Book review: Wildwood Creek

ISBN 9780764208249

From the Back:


With love and loss tangled together, how was she to know where her life would lead?
Allie Kirkland has always heard the call of her father's unfinished destiny. When she's offered a production assistant's job on a docudrama filming in the hills near Moses Lake, Texas, the dream of following in her director-father's footsteps suddenly seems within reach. The reenactment of the legendary frontier settlement of Wildwood is a first step into the film industry. A summer on set in the wilderness is a small price to pay for a dream.

But in 1861, the real Wildwood held dangerous realities. Town founder Harland Delavan held helpless residents, including young Irish schoolteacher Bonnie Rose, in an iron grip. Mysterious disappearances led to myths and legends still retold in the region's folk songs. Eventually, the entire site was found abandoned.

When filming begins, strange connections surface between Allie and the teacher who disappeared over a century ago, and everyone in Wildwood--including Blake Fulton, Allie's handsome neighbor on the film set--seems to be hiding secrets. Allie doesn't know whom she can trust. If she can't find the answers in time, history may repeat itself...with the most unthinkable results.

My Reflections: 

I love Lisa Wingate's novel's you you can imagine my joy when I received the opportunity to review another of her books. I was not disappointed. Her newest book Wildwood Creek is a wonderful combination of contemporary suspense and a historical fiction.

The writing style of this book is pretty fabulous. It alternates between Bonnie Rose, and Allie Kirkland's stories. To be able to go back and forth from one story line to another and keep the fluidity, is just brilliant!

This story parallels two lives which have striking similarities. Though these women live 150 years apart from each other, their lives have eerie similarities that simply cannot be ignored. What a intriguing idea for a plot!

Allie, following in her fathers theatrical ambitions, lands a dream job with a media company that is recreating a docudrama about the events that take place in 1860, in a small Texas town. Kim, Allie's friend also gets picked for the film. Allie expects a summer filled with excitement and adventure, but the girls soon discover that things are not what they seem. Something is terribly wrong..

Bonnie Rose is the character from the 1860's who's moved to Wildwood Creek to become a school teacher. Her life up to that point has been traumatic, so Bonnie is eager to start fresh. She soon realizes however, that there may be something very sinister happening in this small sleepy town. People are disappearing, and Bonnie fears she may be next...

So go pick up your copy of  Wildwood Creek, just brace yourself for a dark edge.

 "Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
 


About the Author:

 

Lisa Wingate

Lisa Wingate is a popular inspirational speaker, magazine columnist, and national bestselling author of several books, including Tending Roses, Talk of the Town, Blue Moon Bay, and Larkspur Cove, which won the 2011 Carol Award for Women's...

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Book review: Shadows of the Past

ISBN 9780800722609

 

From the Back:

While she's stalking the truth . . . someone is stalking her.
Psychology professor and criminal profiler Taylor Martin prides herself on being able to solve any crime, except the one she wants most desperately to solve--the disappearance of her father twenty years ago. When she finally has a lead on his whereabouts, Taylor returns home to Logan Point, Mississippi, to investigate. But as she works to uncover the truth, someone else will do almost anything to keep her from it.

Nick Sinclair pens mystery novels for a living, but the biggest mystery to him is how he can ever get over the death of his wife--a tragedy he believes he could have prevented. Now that his estranged brother is the only family he has left, Nick sets out to find him. But when he crosses paths with Taylor, all he seems to find is trouble.

Join the chase as Taylor and Nick search the murky shadows of the past for the keys to unlocking the present--and moving into a future they never imagined.

My Reflections:

This romantic suspense had me from the first chapter. Filled with spine tingling "who done it?", and a cast of well developed characters this is definitely a 4 star novel. Surprisingly, this is Patricia Bradley's debut novel. You would never know it with her amazing writing capacity and her ability to draw her readers in. With a well scripted storyline and just enough detail to immerse you fully into her world of intrigue and suspicion, you won't be able to put this one down.

 

Taylor is a criminal profiler, an expert in her field. Her job is to dig deep into the lives of both the criminal and the victims. Her skills get put to the test when she becomes the hunted, will she be able to keep her focus? What about the suspects brother Nick?  Is Nick, the  good looking, kind hearted bestselling author able to see past his desire to protect his brother? will he be able to put his wife's memory behind him or will his past cloud his reality?

 

Shadows of the Past was a quick and highly enjoyable escape for me. I look forward to the next books in the series, Logan Point. Mrs Bradley has made it to my "favorite author's list" Keep up the wonderful writing!

