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Category Archives: Favorites

Summer’s Best Surprise

26 Thursday Jul 2018

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Favorites, Reviewed Books

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Best Fiction of 2018, fiction, Joanne Bischof, Sons of Blackbird Mountain

sons of blackbird mountain

 

This book was one of those books that made me sorry I gave other books five stars. I am flabbergasted by the amount of love I have for this book! It is such a great story!! I couldn’t get it to download onto my e-reader, so I literally read the entire thing on my tiny i-phone 6 with my Kindle app. There are not many books I would do that for outside of  a few long-standing favorites.  I am a long time reader of historical fiction and I cannot fathom how I have missed books by this amazing author. I am feel like I have found a new favorite author and I so excited to read her other titles.

What makes this book so special is the way Bischof brings you into the story immediately. I did not have to read two or three chapters to feel like I knew and loved the characters. The book flowed so well and from the beginning I found myself cheering on Aven in her journey to a new beginning. I loved the set up, the setting, and the other characters- especially Aven’s love interest,  He is not your typical hero and has a few obstacles to overcome. As soon as I read the last page, I knew I would read this book again. I highly recommend it!

I requested this book from the publisher because I love historical fiction. I was not compensated for reviewing this book and all opinions are my own.

The BEST Book About the Holy Land

10 Tuesday Apr 2018

Posted by Jennifer in Favorites, Food for thought, Reviewed Books, Travel

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Best Travel Book for Israel, Book Review, Books on Israel, Kathie Lee Gifford, The Rock The Road and the Rabbi

The Road The Rock and The Rabbai

 

A few years ago I had the privilege to travel to Israel and tour with a group of pastors.  I was really in awe of everything I saw, and our tour guide did an amazing job of connecting the Bible to each site we visited. However, now that I have read the Rock, the Road, and the Rabbi,  I want to go back! There is so much I missed! Kathie Lee Gifford and Rabbi Jason Sobel do an amazing job telling the story of the Holy Land,  and communicating the significance of related scripture.

I imagine the travel itinerary for trips to Israel is similar regardless of the tour company you choose. This book covers it all including Mount Carmel, Capernaum, The Sea of Galilee, Bethlehem, The Mount of Olives, The Upper Room, The Garden of Gethsemane, and Jerusalem.  I was given a book on my tour to help me better understand all that I was going to see.  Where it was information, this book is insight! Even if you never get to go to Israel, this book will allow you to connect scripture with geography.  I absolutely loved it!  If you have a list of books you are wanting to read this year, move the Rock, the Road, and the Rabbi to the top of your list!

I requested a copy of this book from BookLookBloggers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own and I have not been compensated.

New from Laura Frantz!!

19 Tuesday Dec 2017

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Favorites, Reviewed Books, Virginia

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Best of 2017, Book Review, Laura Frantz, Revell Publishing, The Lacemaker

the lacemaker

 

From the Back Cover

Lady Elizabeth ”Liberty” Lawson has nearly everything a lady of her position could want. Daughter of the British lieutenant governor of the Virginia Colony and a darling of fine society in a rugged land, she is anticipating an advantageous marriage. That her betrothal is a rake and love is lacking is of little consequence- or she tells herself.

Though her own life seems in order, colonial Williamsburg is a powder keg on the verge of exploding, and her fiancé’s cousin, Noble Rynallt carries the flame of the revolution in his heart. Those with connections to the British nobility are suspected as spies, and Liberty  soon finds herself left with a terrible choice. Will she stay true to her English roots? Or side with Noble and the radical revolutionaries?

My Thoughts

I was so thrilled to receive a copy of the Lacemaker in the mail this week! I simply loved it in every way. Laura Frantz tells an unforgettable story, rich in history with vivid characters and perhaps my favorite heroine yet! The story unfolds in perfect tempo, with enough turns and twists to keep you up late reading! I loved that Liberty fought for her own independence as the story unfolded. The hero of the story, Noble Rynallt, could not have been better suited for this revolutionary tale.

Many years ago, I stumbled upon Laura Frantz’s first book, The Frontiersman’s Daughter, in my local library. For me, it was love at first read. I have a short list of favorites, and Frantz is at the top! The Lacemaker is Frantz at her best! You do not want to miss this book!  As a side note, I live in Fredericksburg, Virginia, not far from Williamsburg. This book was especially thrilling to read because I know the places in it so well. Thank you Laura Frantz for another piece of perfect historical fiction!

I requested a copy of The Lacemaker from its publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. I would have purchased this book had I not received a copy because Laura Frantz is my favorite! All opinions are my own and I have not been compensated.

About the Author

Laura Frantz is a Christy Award finalist and the ECPA best-selling author of several books, including The Frontiersman’s Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, The Colonel’s Lady, The Mistress of Tall Acre, A Moonbow Night, and the Ballantyne Legacy series. She lives and writes in a log cabin in the heart of Kentucky. Learn more at www.laurafrantz.net.

