Leap Frog ~ Ready, Set, Read & Write Giveaway with #LeapReader





















This is Little M’s last year of preschool and since we have chosen to homeschool I will be teaching him to read and write. While we do have a curriculum I was looking for something that would make learning to read and write fun. Around this same time MomSelect and Leap Frog asked if we could host a party and review the LeapReader and I gladly said yes.



Our kit included everything we needed to really test out the LeapReader. Little M was excited to show it to everyone and right away started using it. The LeapReader is easy to use and requires no batteries! To charge your LeapRead just plug it into the USB drive and let it charges. This is also the way you upload books so that the LeapReader pin contains the programs for the books.

There are so many things you can do with just one book. You can have the book read to you, listen to music and play a trivia game.  Leap Frog is always adding to their audio books and currently there are over 150+ books to choose from. 



















Little M thinks the Leap Read is pure entertainment and has no clue how much it teaches him. I have noticed that he is more imaginative and writes better after playing with the LeapReader. The other aspect of the LeapReader that I like is how it teaches listening skills. This skill is something Little M needs work on and to use the LeapReader you have to follow directions.

I think what speaks most highly about the LeapReader is that my son has learned that learning to read and write can be fun. Also as his teacher I realize that boys especially, like video games and the LeapReader makes reading and writing as fun as playing a video game. The best part is that he can sit by himself and do this quietly while I work on something else. As a homeschooling mom this is great since we spend most of our day with one on one interaction. 
























Since Christmas is not too far away we thought we would give away a LeapReader to one of you. I really think this is the perfect gift for preschoolers learning to read and write!


Giveaway:


One US only 18+ reader will win their own LeapReader Kit. Just fill out the Rafflecopter form to be entered. Giveaway will end on 11/18/2013 at 12:00 am EST. Good Luck!

Disclosure: The opinions expressed in this review are those of Whitney from Rambles of a SAHM. Products were provided free of cost in order to facilitate this review. This post contains affiliate links. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising"


a Rafflecopter giveaway

TASTY Tuesday ~ Buying Organic & Saving Money


Welcome to Tasty Tuesdays with Laura from Food Snob St. Louis! Rather than share a recipe with you today, I thought we could chat about how to save money on groceries. If you are anything like me, your grocery bill can get out of hand so easily. We try to buy a lot of items organic, which makes it even harder to stay within our budget. If you've ever tried to buy just organic food or purchased your weekly grocery list from a big organic or all-natural grocery store, then you know it can easily double what you spend on food in a week.

It's actually very disheartening to me that it costs so much more to purchase food items that don't contain additives, pesticides, food dyes, etc. I want what is best for my family, but sometimes the budget just doesn't allow me to go all-out.

Groceryshopping
(This is an OLD picture, but it is of the glory days when Baby Snob loved grocery shopping. And when she couldn't reach to pull things off the shelves.)

Over time, I've learned what is and isn't important for me to purchase organic. Some things, such as bananas, I rarely if ever purchase organic. Other items, such as meat or poultry, I am not willing to compromise on. I will say this, saving money in this fashion takes time. Time to dig for and print coupons, time to go to multiple stores, etc. That being said, I've got some great tips and tricks to allow you to be able to purchase more organic foods for your family AND save money!

Head on over to Food Snob St. Louis for my tips & tricks!


Book Review ~ Fifteen Minutes by Karen Kingsbury



Karen Kingsbury
Contemporary Fiction

About the book:

Zack Dylan has a dream. He wants to sing on the biggest stages, for the biggest crowds, and he’ll do whatever it takes to make it come true. But Zack also made a promise to his college sweetheart when he left Kentucky to compete on the popular TV show Fifteen Minutes: If he made it, nothing would change him or his faith in God.

Overnight, Zack becomes the nation’s most popular contestant, a country singer comparable to a young Tim McGraw. As his star rises, Zack is often asked to compromise and quiet his beliefs. Just as he’s on the verge of winning it all, his choices lead him to the brink of personal disaster. Meanwhile, a former Fifteen Minutes winner is searching for meaning amidst her own private losses. Can she warn Zack about the real price of fame? Or will Zack lose everything he loves for his fifteen minutes of glory?



My thoughts:

Die-hard Karen Kingsbury fans are going to be thrilled with this newest offering. Karen is such a prolific and talented writer. It is hard to imagine how one could write so many stories without becoming formula driven. So far Karen has managed to escape that trap.

