Upheld By His Righteous Right Hand ~ Bible Art Journaling Challenge: Isaiah 41:10 {Giveaway}

Upheld By His Righteous Right Hand ~ Bible Art Journaling Challenge: Isaiah 41:10

The verse for this week's Bible Art Journaling Challenge is Isaiah 41:10.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed;
for I am your God; I will strengthen you,
I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
(Isaiah 41:10 NKJV)

The Bible is loaded with 'fear not' verses but this one is a particular favorite of mine. Not only am I reminded that God is my God but He promises to strengthen me and help me. I've learned the hard way that it is impossible to do things and do them well with my own strength. God's help is vital to any success I hope to achieve.

The thing that stands out to me in this verse is the phrase, "I will uphold you with My righteous right hand". Have you ever noticed that when you are scared it is an instinct to reach out and hold onto whoever is close to you. The thought that the Creator of the universe upholds me just gives me an overwhelming sense of peace. So in the midst of the darkest situations all we have to do is reach out to that Righteous Right Hand and draw strength and courage from Him.

The Process

For this week's challenge Rebekah used an embossing technique and gelatos to complete the project. As I said before Righteous Right Hand is what kept standing out to me as I meditated on this portion of Scripture. Because of that I decided to deviate and do my own bit of art.

Step One: Tracing

Step One - Tracing

I'm not exactly gifted when it comes to freehand sketching so I decided to take the easy way out. I found a sketch of an extended right hand on the internet and I printed it out. I then used Saral Transfer paper and a stylus to transfer the outline onto my Bible page.

Step Two - Sketch The Image In

Step Two - Sketch The Image In

After transferring the image I just used my normal pencil and sketched in the details using the original picture as a reference. I also added some light shadowing where indicated.

Step Three - Add Some Words

Step Three - Add Some Words

I've been dabbling in modern calligraphy but as a beginner it was difficult to get it small enough to fit into my margin like I wanted. After several attempts I decided to cheat and do it on the computer and then print it out in the size I needed. I wanted to add a bit of texture so I tore the edges around my words. 

Step Four - Add Shadow

Step Four - Add Shadow 

I didn't like how stark the white paper was against my Bible pages so I got out my Pebbles Classic Chalks and used the grey to add some shadow texture to the edges. I really liked how the chalk grabbed onto the torn edges. 

Step Five - Add Shadow to the Drawing

Step Five - Add Shadow to the Drawing

I liked the outcome of the shadowing on the words so I decided to add some additional shadowing on the drawing. It helped to smooth out some of my sketchy strokes. I like how it softened the whole thing.

Step Six - Glue The Words In

Step Six - Glue The Words In

Now it is time to add the words of the Scripture into my margin. I just used regular Elmer's School Glue (it was what was on my desk at the time) and it worked perfectly. I squirted some on and then simply spread it to the edges with my finger. Then I simply placed it in my page margin. Let it dry before proceeding to the next step.

Step Seven - Add A Layer of Fixative

Step Seven - Add a Layer of Fixative

I didn't want to risk my work smearing so after the glue had dried I grabbed my can of Krylon Matte Finish Spray and headed outside. I just gave a quick all over spritz and it was done. 

On a funny note several of my neighbors were out doing yard work. The looks they gave me seemed to say, "Is she spray painting her Bible?" Yes, yes I am! Maybe they'll be so curious they'll come over to see what I'm doing and I can share it with them. 

Want To Join The Fun?


Rebekah R Jones has put together a wonderful group of fellow Bible doodlers. If you are interested you are welcome to join in the fun. A new challenge is posted each Tuesday. Check out her introduction to the Bible Art Journaling Challenge on her blog and join the Facebook group and/or the Google+ Community.

If you are interested in seeing more of my Bible Art Journaling posts just go here and you can scroll through them.

The Giveaway

I've asked Lonna's Stroke of Art and Zondervan to partner with me and give one of my readers a Note-Takers Bible and a Style & Fashion packet.