 

"Book has been provided courtesy of Revell a division of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group"

About the Author:

Patricia Bradley

Patricia Bradley's manuscript for Shadows of the Past was a finalist for the 2012 Genesis Award, winner of a 2012 Daphne du Maurier award (1st place, Inspirational), and winner of a 2012 Touched by Love award (1st place, Contemporary). She is a...

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Gluten Free Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Gluten free goodness

Simply the best, you wouldn't know they are gluten free. I have been tweaking my friends recipes again. She is simply the best cook around, no surprise that she works at a well known care home in Abbotsford. So thanks goes to Raelene K for the base of this delicious cookie recipe, us gluten free folks can now savor! Gluten free has never tasted so good...

OK so disclaimer, the flour substitute has a few ingredients but it is well worth the end result. I usually buy my Rice, Tapioca, and potato flours at the health food stores in large quantities, it is cheaper that way. But if you are looking for small sizes you can easily find them at Superstore. The Bob's Red Mill are your best bet for little packages.

Without further ado here we go...

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 3/4 Cups butter (because butter makes everything better) You can use margarine though..
1 3/4 Cups white sugar
1 Cup brown sugar
3 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla

Cream together

3 cups of flour  

OR to make it gluten free
~2 cups Rice flour
~2/3 Cups Potato starch or flour
~1/3 Cups Tapioca Starch
~1 1/2 tsp Xantham gum

2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
3 Cups oatmeal (Gluten free~ I use Only Oats pure whole grain rolled oats)
1 1/2 Cups flaked coconut
2 cups chocolate chips

Blend everything together until well mixed, I used my kitchen Aid. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes till golden. For chewy cookies, do not over bake and use old fashion large flake oatmeal.

This makes a whole lotta yummy goodness. I froze most of them and bring them out a few at a time.
Enjoy~

Book Review: A Match Made in Texas

ISBN 9780764211768

From the Back:

There's a secret matchmaker at work in frontier Texas!
In the small town of Dry Gulch, Texas, a good-hearted busybody just can't keep herself from surreptitiously trying to match up women in dire straits with men of good character she hopes can help them. How is she to know she's also giving each couple a little nudge toward love?
A Cowboy Unmatched
Neill isn't sure who hired him to repair Clara's roof--he only knows Clara desperately needs his help. Can he convince this stubborn widow to let down her guard and take another chance on love?

An Unforeseen Match
Hoping to earn an honest wage on his way to the land rush, Clayton ends up on Grace's doorstep, lured by a classified ad. He may have signed on for more than he expected though--and he may have found the one woman who can keep him from moving on.

No Match for Love
Andrew can't fathom how refined Lucy ended up as the caretaker to his dotty aunt, and somehow her arrival has prompted even more bizarre occurrences around the ranch. When they join forces to unearth the truth, will the attraction between Andrew and Lucy develop into more?

Meeting Her Match
When the tables are turned and a tenderhearted meddler becomes the beneficiary of a matchmaking scheme, her world is turned upside down. As her entire life changes, will she finally be able to tell the banker's son how much she cares for him?

My Reflections: 

A Match Made in Texas is a sweet collection of Historical western novellas. These stories are guaranteed to warm hearts and chase away the dreary winter blues. Each story was a joy to read, and often I found myself up far too late, unable to extract myself until I reached the next book. With a lineup of exceptional authors I would have expected nothing less. I think my favorite thing about these stories was the mysterious matchmaker that threaded her way through each and every story!

The first novella starts off with one of my all time favorite authors, Karen Witemeyer, I can't say enough good things about her works. I was so tickled to see a character from her other series Neill Archer, It was brilliant to see the youngest Archer brother try his luck at love with spunky Clara Danvers. Always the gentleman!

Continuing on with a school teacher who is loosing her sight with no prospects to fend for her self. Grace devises a plan to place an ad for a husband in the local paper, but before she knows it a Clayton stumbles upon her doorstep. This cowboy is eager to get on with earning some money to replace his beloved horse, win the land rush and settle down..on his own homestead. Can Clayton see past his own brokenness, and hurt? Will Grace ever experience love again or will her days be met with waiting for others to care for her every need?

No Match For Love by Carol Cox, centers around Lucy, who after loosing her father and becoming penniless, gets the opportunity to leave Dry Gulch and become a companion to a spunky, elderly Martha. But Andrew Martha's nephew didn't expect Lucy to be so "inept" not to mention, darn right pretty. It seems dear Aunt Martha has a lot to teach these two when it comes to sanity and love! don't try and fool this ol'gal!