In Fifteen Minutes the search for fame and fortune is what Zack Dylan is after. Zack is a young man devoted to God, his family and his fiancĂ©. He is convinced that he can help them all by trying out and winning Fifteen Minutes, the reality TV singing competition. Before he really knows what is happening he finds himself compromising time and time again. 

The true costs to obtaining and maintaining fame are addressed in this well-written book. The stories of Kelly and Chandra give us a glimpse of the price of fame. It takes a toll on every aspect of their lives. The voice of God has become silent, their families are destroyed, and the contentment they thought they would find with having it all is elusive.

Fifteen Minutes gives a great fictionalized account of reality TV and those unsuspecting individuals who clamor to become a part of it. It will make you think differently as you watch your favorite show each week. I think you will begin to picture the contestants as real people with real lives. For that we can all benefit from the reading of this book. 

Connect with the author:

Photo by: Dan Davis Photography






Book Review ~ My Name Is Erin Series by Erin Davis



Erin Davis
Juvenile Nonfiction
Ages 12-15

Back of the book: 

Why did God Make me? What is my purpose on the planet?

Have you ever asked those questions? Yep, me too! I've experienced the frustration of not knowing what I'm supposed to be doing with my life> Those questions drove me deep into God's Word looking for answers. And guess what? I found them! God has a purpose for my life. He has a plan to use me to do big things for His kingdom.

And you know what? God has a purpose for your life too! He wants to use you to accomplish a huge mission (even while you still have math homework).

Are you ready to stop asking why you're on the planet and start living out the mission God has for you? Great! Let's dig into God's Word together and allow Him to show us how to take on the adventure of life on a mission.



Erin Davis
Juvenile Nonfiction
Ages 12-15

Back of the book: 

I am a radical. To you, that word "radical" might stir up images of someone who dresses weird, talks weirder, and seems to do whatever it takes to stick out like a sore thumb. While I've certainly made a fashion mistake or two, that's not exactly the kind of radical I mean.

I'm talking about radical faith--the kind of faith that seeps into every corner of my life. Did you know tht the Bible is chock-full of radical followers of God? These are people whose lives look different from the crowd because of their faith in a radical God.

Are you satisfied with the status quo? Or are you ready to embrace the kind of radical faith that changes everything? Once you've experienced radical life in Christ, nothing else will satisfy.

Erin Davis
Juvenile Nonfiction
Ages 12-15

Back of the book: 

I hate to shop. I'm not a huge fan of pink, and I just cannot seem to get the hang of flat irons, curling irons, or hairspray! I spend a lot more time being loud and rowdy than I do being "gentle and quiet." Maybe that makes me a strange choice to write a book about what it means to be a girl.

Don't get me wrong: I love being a girl, but that's because I know that God's plan for my design goes way beyond shopping sprees and picking out fingernail polish colors.

Have you ever wondered why God made girls girls and guys guys? Have you ever questioned your design or asked yourself what exactly it means to be a godly girl? If so, this book is for you. In a style that merges girl talk with God's Truth, we will discover exactly what God had in mind when He made you.

Erin Davis
Juvenile Nonfiction
Ages 12-15

Back of the book: 

True Confession: I was voted the "Most Conceited" member of my seventh-grade class. In junior high, my world pretty much revolved around M-E. If someone had asked me during those years why Truth mattered, I would have said something like, "I don't know. How's my hair?" I might not have cared much about Truth then, but looking back I see that I was missing something HUGE . . . something I don't want you to miss out on for a minute.

Truth has the power to change everything about our lives. but what is Truth? How can we know what's true and what isn't?

In a style that reads like a conversation with a best friend, we will tackle those questions--and more--together in this fun little book. So join me on a journey to discover Truth.

My thoughts:

Finding great material for your junior high girl is a hard task. When I came across this series by Erin Davis I was thrilled. It is so relevant to what that age of girl is facing. The language is in a style that girls of this age will relate to. The topics are very needed and it is set up in a format that would be very conducive to using in a small group setting.

Each of the books are stand-alone and can be done in any order. There are five chapters in every book so they could easily be divided up into a five week study. It is set up where the group leader and the participants would use the same books, there isn't a need for a separate leader guide. 

While I think it would make an excellent small group study, I also think it would be wonderful as a personal devotional book as well. Or better yet, get the series and do it as a starting point for some great mother/daughter discussions!