Bible Art Journaling Giveaway

One of our readers will win a copy of the Zondervan Note-Takers Bible (you choose the version: Amplified, NASB, NIV, NKJV or KJV) and a Style & Fashion pattern packet. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents and will run through midnight on Tuesday, June 2, 2015. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. The winner will be contacted by email and will have forty-eight hours to claim the prize. If unclaimed, a new winner will be drawn. The winners’ entries will be verified. Please enter the contest using the Giveaway Tools form below. All entries are optional.

Every Bride Needs A Groom (Brides With Style, Book 1) by Janice Thompson ~Contemporary Romance Review

Every Bride Needs A Groom (Brides with Style, Book 1) by Janice Thompson

Book review disclosure.

Brides With Style, Book 1
Contemporary Romance


SOMEWHERE IN A SEA OF TULLE AND TAFFETA, SATIN AND 
CREPE, KATIE FISHER NEEDS TO FIND A KEY INGREDIENT 
OF THE PERFECT WEDDING--THE GROOM.

Small-town girl Katie Fisher is busy planning her fairy-tale wedding. Sure, her boyfriend hasn't managed to pop the question just yet, but that doesn't mean she shouldn't enter a contest in Texas Bride magazine to win the dress of her dreams, right? Anyway, she's sure he'll be getting down on one knee any time now. And a one-of-a-kind designer dress doesn't just fall out of the sky right when you need it.

But when Katie's boyfriend takes a job in another town and breaks up with her--on the very same day she wins her dream dress--her world is turned upside down. Dare she go to Dallas to claim her prize? And will the hunky pro basketball player who runs the beyond-swanky bridal shop--yeah, you read that right--discover her humiliating secret if she does?

READ AN EXCERPT

My Thoughts

If you ever find yourself in a bit of a grumpy state just pick up a book by Janice Thompson and you are sure to snap out of it. Janice's stories are filled with quirky characters that find themselves in some of the most hilarious situations.

In Every Bride Needs A Groom we meet small-town girl Katie Fisher. She's been dating her boyfriend Casey forever and assumes that of course he is about to pop the question. Katie has been daydreaming and planning her fairy-tale wedding down to the last little detail. When her cousin Lori-Lou talks her into entering a contest to win a couture bridal gown Katie jumps at the chance even though she's technically not even engaged yet.

When Casey decides to take a job out of state and says that he thinks they should give their relationship a break Katie is stunned. To make matters even worse she finds out that she is the winner of the bridal gown contest. Did I mention that part of the prize is being featured on the cover of Texas Bride? To most this whole situation would seem like a tragedy. But the story is coming from the very clever mind of Janice Thompson. Prepare to laugh and cringe as the situation continues to spin out of control. 

The ensuing tale that follows is truly delightful. Just wait until you meet Katie's grandmother Queenie. The rest of her family is a wonderful mix of crazy . . . good crazy, but still crazy. I can hardly wait to read the next book, Every Girl Gets Confused (October 2015) just to see what the next nutty situation is going to be. 

Connect With The Author

Janice Thompson









Blueberry Turnovers from Me, Myself, and Pie: Amish Recipes by Sherry Gore

Blueberry Turnovers from Me, Myself, and Pie: Amish Recipes by Sherry Gore

Book review disclosure.

Mmm! Make these tasty fruit turnovers for a nostalgic treat that is sure to take center stage wherever they appear. Be prepared to double the recipe for seconds. These boisterous, tart, juicy pies summon standing ovations everywhere. Bravo! 
Me, Myself and Pie (pg. 205)

BLUEBERRY TURNOVERS

FOR THE CRUST
1 double recipe pastry pie crust

INGREDIENTS
2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
1 cup water
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch
⅛ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
⅛ teaspoon almond extract

FOR THE FILLING:
In a saucepan, gently cook blueberries in 1 cup water over low heat for a few minutes. Mix sugar, cornstarch, and salt together in a bowl, add to blueberry mixture and cook until thickened. Add lemon juice, vanilla and almond extract. Let cool.

TO ASSEMBLE:
Roll pastry out to even thickness and cut out 8-inch circles. Place several tablespoons of pie filling on one side of each turnover. Fold over and pinch edges closed. Crimp with fork. Place pies on a parchment-paper lined baking sheet. Bake at 450°F for 10 minutes. Turn temperature down to 350° and continue baking for 35-40 minutes, until golden brown.