My next all time favorite author Mary Connealy wraps up with Meeting Her Match. This is where we become acquainted with the matchmaker herself. Poor Hannah has had a rough go of life. If loosing her fiance, her mother and baby sister is not enough, Hannah is told she must leave her home when her father suddenly remarries. Can Hannah ever find her true love? or will she have to settle for watching love from the sidelines. There is Marcus of course, but the poor man can't even stay upright when he is near Hanna, let alone speak to her, about his feelings. It seems the two of them may need a little match making themselves.

I thoroughly enjoyed these books. If you are looking for a sweet, fluffy way to chase the winter blues away this may be just the thing!

I received this book free of charge, for the purpose of reviewing them from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications.
Thank you!

About The Authors:

1. 

   Photo courtesy of Amber Gilbert

   Karen Witemeyer

   Two-time RITA finalist and winner of the coveted HOLT Medallion and ACFW Carol Award, CBA bestselling author Karen Witemeyer writes historical romance because she believes that the world needs more happily-ever-afters. She is an avid cross-stitcher, shower singer,...
   

   Continue reading about Karen Witemeyer

2. 

   Photo courtesy of Ginger Murray Photography

   Mary Connealy

   Mary Connealy is an award-winning, bestselling author known for her fun and lively historical romances. An author, teacher, and journalist, Mary lives on an eastern Nebraska ranch with her cowboy husband and has four daughters and two grandchildren. Learn more...
   

   Continue reading about Mary Connealy

3. 

   Photo courtesy of Ginger Murray Photography

   Regina Jennings

   Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a history minor. She has worked at The Mustang News and First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various...
   

   Continue reading about Regina Jennings

4. 

   Photo courtesy of A Portrait Park by J

   Carol Cox

   Native Arizonan Carol Cox has an abiding love for history, mystery, and romance. The author of more than 25 books, she believes in the power of story to convey spiritual truths. Carol lives with her husband and daughter in northern Arizona, where deer and...
   

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Homeschool Literature Study on the Children's Book Moo Who?

Buy it at Amazon.

 I have been given the assignment this week to come up with a literature assignment for a popular children's book. I chose one of my favorites "Moo Who?" as it is funny and a real joy to read and act out! This would be good for grades  K-2

Here is a Story map I found you can see it here:  http://mrsbyrdskinder.blogspot.ca/2014/01/story-map-freebie.html

I find story mapping a wonderful way to dig a little deeper into the story. You can have the children draw the characters of write the names out depending on your age group. Since I had a variety of ages in my group I let them decide.




I also sorced out a classroom organizer at:

 http://files.harpercollins.com/PDF/ActivitiesGuides/0060001070.pdf

This little link will take you to nifty little activity guide, because who doesn't love activities you don't have to think up?

I then had the kids cut up and unscramble word strips to make a few simple sentences.

coloring page, or you could glue cotton balls to him.

barn dot to dot.

 Here is a link to make a animal booklet for the cover of your lap book.

http://www.kiddyhouse.com/Farm/farmclips/barnbk2.gif

I had so much fun compiling these resources, thanks for stopping by!

Book Review: The Dancing Master

ISBN #9780764210709

Finding himself the man of the family, London dancing master Alec Valcourt moves his mother and sister to remote Devonshire, hoping to start over. But he is stunned to learn the village matriarch has prohibited all dancing, for reasons buried deep in her past.

Alec finds an unlikely ally in the matriarch's daughter. Though he's initially wary of Julia Midwinter's reckless flirtation, he comes to realize her bold exterior disguises a vulnerable soul--and hidden sorrows of her own.

Julia is quickly attracted to the handsome dancing master--a man her mother would never approve of--but she cannot imagine why Mr. Valcourt would leave London, or why he evades questions about his past. With Alec's help, can Julia uncover old secrets and restore life to her somber village...and to her mother's tattered heart?

Filled with mystery and romance, The Dancing Master brings to life the intriguing profession of those who taught essential social graces for ladies and gentlemen hoping to make a "good match" in Regency England.

My Reflections:

To start off I am a big fan of Julie Klassen, her books are some of my favorites, so when I had the opportunity to review her newest book "The Dancing Master" it was with anticipation.

Unfortunately the storyline stepped on my toes a few too many times, I was left standing without a suitable strong character to lead me through the difficult choreography of this hefty book.

This book is told in the third person point of view between Alec Valcourt, the dance master, Julia the rich, pitiful daughter to Amelia Midwinter who has started this ridiculous no dancing law. Which by the way is an unofficial law.