Connect with the author:






Together ~ Five Minute Friday #fmf




One Word Prompt ~ Five Minutes of Writing ~ No Editing

Today's Prompt: TOGETHER



GO!

From the moment they were born I knew there would come a day that my children would grow up and leave my house. And after twenty-one years it began to happen. By the way . . . the biggest downside to having children one after another is that they leave one after another!

I adjusted to them being gone mainly because they lived close and we saw them often. When the grandbabies began to arrive we saw them even more often. The bliss of being together for the holidays seemed like it would just go on and on. Birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and all the rest, you name it and we used it as an excuse to gather and connect.

Then it happened . . . this past Christmas we were all within thirty minutes of each other but over the course of a few days illness began dropping us like flies. For the first time we weren't going to be together to do advent with everyone. No Fitzpatrick Family Game Night. What to do about the trophy?

At first we were all very sad, but slowly we realized that it gave each of us time to be with our immediate families. Each family made new memories and did some new things. This granny's heart just longed for those sweet little ones but I also have to admit that the time with my man was very nice.

Because of all the changes that have come about this year it looks like we may not be together again for the holidays. While I will miss the chaos and long for my loved ones . . . because we are better together . . . I've also learned that we are always together  in our hearts and minds. (And on Skype!!!)

The greatest thing in the world is that we have a promise that one day we will always be together!

"For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are still alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words."
~ 1 Thessalonians 4: 16-18



STOP!

Feel inspired to write? Link up with us here on Lisa- Jo Baker #fmfparty linky!

Costume Express ~ Family Friendly Halloween Costumes!




When it comes to picking out Halloween costumes I am very particular with my boys. The selection must be family friendly and this can be hard to do with costume shops. I want my boys to be able to dress up how they want but I don’t want them to be exposed to anything x-rated while we are shopping.

I was thrilled to find CoustumeExpress.com where I could let my son pick his own costume and not have to worry about him seeing things he should not. This was my main goal when searching for costumes online. The other part was getting it here quickly. For some reason Halloween always sneaks up on me and I didn't want my son to be left with whatever the big box store had left over.


































The costume got here promptly and the quality is the best we have ever found. Little M loves turning on the lights to impress others, especially the girls! I love that the costume lights up so cars and people see him. It's a safety feature and he doesn't even realize it!

Super Man symbol lights up!


Overall I am impressed with the selection that CoustumeExpress.com offers. Their website is clean, the delivery was very speedy, and the costumes themselves are made with great quality. I think next year we should dress up as family from one of their group costumes . Now that would be fun!


Connect with CoustumeExpress.com on
Twitter, Facebook, & Pinterest!

Disclosure: The opinions expressed in this review are those of Whitney from Rambles of a SAHM. Products were provided free of cost in order to facilitate this review. This post contains affiliate links. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising"

Book Review ~ Last Light by Terri Blackstock



Restoration Series, Book 1
Terri Blackstock
Suspense

About the book:

Birmingham, Alabama, has lost all power. Its streets are jammed with cars that won’t start, its airport engulfed in flames from burning planes. All communications---cell phones, computers, even radios---are silent. Every home and business is dark. Is it a natural disaster . . . a terrorist attack . . . or something far worse?

In the face of a crisis that sweeps an entire high-tech planet back to a time before electricity, the Branning family faces a choice. Will they hoard their possessions in order to survive---or trust God to provide as they share their resources with those around them? Yesterday’s world is gone. Family and community are all that remain. And the outage is revealing the worst in some.

Desperation can be dangerous when a killer lives among them.

New York Times best-selling suspense author Terri Blackstock weaves a masterful what-if novel in which global catastrophe reveals the darkness in human hearts---and lights the way to restoration for a self-centered world.

Read The First Two Chapters

My thoughts:

This is a re-release but somehow I missed it the first go around. If you missed it you should pick it up as well. It is a page turner of a read that will leave you pondering how you would survive in a similar situation.

Can you even imagine what it would be like if suddenly everything electric just quit? This isn't just the lights in your house but it is your car, your cell phone, your watches. All those everyday conveniences suddenly don't work. Think about this . . . even the water that comes into your house does so because of an electrical pump. How would you get water and how would you filter that water in order to drink it?

This is the scenario that unfolds in the story. The good, the bad and the ugly are all magnified in this tale. Some of the people resort to hoarding what they have and some continue to be giving people. Evil begins to take root causing everyone to arm themselves against the unknown. The more the situation deteriorates, the more people's true characters are revealed. 