About The Book

Me, Myself, and Pie by Sherry Gore
Me, Myself, and Pie is a delicious look at the scrumptious and wholesome pies that are beloved by the Amish community--as well as everyone else who is lucky enough to come across one of these tasty treats! Author Sherry Gore takes you on a culinary journey around Amish communities, highlighting pies that are unique to Amish culture, such as dutch Peaches and Cream Pie, Bob Andy Pie, and Peanut Butter Cream Pie. Sherry also covers all of the latest trends in pie-making form the perennial favorite Whoopie Pies to the modern twist of Pie Pops, to the adorable and easy to make Pies-in-a-Jar.

Interwoven with delicious recipes straight from Sherry's kitchen are stories about her life in the Amish community of Pinecraft, Florida, and her trip to the epicenter of Amish pie, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in search of the secret to pie perfection. Learn about Sherry's dedication to her love of pie and her path to professional pie judge, all told with her trademark wit and wisdom.


Filled with practical advice to help you create the perfect flaky crust and mouthwatering filling every time, this book provides you with the know-how to bake pies you would be proud to serve and delighted to eat!

Connect With The Author

Sherry Gore



Disclosure of materials.



All Gave Some, But Some Gave All. ~ We Remember Memorial Day 2015

All gave some, but some gave all. We remember. Memorial Day 2015

Ronnie L. Clark


Corporal
B CO, 15TH CBT ENGRS, 9 INF DIV
Army of the United States
17 February 1948 - 25 February 1968
Hugoton, Kansas
Panel 41E Line 018
Army Medals for Ronnie L Clark

FIRE SUPPORT BASE JAEGER
near Cai Lay
Stars and Stripes
Feb 27th 1968

Fighting from behind a wagon train circle made of armored vehicles, U.S. infantrymen of the 5th Bn (Mech) 60th Inf stood off an attack by 500 hundred Viet Cong who tried to overrun their patrol base and seize heavy artillery, thus blocking the rice life line between Saigon and the Mekong Delta. The pre-dawn battle at Fire Support Base Jaeger took place 42 miles southwest of Saigon, lasting 4 and a half hours.

The enemy attack wilted under counterattacks from infantry reinforcements, helicopter gun ships and outside artillery. But U.S. losses were heavy and damage to the base was extensive.

American losses were 20 killed and 70 wounded. Among the dead was the patrol base commander.

The U.S. command reported 100 Viet Cong killed in the assault on the 200 man patrol base of the 9th Infantry Division, the unit charged with keeping open Highway 4 which carries rice and other essential goods to the capitol of Saigon.

About 60 of the Viet Cong penetrated the base's western perimeter and managed for a while to take over a 155mm artillery piece. Heavy American counter fire drove the enemy away before they could turn it on the defenders or haul it away.

In the enemy's covering mortar and rocket fire 11 armored vehicles were destroyed.

The attack began shortly after midnight with a Communist feint from the east. Then the main attack came from the west.

Field dispatches said the 16 armored vehicles drew into a circle around the 4 artillery pieces to stand off a human wave attack by the Viet Cong, when they had blasted their way through barbed wire on the western perimeter with Bangalore torpedoes.

Spec 4 Ralph Hirshler of Lamar, Colorado manned a .50 caliber machine gun on an armored vehicle. "They just kept coming over the rice paddy dikes and I kept heaving lead at them," he said. "I must have fired 1000 rounds in 10 minutes."

One of the attackers killed the company commander and Lt. Stanley Nowach, of St. Louis, a Forward Observer, took command.

The fight was touched off when the U.S. company spotted 12 Viet Cong moving toward the perimeter from the east shortly after midnight. The American troops opened up with machine gun fire and sent out four armored personnel carriers to sweep the area. The lead carrier was hit by rocket fire. Then the Viet Cong opened up from the southwest and northwest, then sent the bulk of its force storming into the western perimeter. Recon Platoon tried to break through to the encircled company but was attacked en route. Four of the armored personnel carriers of Recon Platoon finally drove through along with another infantry company.

