readers into a world where promises are broken, life is not fair, and challenges can make or break them, while ultimately helping readers discover that solid faith, loyal friends, and a persistent spirit will see them through.

My Review: This was a "first" for me . . . a first time to read a book by Melody Carlson.  I have to admit that I enjoy reading YA books.  This is one of those teen-life issues books that "hits home."  

This was a sad read but it was also informative in the sense that I felt what Adele was going through in life.  To be honest when I was a teenager, living at home with two wonderful parents and 3 siblings I didn't have to worry about a lot of these issues.  My mom cooked and did all those "mom things"---laundry, meals, cleaning and school activities.  My dad kept us in groceries, clothes and a nice place to live with church on Sundays and Wednesdays.  So, this was a definite "eye opener" for a well rounded person like me.  

Adele has a chance for a new life, new school, new friends but can things really change when her parents are out of the picture?

Adele's life is not one of promise but after meeting a pastor when she's at the end of her rope, meeting God and then meeting Beth and Jim, a wonderful couple, Adele's life takes a turn for the better. 

And then there's Adele's secret.  Something that only she can control with God's help.

The one fault I saw in this story is the ending . . . what happened to mom?  Can life really change THAT fast?  Will all our troubles truly disappear just because we accept God into our lives?  Of course, this is a fiction read that truly looks at the life of the "forgotten" teenagers in our world.

This is a great 4 star look at what it's like to be a teenager without loving parents to guide you.

*I reviewed this book for Nav Press as part of their blogger program*

Amish Proverbs by Suzanne Woods Fisher {BLOG TOUR} GIVEAWAY!!

Book Description:  Simplify your life with Amish wisdom

Through firsthand research and personal relationships, Suzanne Woods Fisher has collected more than 200 proverbs that uncover the rich heritage, folklore, faith, values, history, and essence of the Plain People. These proverbs serve as teaching tools and maxims for practical living--but they're not just for the Amish. They're for anyone who seeks God's wisdom and truth for everyday circumstances.

Ranging from the simple to the profound, from the serious to the humorous, these sayings will stick with you through life's joys and sorrows. With beautiful full-color photos throughout, Amish Proverbs is the perfect gift for any occasion.

Suzanne Woods Fisher's interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, W. D. Benedict, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Fisher is the author of Amish Peace and the bestselling novel The Choice, the first in her Lancaster County Secrets series.

Instead of a Review, A Proverb:  Sweet words and beautiful pictures makes for a simply gorgeous book!  This has to be one of the nicest and "richest" books I've had the privilege to read.  Amish Proverbs Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life by Suzanne Woods Fisher is beautiful book that takes the simple sayings in life and makes them stand out in our everyday lives.

This is a book you'll cherish and pass on to your children's children.  
The following is one my favorite proverbs from this book "Don't Believe Everything You Think!"  Why did I pick this one?!?!  Since I'm a pastor's wife I hear a lot and I don't want to believe everything 'I think about what I hear.'

Our family also has a proverb, "Be blessed by blessing others."  We have been truly blessed by helping others! 

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the CBA bestselling author of The Choice, The Waiting, Amish Peace, and Amish Proverbs. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, W. D. Benedict, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Benedict eventually became publisher of Christianity Today magazine. Suzanne is the host of a radio show called Amish Wisdom and her work has appeared in many magazines. She lives in California. Find out more about Suzanne at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

Please check out Suzanne Woods FisherAmish Proverbs here!

ALSO! be sure to check out Suzanne Woods Fisher's Facebook page party on September 1!

Find out more about the book, Suzanne and the blog tour here 
and enter Suzanne Woods Fisher's Simple Wisdom KINDLE Giveaway!

One Grand Prize winner will receive a Kindle preloaded with Suzanne Woods Fisher titles.
 The Prize Pack (valued at over $205.00) includes:
*A brand new KINDLE, Free 3G, 6", Latest Generation
*Amish Peace by Suzanne Woods Fisher
*The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Join Suzanne for a Wrap-up Party on September 1st!

She’ll be announcing the winner of the Simple Wisdom KINDLEGiveaway, chatting with readers, and giving away copies ofAmish Proverbs and The Choice! Be sure to join us on Wednesday , September 1st at 8PM EST at Suzanne’s Author Page

GIVEAWAY ON THIS BLOG!

Tell me your family proverb in the comments below, 

be sure to leave your email address if you would like a chance to win this beautiful book!
The best family proverb wins the book.

ENDS AUGUST 30!

*I reviewed this book for Litfuse Group*

WOW! Cake Pops! Too Cute!

Supplies:

Devils Food cake mix {and ingredients listed on box}

1/2 package of chocolate frosting

White Chocolate Candy Melts {2 bags from Michael's}

Candy sticks {from Michael's}

Styrofoam

Gel Food Coloring {NOT liquid}

Foil

Vegetable Oil Spray

Shortening {large spoon full}

Step One:

Line your large cake pan with foil. 

Now grease the foil with vegetable oil spray. 

Step Two:

Follow the recipe on your cake mix and bake your cake as directed. 

 Allow the cake to cool.

 Step Three:

Put your baked cake in a large mixing bowl.

 Use your hands to crumble the entire cake. 

Add about 1/2 of the package of chocolate frosting to the crumbled cake.

The chocolate frosting is what acts as a glue to hold the cake balls together.

Now its time to get dirty.

Use your hands to mix the frosting evenly throughout the crumbled cake mix until the cake mix is well moistened. 

Your cake mix should be moist enough to shape into a large mound and keep its shape.

  And if your hands don't look like this, then you're doing it wrong {lol}.

Step Four:

Roll your cake mix into 1 inch balls using the palms of your hands.

You should be able to get 35-40 cake balls from a single batch of cake mix.

Step Five:

Now we prepare the chocolate shell.  Pour one entire package of white chocolate candy melts into a microwave safe bowl.  Follow the melting instructions on the package.  *Be sure not to burn the candy melts or they will taste super yucky*

Pull out your melted white chocolate and stir thoroughly with a spoon until COMPLETELY smooth.  Once smooth, add a large spoon full of shortening {Crisco} to the white chocolate to thin out the consistency a bit. Stir thoroughly again.

Step Six:

Take a cake pop and dip into the white chocolate about 1 inch. 

 And then place it into the center of your cake ball.

This will act as a glue keeping your cake pop and stick attached.

Then place your cake pop in the Styrofoam to harden.

Continue with the remaining cake pops. 

Step Seven:

Now you are ready to coat your cake pops in the delicious white chocolate.

This is the most tricky step of the entire recipe.  It took me some practice before I was good at evenly coating the chocolate on the pop.

The key is to place the pop in the chocolate at a sideways angle with one hand.  Using the other hand, spoon the chocolate mixture all around the pop.  Try to do this as quickly as possible before the chocolate begins to harden and get lumpy. 

Once you have evenly coated the pop, gently tap the stick on the side of the bowl to get off any excess chocolate that would drip.

Step Eight:

Now its time to make your pops look extra pretty.  Use the remainder of your white chocolate for the drizzle.  If you run out, make more following the steps above. Add the GEL food coloring of your choice until you receive your desired color.  The liquid food coloring will immediately harden and ruin your chocolate. 

Fill a Ziploc bag with your colored white chocolate.  Cut a small hole in one corner of the Ziploc back so that you can drizzle the colored chocolate over your pops. 

Now let your pops dry and then you are done!

Chill in the refrigerator for about an hour.