The main characters in the story are the Branning family and we are allowed to see how their overindulged lives have slowly destroyed what God had intended for them. Through the worst of circumstances God begins to reveal to them what He intends. 

This is the first book in the Restoration Series. It is followed by three more and I can hardly wait to dive in to the rest of them to see how it all turns out.

The Restoration Series

Connect with the author:












Tasty Tuesday ~ Chicken and Biscuits

Hello Rambles of a SAHM readers. It's Tasty Tuesday, and I am curious, do you know what you are cooking for dinner? 

 One of my favorite go-to comfort recipes for nights I don't know what to make is chicken and biscuits. I've been making the chicken and biscuits as a regular dinner for us for quite some time now. It's to the point where I don't even use a recipe for the chicken filling. I feel like that's when you know you've hit your stride with a recipe. You can just throw everything in a pot, season along the way, taste here and there and make a great meal.

 The biscuit part has always been tough. I've yet to find a successful sourdough drop biscuit (to find out more why read here or here), and I don't want to use 100% white flour. Over time, I've found that the following biscuit recipe works quite well by combining all-purpose flour, coconut flour and whole wheat flour. As for the filling, it is a chicken stock based recipe that you can definitely add more vegetables to. I've used mushrooms, broccoli and peas in addition to what I have below.

It's all about what you want in it.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
 

 Head on over to Food Snob St. Louis for the full recipe!

Book Review ~ Promise to Return by Elizabeth Byler Younts


Promise of Sunrise Series, Book 1
Elizabeth Byler Younts
Contemporary Fiction/Amish

Back of the book:

When World War II breaks out, Miriam Coblentz's peaceful Amish world is turned upside down . . .

It's 1943, and Miriam Coblentz and Henry Mast are nearing their wedding day when the unthinkable happens--Henry is drafted. However, since he is a part of the pacifist Amish tradition, Henry is sent to a conscientious objector Civilian Public Service camp. When he leaves for the work camp his gaping avsence turns Miriam's life upside down. Little does she know it's only the beginning . . .

When Henry returns home, he brings news that shakes Miriam and their Amish community to the core. Henry believes God has called him to enlist in the army and fight for his country, leaving her to make an important decision: whether to choose loyalty to the peaceful life she's always known or her love for Henry.

Two worlds collide in this unforgettable debut novel, providing a fascinating and rare look into Amish culture during World War II. While Henry is battling enemies across the ocean, Miriam struggles between her devotion to Henry and her love of the Amish way of life. One question is at the bottom of it all: will she follow the rules of her religion or the leading of her heart?

My thoughts:

If you think you don't like Amish fiction, I would urge you to give this one a try before you write the whole genre off. To say it is different from the run of the mill Amish fiction book is an understatement. 

I never gave a thought to how World War II affected the Amish. I just assumed that since they were conscientious objectors that they would be exempt from service and then just carry on with their lives. In actuality, when an Amish man was drafted he had to go serve in a Civilian Public Service camp. Now if that isn't interesting enough, think about what would happen if an Amish man felt like God was telling him to join the Army.

That is the premise of this book. Henry Mast who has always been a caring and upstanding member of the Amish community has the deep conviction that God is requiring him to enlist and serve his country. This decision has very far reaching repercussions. He was just weeks away from marrying Miriam Coblentz when he was drafted. She was content to wait for him when he was at the CPS camp but now that he is going against the beliefs of the Amish community that she loves where does that leave her? What about Henry's parents and siblings? How will they withstand this shame that Henry has brought upon their family? What about when/if Henry returns from his service? How will he fit back in to the community?

This is an absolutely fascinating read. When I first began reading it I wasn't sure that I was going to like it at all. I am part of a very proud military family and the whole conscientious objector theme at the beginning of the novel just didn't set well with me. But the farther I got into the story the more I liked it. Elizabeth Younts' writing is captivating. Most likely this is because she is not only from an Amish family but she is an air force officer's wife. Both of those aspects bring an authenticity to the story.

For all the Amish fiction lovers out there this is a must read. For all the skeptics this is one to give a try . . . I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. I'm looking forward to book two in the series. It will contain the story of Eli Brenneman from Promise to Return, as he serves in the CPS at a mental asylum. Sounds like another unique book in this genre!