"It was obviously coordinated to overrun the four artillery guns," an officer said.

The battle actually cost 22 American lives:

B Co, 15th Eng Bn:
SGT Robert L. Simmons, Ridgeway, SC
SP4 Joe H. Brown, Jackson, MS
CPL Ronnie L. Clark, Hugoton, KS
CPL Larry A. De La Rosa, Baldwin Park, CA
CPL Dennis E. Lane, Wilton, CA
PFC William L. Newsome, New Rochelle, NY

A Btry, 1st Bn, 11th Arty Rgt:
SP4 Stanley O. Johnson, Cincinnati, OH

B Co, 5th Bn, 60th Inf Rgt:
CPT Daniel R. Schueren, Arlington Heights, IL
SP4 James C. Blount, Columbus, GA
SP4 Edward Singleton, Baltimore, MD
PFC Richard B. Mc Daniel, San Mateo, CA

C Co, 5th Bn, 60th Inf Rgt:
CPL Maxie E. Ackerman, Saginaw, MI
CPL Manuelito L. Herrera, Manassa, CO
CPL Richard M. Scala, New York, NY
CPL George D. Whitelaw, East Detroit, MI
PFC Leslie R. Lewis, Chicago, IL
PFC Gearwin P. Tousey, Green Bay, WI
PFC Frederick T. Williams, New York, NY

HHC, 5th Bn, 60th Inf Rgt:
2LT Gordon K. Hughes, Upper Sandusky, OH
SP4 Michael C. Zeller, Wamego, KS
PFC Michael D. Sheahan, Tujunga, CA

B Btry, 1st Bn, 84th Arty Rgt:
PFC Earl E. Parker, Portsmouth, VA





Creative Ways To Teach Your Children Scripture {Giveaway}

Teach Your Children (Deuteronomy 6:5-7)


Scripture tells us in (Deuteronomy 6:5-7 NIV) that we should make sure that our children know the Word of God. We are to teach them all day long in everything we do. That thought has weighed heavy on my heart lately and I decided to take stock of the ways in which we were doing that in our home.

I don't want my kids to think that learning Scripture is drudgery. After all the Bible tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. (Nehemiah 8:10 NIV) And I certainly want my kids to be strong. So I began looking at how we are currently teaching them and also ways that we could incorporate more of it into our daily lives. Here's a short list of some things I came up with.

Miss M reading about the crucifixion of Christ.
Miss M is retelling the story of the crucifixion of Christ.
I'm so thrilled with how well she is able to grasp the concept.

1. Read the Word. This may sound like a simple "of course we should do that" suggestion but let me define what I mean. Read the Word to your children in a translation that they can understand. I grew up with the KJV and to be honest I love the lyrical sound of Scripture in that version. But there are wonderful translations today that are written on a reading level that your children can understand and read for themselves. We are currently using the NIrV Beginner's Bible which was designed for six to ten year-olds. This is perfect for our accomplished reader and even our two beginning readers.

Mr. M reading the Nativity story.
Mr. M is one of our beginning readers.
He does a pretty good job of reading the stories straight out of the NIrV Beginner's Bible.

2. Listen to the Word. Listening is an important skill set for our children. Besides just reading the Bible aloud to your kids there are other ways to get them to learn to listen and absorb Scripture. We've been using The Beginner's Bible and Audio CDs from the Collector's Edition. My beginning readers are particularly enjoying this. They can follow along in the book while the story is being told on the CDs. This works perfectly for us at home and in the car. The bonus is that it frees momma up for a bit to get those important things done like having a second cup of coffee!

The epic battle between David and Goliath.
Let the battle begin!



3. Watch the Word. There's nothing wrong with your kids watching a DVD at home or in the car now and then. In fact I think it is another great way to teach Scripture to my kids. We have several DVDs that we like that have a great message. The one that is currently in the car is from the Beginner's Bible Collector's Edition. It has 94 different videos that take the kids from Genesis with "The Beginning" and lead them all the way to Revelation with "Jesus Is Coming!". That is 120 minutes of peace for the whole car and on a long trip you know that is priceless!

Even little ones can learn Bible stories.
Even the littlest ones can learn Bible stories.