Let's start with Alec, His character just got under my skin. After his family arrive to the remote village of Devonshire, he discovers there is a unofficial law prohibiting dancing. The problem being that Alec is a dance master. Unfortunately this gentleman is the epitome of lazy. When offered a honest laborers position he doesn't even show up at the interview. A man who is afraid of a little hard work is no man at all in my opinion, and certainly not one to fill the hero's dance shoes. I must add that I did find Alec to be witty and a perfect gentleman throughout the book, so this helps with the task of sidestepping through the 424 pages.

Julia Midwinter is really no better, her selfish, manipulative, I am rich and you will bow attitude is so true to character you will have no problem disliking this society gal. Klassen expertly paints a picture of what a person could look like if given everything on a sliver spoon. You do gain some sympathy for this character towards the end of the book when it is revealed that she is like everyone else and in need of grace and forgiveness. She eventually comes around, it just takes a while for her to grow up.

Now for Mother dearest, (Amelia Midwinter), Yikes, talk about ruling with an iron fist! This character will do what it takes to control every one around her, to the point of giving a job to a man she wants to keep away from her daughter. The saying keep your friends close and your enemies closer must be her mantra. The reasons for her "law" seem a little flat, and are not revealed quickly. Frankly, I was expecting a little more drama.

OK here I am picking everything apart, from one of my favorite authors. I am sorry, but I must be honest in my opinion..

Now what I enjoyed, the front cover of this book caught my eye it is "pretty" and begs you to pick it up. The writing is just what you would expect from Klassen, well researched, clear, and perfectly penned. This author knows how to write, and still remains on my favorite list, in spite of this book.


"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

Julie Klassen

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane--Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. She has won the Christy Award: Historical Romance for The Silent...

Continue reading about Julie Klassen

Book Review: All Things Hidden

ISBN #9780764211195

 From the Back:

Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse Team Up to Deliver a Stunning Depression-Era Drama

Gwyn Hillerman loves being a nurse at her father's clinic on the beautiful Alaskan frontier. But family life has been rough ever since her mother left them, disdaining the uncivilized country and taking Gwyn's younger sister with her.

In Chicago, Dr. Jeremiah Vaughan finds his life suddenly turned upside down when his medical license is stripped away after an affluent patient dies. In a snowball effect, his fiance breaks their engagement. In an attempt to bury the past, Jeremiah accepts Dr. Hillerman's invitation to join his growing practice in the isolated Alaska Territory.

Gwyn and Jeremiah soon recognize a growing attraction to each other. But when rumors of Jeremiah's past begin to surface, they'll need more than love to face the threat of an uncertain future.


My Reflections: 

The well developed characters, the slow steady build all work together to deliver a tidy little package where mystery and history entwine.

I loved the idea of a story centering on the decision, Franklyn Roosevelt devised to help people destroyed by the depression of 1935. His idea was to send families to a remote area of Alaska to colonies and grow the Matanuska Valley. The really superb thing about this book is these two authors use real and fictional characters to develop their narrative.

Dr Jeremiah Vaughan's life is destroyed by allegations of abuse. When he uses a ground-breaking IV sedation technique with an influential patient, and the patient dies, the authorities are out for blood. This causes his license to be stripped away. Because of this, his intended and her mother want nothing to do with the shame. A has-been doctor is not what a high society woman wants on her arm. Fleeing from the hurt and rejection, from not only his fiance but also his own parents Jeremiah jumps at the chance to work alongside his mentor in a remote Alaskan village, far away from danger and pain...or so he thought.

Gwyn is struggling with fear, rejection, and trust as she tends to her beloved village as a nurse. Her father (who is also the town's only doctor) is ecstatic at the prospect of seeing his village grow with the new colonization. As they race to ready the settlement for the new families, Gwyn must come to a place where she is able to accept the change and uncertainties of her future.

This book was so surprising with it's villainous character and the twists and turns that ensued. It certainly was not the predictable book I imagined it to be.

If you love fiction, history, romance, suspense you will probably enjoy this one. There are a few slow spots where the author is developing you knowledge of the characters, but by no means does it continue through the book. I will be keeping my eyes open for the sequel to this one.

 "Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

 See the trailer here: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=1xsg0A7F8eI

About the Authors:

 

Tracie Peterson

Tracie Peterson is the award-winning author of over ninety novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her stories, as seen in her bestselling Heirs of Montana and Alaskan Quest series. Tracie and her family make their home in...

Continue reading about Tracie Peterson 

 

Kimberley Woodhouse

Kimberley Woodhouse is a multipublished author of fiction and nonfiction. A popular speaker/teacher, she's shared her theme of Joy Through Trials with over 150,000 people at more than a thousand venues across the country. She lives, writes, and...

Continue reading about Kimberley Woodhouse