Connect with the author:






Book Review ~ I, Saul by Jerry B. Jenkins


Jerry B. Jenkins
Contemporary Fiction

Back of the book:

A MURDERER who would change the WORLD

From multi-million copy best-selling novelist Jerry Jenkins comes a compelling international thriller that conveys you from present-day Texas to a dank Roman dungeon in A.D. 67, then down the dusty roads of ancient Israel, Asia, and back to Rome.

A young seminary professor, Augustine Knox, is drawn into a deadly race to save priceless parchments from antiquities thieves and discovers a two- thousand-year old connection with another who faced death for the sake of the truth. I, Saul consists of two riveting adventures in one, transporting you between the stories of Augustine Knox and Saul of Tarsus.

Filled with political intrigue, romance, and rich historical detail, I, Saul is a thrilling tale of loyal friendships tested by life-or-death quests, set two millennia apart, told by a master storyteller.





My thoughts:

I love a good redemption story and this new book by Jerry Jenkins has two storylines that qualify! The first chapter starts in modern day Texas and thrusts us into the life of seminary professor, Dr. Augie Knox. While giving end of term finals Dr. Knox gets a mysterious text from a friend in trouble. Augie feels compelled to help and puts everything on hold to fly across the world to see what he can do.

Chapter two brings us to first century Rome where we find the Apostle Paul imprisoned during his final days on earth. Luke, the disciple of Christ comes to minister to him and help him prepare for his impending execution. Nero wants Paul kept alive so they can put him to death. Paul isn't so concerned about dying but he is adamant about finishing his memoir for his friends and family.

From that point on the two stories are woven together with a sense of mystery and intrigue that has the pages flying by. Even if you are very familiar with the story of Saul of Tarsus and his Damascus road experience that allows him to become the Apostle Paul, I think you will be drawn into the details that Mr. Jenkins has written. I appreciated how the story stayed true to scripture yet it fleshed out the characters with feelings and emotions that brought them to life. Even though I knew Paul was headed to execution I wept at his familiar words.

While my favorite part of the book was that of Paul, the story of Augie is also an intriguing read. Throughout the tale we are slowly introduced to the difficult relationship that Augie has with his adopted father. I won't give anything away, but the redemption that is brought about with the father and son is very heartwarming.

If you enjoy a fast paced mystery that is filled with historical facts I think you will really enjoy this new book by Jerry Jenkins. I particularly think this is his best work yet.


Connect with the author:


www.jerry-jenkins.com

Facebook

Twitter ~ @JerryBJenkins







Laundry ~ Five Minute Friday #fmf


Laundry on a Clothesline
Josef Albers


One Word Prompt ~ Five Minutes of Writing ~ No Editing

Today's Prompt: LAUNDRY



GO!

Laundry . . . the never-ending and non-glamourous task of every homemaker! Surprisingly enough, of all my household chores it is my favorite. I find such a sense of accomplishment in seeing neatly folded and put away laundry. I love how it makes my house smell and the feel of freshly washed sheets at the end of a long day is just as soothing to me as a long hot bath.

One of my fondest and earliest memories of my grandmother's house is the clothesline in the back yard. My grandfather made it for my grandmother and it truly was a work of art. Four taunt lines that were spaced widely apart and beautiful flowerbeds that surrounded each of the poles. I loved to walk between the lines of clothing and just inhale that wonderful scent that mixed detergent and fabric softener with sunshine. If I close my eyes and inhale, I can still imagine it.

My grandmother always used Tide detergent and a very generous helping of Downy fabric softener. She also bleached all of her whites. Those are some of my favorite comfort smells. To this day I just can't resist bringing a warm towel straight from the dryer up to my nose and basking in the delightful scent and softness. It never fails to remind me of the beautiful promise we are given in the book of Isaiah:


"Come, let us discuss this," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will be like wool."
~ Isaiah 1:18



STOP!

Feel inspired to write? Link up with us here on Lisa- Jo Baker #fmfparty linky!

Little Book of Great Dates: 52 Creative Ideas to Make Your Marriage Fun by Dr. Greg & Erin Smalley



Dr. Greg & Erin Smalley
Family & Relationships/Marriage

About the book:

Thought dating was a thing of the past? Think again!

Not only can dating your spouse strengthen your marriage, rekindle your romance, and deepen your connection--but dating is also just plain fun!