4. Play with the Word.  The other day we were at our local Mardel store and found the most adorable play figures that go along with the Beginner's Bible line. We picked up Daniel and the Lion, David and Goliath, Jesus and the Cross, Moses and the 10 Commandments, Jonah and the Whale, and even a Nativity Set.

The possibilities with these play sets are endless. They match all of the Beginner's Bible Baby Board Books, the I Can Read series, and even the regular reading books.  We have had so much fun reading the stories aloud while the other kids act it out with the figurines. What has really been a blessing is listening to my little ones tell the story by themselves with the figures. Okay, so maybe the three year-old has a few different twists to the story of Jonah and the Whale, but he's getting there and that's what we're after.

Mr H's version of Jonah and the Whale
Mr. H has a very interesting version of the Jonah and the Whale story.
I really need to get it on video.

 Teaching our kids Scripture is a responsibility but it is also a delightful privilege.  I hope my list gives you some food for thought and inspires you to be creative in teaching your children the Scriptures.

We've had so much fun with our Beginner's Bible books and toys that we want a couple of our readers to have the opportunity to experience it in their homes as well.

The Giveaway


Beginner's Bible Collector's Edition Giveaway

We have partnered with Zonderkidz  and Mardel to offer TWO of our readers a copy of The Beginner's Bible Collector's Edition. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents and will run through midnight on Friday, June 5, 2015. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. The winner will be contacted by email and will have forty-eight hours to claim the prize. If unclaimed, a new winner will be drawn. The winners’ entries will be verified. Please enter the contest using the Giveaway Tools form below. All entries are optional.


The Berenstain Bears God Bless Our Country by Mike Berenstain ~ Children's Book Review

The Berenstain Bears God Bless Our Country by Mike Berenstain


Mike Berenstain
Juvenile Fiction (ages 4-8)



“You are the light of the world. 
A city on a hill cannot be hidden.”
(Matthew 5:14 NIV)

In the newest Berenstain Bear Living Lights title, the glorious fourth has arrived and the Bear family is busy decorating with flags and bunting. Brother, Sister and Honey are anticipating the big parade and all the fireworks but aren’t really thinking about the true meaning of the day.

But Mama and Papa make sure the cubs know just how much Bear Country is blessed with a quick lesson about the first Fourth of July.

Features 12 full-color stickers.

The bear cubs prepare their bikes for the parade.
The cubs were going to ride their bikes in the parade. They were decorating them with red, white, and blue ribbons and streamers. Prizes would be awarded for the most patriotic-looking bikes.
Best of all, there were fireworks after the parade. (pg. 4)








My Thoughts

If you've ever been privileged enough to be a part of a small town Fourth of July celebration then you are going to enjoy sharing this book with your littles. The lovable Berenstain Bear family is back and they are about to celebrate America's birthday with their friends and neighbors. 

A celebration in Bear Country wouldn't be complete without food and festivities. As the family prepares for the parade by decorating their bikes and trying on old military uniforms a wonderful discussion ensues about the birth of America. When Sister asks "You mean countries are born like babies?" Papa gives a recap of how our beloved country was started and the sacrifices made by brave men and women.

As the Fourth quickly approaches I urge you to read this book with your kiddos and then take it a step further and find a celebration near you. Everyone needs to experience a small town Fourth of July celebration. Parades, pie eating contests, cake walks, potato sack races and then the grand finale . . . fireworks! Our freedom was hard fought and won. Go enjoy it!

Connect With The Berenstain Bears

The Berenstain Bears

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The Lord Directs Our Steps {Journaling Bible & Pattern Giveaway}

The Lord Directs Our Steps

Have you ever had a situation where you made plans and thought you knew exactly how the outcome would be only to find at the conclusion of the event the ending is different than your original intentions? I certainly have. In fact it has happened many times. 

Sometimes it has been something minor like planning an outdoor lunch only to have it unexpectedly rain. I had checked the forecast and knew for certain everything would be fine but then the heavens unleashed a torrent and we found ourselves eating indoors at a nearby restaurant. While there we happened to run into dear friends from out of state that were just passing through.

Another time the situation was more serious. I had an errand that needed to be done but it kept being delayed due to other obligations. I was finally able to go do the errand hours later than planned. While at the particular place a new neighbor of mine got violently ill. I didn't know her well enough to even remember her name but we recognized each other and I was able to minister to her needs because of the delay in my plans. 

Both of these situations remind me of the verse in Proverbs that says:

A man's heart plans his way.
But the Lord directs his steps. (Proverbs 16:9 NKJV)

For me that is such a reassuring promise that no matter what I have in mind the Lord will guide and direct me exactly where He desires me to be.

The Process

Style & Fashion Pattern Packet
For this week's Bible Art Journaling project I decided to use a new pattern I had from my friend Lonna. Her Zebra Shoe pattern is part of her Style & Fashion packet and it is adorable and just the thing for this verse.

I decided to put it on a piece of velum and use it as an insert in my Bible. For the text of the verse I just used my computer and designed the font and then printed it out. 

The next step was to transfer the shoe pattern onto the velum and then use the painting instructions for the pattern.

For a final touch I added some background texture with stamps and the paint from the color palette. 

To finish everything off I gave the project a quick spritz with Krylon Matte Finish spray. I then ran a line of adhesive down the backside and placed it in my Bible.

The Giveaway

I loved this week's project so much and I thought that you might like it too. So I've asked Lonna's Stroke of Art and Zondervan to partner with me and give one of my readers a Note-Takers Bible and a Style & Fashion packet.

Bible Art Journaling Giveaway

One of our readers will win a copy of the Zondervan Note-Takers Bible (you choose the version: Amplified, NASB, NIV, NKJV or KJV) and a Style & Fashion pattern packet. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents and will run through midnight on Tuesday, June 2, 2015. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. The winner will be contacted by email and will have forty-eight hours to claim the prize. If unclaimed, a new winner will be drawn. The winners’ entries will be verified. Please enter the contest using the Giveaway Tools form below. All entries are optional.



The Legacy (The Restoration Series, Book 4) by Dan Walsh & Gary Smalley ~ Contemporary Fiction Review

The Legacy (The Restoration Series, Book 4) by Dan Walsh & Gary Smalley


The Restoration Series, Book 4
Dan Walsh & Gary Smalley
Contemporary Fiction

ONE YOUNG MAN IS ABOUT TO DISCOVER
THE TRUE COST OF INDEPENDENCE

For years, Doug Anderson has been drifting slowly but steadily away from both his family and his faith. His parents have been trying to reach him before he falls too far. His friend Christina hopes what she is seeing online isn't true. But sometimes you have to hit bottom before you're ready to grow up.

Just as things begin to settle down a bit, Doug's life takes a turn that requires every bit of faith and patience for both his family and Christina--whose growing feelings for Doug, a man who writes her off as not worth his time, keep her off balance. Will Doug's crisis finally clear his vision and help him focus on what he has right in front of him?

The Restoration Series by Dan Walsh & Gary Smalley


My Thoughts

The Legacy brings the Restoration Series to a very satisfying close. This volume centers on the youngest son Doug Anderson. Doug is away at college and is bent on living a lifestyle that rejects the one his parents embrace. The problem is that Doug is financially dependent upon his parents. He finds himself in a position where he has to choose between what he wants and what his family expects.

The story of the rest of the Anderson family and Christina also continues. Christina is attracted to Doug but the decisions he's making leave her with little choice but to move on. The obvious next step is to start accepting the overtures from Ted. But the spark just isn't there.

My favorite characters still remain Uncle Henry and Aunt Myra. Wouldn't it be nice if we could all have relatives like these two? Their sound and gentle advice to tough family situations are what make this fictional series so applicable to our real life stories. No matter what stage of life you are in there is something in this series that will speak to your situation.

Connect With The Authors


Dan Walsh
Photo Credit: © Dan Davis Photography
Facebook  I  Twitter  I  Pinterest  I  Goodreads

Gary Smalley
Photo Credit: © Dan Davis Photography




The Creole Princess (Gulf Coast Chronicles, Book 2) by Beth White ~ Historical Romance Review

The Creole Princess (Gulf Coast Chronicles, Book 2) by Beth White


Gulf Coast Chronicles, Book 2
Beth White
Historical Romancce


Torn between loyalties to family and flag, one young woman is 
about to discover that her most important allegiance is to her heart.