That's why this LITTLE BOOK OF GREAT DATES offers you 52 creative, fun-filled ideas for spending time together talking, laughing, and connecting over shared activities. With imaginative suggestions for dates that are easy on the pocketbook, married and engaged couples will also value the conversation starters aimed at building emotional intimacy. Most of all, this little volume is a big promise to the one you love that more discoveries and an ever-deepening love are always on the horizon.

(This link will also let you take a look at the first three dates so you can see what the set-up is like.)

My thoughts:

Do you know the saying, "good things come in small packages"? That is a very apt description of this little book. It is the size of a 5 x 7 card and less than a half inch thick but it is packed full of wonderful ideas for you and your beloved. It has a beautiful navy blue leather cover and I think it would make the perfect gift for that favorite couple in your life . . . that is after you've purchased a copy for yourself!

In the Introduction the Smalleys discuss how dating seems to take a back seat after we are married. We take on new roles and have a kid or two and then before we know it our dating life is just a distant memory. One of the things I like about this book is that they don't diminish the fact that finding time to date your spouse is hard work. Something always comes up but it is important that we make time for what is important and our marriages are important!

There are fifty-two dates included in this book. That is enough for one date a week for a year! Another thing that I appreciate about this book is that these date ideas are practical and affordable. There aren't crazy detailed preparations that you have to make. After all who would even wind up going if you had to spend hours preparing?!! The cost of the dates is kept to a minimum and they even suggest ideas that would keep the amount next to nothing. 

I recommend this product to anyone that is looking for a way to enhance their marriage. I also think it would be a nice way to encourage that special couple you know. I'm personally going to get several copies for stocking stuffers for my married kids this Christmas. 

Connect with the authors:



Take the Date Night Challenge!






Book Review ~ The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky



Edwardian Bride Series, Book 1
Carrie Turansky
Historical Fiction

Back of the book:

Worlds lie between the marketplaces of India and the halls of a magnificent country estate like Highland Hall. Will Julia be able to find her place when a governess is neither upstairs family nor downstairs help?

Missionary Julia Foster loves working alongside her parents, ministering an caring for young girls in India. But when the family must return to England due to illness, she readily accepts the burden for her parents' financial support. Taking on a job at Highland Hall as governess, she quickly finds that teaching her four privileged, ill-mannered charges at a grand estate is more challenging than expected, and she isn't sure what to make of the estate's preoccupied master, Sir William Ramsey.

Widowed and left to care for his two young children and his deceased cousin Randolph's two teenage girls, William is consumed with saving the estate from financial ruin. The last thing he needs is the distraction of a kindhearted-yet-determined governess who seems to be quietly transforming his household with her persuasive personality, vibrant prayer life, and strong faith.

While both are tending past wounds and guarding fragile secrets, Julia and William are determined to do what it takes to save their families--common ground that proves fertile for unexpected feelings. But will William choose Julia's steadfast heart over the wealth and power he needs to secure Highland Hall's future?








Read The First Chapter

My thoughts:

I really enjoy literature that is set in the Edwardian time frame and The Governess of Highland Hall was a great example of well written fiction in this period. Ms. Turansky did a wonderful job of remaining accurate to the time while keeping the story line interesting.

The main character is Julia who has been a missionary with her parents in India. She loved her work with the young girls there but because of her father's medical condition she and her family are forced to return to England. Once they are back on the continent Julia seeks a position as governess to help alleviate some of the financial strain on her family.

Julia finds a position at Highland Hall that is ran by Sir William Ramsey. Sir Ramsey has recently acquired the estate because of the death for his cousin. William is faced with many struggles over whether to go with his heart or to stick with what is acceptable among the nobility. Julia proves to be the source of his greatest predicament. Falling in love with the governess is beyond acceptable in his social circles. He also has the added responsibility of securing the future of Highland Hall for the family name. In order to do that he either needs to remarry someone of means or find a way to raise more capital.

Along with the story line of Julia and William is the charming tale of the budding romance between William's younger sister Sarah and the head gardener. That is a definite no no to the social norms of the time. The cast of characters is filled out with people that appear to be loyal, but aren't and those that are just out to benefit themselves.

This book is light enough for a great afternoon read but it is complex enough to hold you interest on into the evening. I recommend it to anyone that enjoys historical fiction and more specifically that from the Edwardian period.



Connect with the author:

www.CarrieTuransky.com

Facebook

Twitter ~ @CarrieTuransky

Pinterest

Linked In

Google+





Blog Designed by: NW Designs