It is 1776, and all along the eastern seaboard the American struggle for independence rages. But in the British-held southern port of Mobile, Alabama, the conflict brewing is much quieter--though no less deadly.

Lyse Lanier may be largely French in heritage, but she spends most of her time in the company of the ebullient daughter of the British commander of Mobile. When a charming young Spanish merchant docks in town, Lyse is immediately struck by his easy wit and flair for the dramatic. But is he truly who he makes himself out to be? Spies abound, and Spain has yet to choose a side in the American conflict. Is Lyse simply an easy mark for Rafael Gonzalez to exploit? Or are his overtures of love as genuine as Spanish gold?

With spectacular detail that brings the cultural gumbo of the Colonial Gulf Coast alive, Beth White invites you to step into a world of intrigue and espionage from a little-known slice of the American Revolutionary War.

My Thoughts

The Revolutionary War is such a fascinating and pivotal point in our history. Most stories written about that time are usually located on the east coast among the original thirteen colonies. Beth White has once again written a story about a well-known time in history, the Revolutionary War period, but she chose to set it in Mobile, Alabama and New Orleans.

I must admit that I had no idea what was going on in this area during this portion of history. Beth tells the story of the time through the Lanier family. She first introduced us to them in The Pelican Bride. Now it is a few generations later and the story continues with the descendants of those that settled the area.

Not only does Beth give us a little history lesson but she adds in some touchy subjects as well. Slavery is prevalent but there is also an increase in the desire to free the slaves. The subject of mixed race parentage is a main tenant in the story. I found it very interesting to read about Lyse Lanier who is the daughter of a freed-slave mother and a french father. Her story is juxtaposed with her cousin Scarlet. Scarlet's mother is the sister to Lyse's mother. Scarlet is still a slave just as her mother was. Their two lives are so different even though they are from the same family and live in the same town.

And then there is the dashing Spaniard Don Rafael Maria Gonzales de Ripparda. He is the reason that this book is classified as a Historical Romance. He is rico suave personified. But what you see is not all there is to this handsome spy. Lyse falls under his spell but is unsure if she can trust him. Discovering if she can makes this book a worthy read.

I can hardly wait for the third installment in the Gulf Coast Chronicles scheduled for Spring 201. It will be called The Duchess of Navy Cove and there is a teaser in the back of the book. The Lanier family saga continues and from what I read it looks to be another hit.

Connect With The Author

Beth White
Photo Credit: © Wendy Wilson Photography




The Day Is Waiting by Don Freeman and Linda Zuckerman {Children's Book Review}

The Day Is Waiting by Don Freeman & Linda Zuckerman


Don Freeman & Linda Zuckerman
Juvenile Fiction (4-8 year old)

THE DAY IS WAITING is the only one of Don Freeman's books in which the reader is the central character. It is the child who goes on a journey to faraway places, has small, safe adventures, and returns home, hoping to explore the world again. Filled with the artist's characteristic humor and warmth, The Day is Waiting tells children that the world is an interesting place, filled with different kinds of people, all doing interesting things, all waiting to be discovered.



My Thoughts

The house that hasn't read Corduroy over and over and over is undoubtedly a rare one. I know that our copy of the book is tattered and worn but well loved. My children enjoyed the little bear's escapades in all of the books and I loved the artwork. 

When Don Freeman died in 1978 his family and close family friend, Linda Zuckerman decided to publish one last book with Don's beautiful artwork and Linda's words. The result is The Day Is Waiting

It is everything that I think embodies Don's work. The story is adorable and leads children on a little adventure then safely returns them home to embark upon a new adventure another day. What I truly love about it is the beautiful artwork. Included are illustrations done in pastel, watercolor and other media. Such a treat for the eyes!

If you enjoy reading the Corduroy books with your kiddos then you really must get this one to round out your collection. It is a beautiful tribute to a man that touched so many of our childhoods.
 

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