To Wager Her Heart by Tamera Alexander

24 Monday Jul 2017

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Favorites, Recently Read

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Best of 2017, Christian Historical Fiction, New Historical Fiction, Tamera Alexander, To Wager Her Hear

to wager her heart

 

Tamera Alexander is by far one of the best story tellers in historical fiction. Her attention to detail, realistic characters, and ability to convey genuine emotion make every novel she pens one that I will read over and over again. To Wager Her Heart is no exception. Like the two books that precede it, To Whisper Her Name and To Win Her Favor, I was captivated from the first chapter. I quickly became invested in the story of Alexandra Jamison and Sylas Rutledge.

Alexandra Jamison is a young woman who has known tragedy and loss. Looking for purpose, Alexandra takes on a teaching position at Fisk University and loses what is left of her family. She meets an undignified Sylas Rutledge who becomes an important friend despite her first impressions. I love the way this story unfolds! I so appreciate the way the relationship between Alexandra and Sylas develops.  I also enjoyed the history Tamera Alexander included regarding Fisk University and the Jubilee Singers. There is a moment in the beginning of the novel where Alexandra mistakes a generous colleague for a maid.  It was in that part of the story, that I began to appreciate how well Tamera Alexander creates flawed characters that we can fall in love with! I was literally embarrassed for the main character…I felt what she felt. This is the mark of a great novel.

If you love historical fiction, To Wager Her Heart is a must read!  I am admittedly a huge Tamera Alexander fan and I am always aware of when she has a new release coming out. I have read every single novel she has written and they are all fantastic. However, I must say, the Belle Meade Plantation Novels have been my favorite. You do not have to read them in sequential order as they easily stand alone. But you should definitely read the entire series! I was given an Advanced Reader’s Copy by the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. ( I would have purchased this book anyway…it was on my MUST READ list.)

Fantastic Retelling of Sense and Sensibility!

01 Saturday Jul 2017

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Favorites, Reviewed Books

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Best Fiction of 2017, Best reads of 2017, Hillary Manton Lodge, Jane Austen, Jane of Austin

Jane of Austen

 

This my friends is a Jane Austen retelling done well! One of my all time favorite Jane Austen novels is Sense and Sensibility.   Jane of Austin is a funny, interesting, and lovely rewrite by author Hillary Manton Lodge. Lodge does a masterful job weaving in the original story to her current day rendition. It is was so fun to catch all the moments that were from the original.  I think the best thing about this book, is that while it echoes the Jane Austen original, it has its own authentic wonderfulness.

I think sometimes when authors attempt to do a retelling, it goes south fast because they either missed what was great in the original, or they fail to make it their own in fear of butchering a classic.   Jane of Austin is none of the above. Author Hillary Manton Lodge tells the story of three sisters who lose everything and must leave their family home in San Francisco. Celia, Jane, and Margot Woodward move to Austin when a kind but exuberant relative offers them housing and a chance to start over.  In Austin, Jane meets the oh so handsome Sean Willis (see John Willoughby) who whisks her off her feet. We all know where relationships with a John Willoughby will take you. Even though I knew what was coming, I read late into the night just to be certain.

I really do hope that this novel makes its way into becoming a movie. I loved it and I can’t wait to pass my copy to a fellow Jane Austen enthusiast. I received a complimentary copy of this book from BloggingforBooks. I was not required to give a positive review and I have not been compensated in any way.

About the Author

Hillary Manton Lodge is the author of Plain Jayne, a Carol Award Finalist, and Simply Sara, an ECPA bestselling book. A graduate of the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism, Hillary discovered the world of cuisine during her internship at Northwest Palate magazine. A storyteller at heart, in her free time she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, watching foreign films, and exploring new walking trails. She and her husband live in Portland, Oregon.

Uncommon Summer Reading

25 Sunday Jun 2017

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Favorites, Reviewed Books

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Book Review, Carey Scott, faith, Summer Reading, Uncommon

Uncommon_3D_book

My gracious I love this new book by author Carey Scott! I love it because it challenges me everyday to live differently, to choose to live Uncommon. This book is a standout from the  white noise that can be Christian Living books. It is the perfect summer read for a mental reset and a refocusing of life in all areas. I highly recommend this book to any woman who feels like she is stuck and desperate for some encouragement.

deep_waters

Uncommon addresses many of the real struggles women face everyday: forgiveness, kindness, leadership, and courage. No matter where you are in your walk with God, there is something in this book for you. Author Carey Scott spends each chapter encouraging us to live uncommon. To be generous, forgiving, loving, kind and to have faith to name just a few of the topics she covers in this book. In each chapter you will find her personal reflection, stories from the Bible, scripture, a personal challenge, and a prayer.  I couldn’t have stumbled upon a better daily quiet time guide. It isn’t a Bible study, but you certainly could use it as one.

“No matter the mistakes you’ve made, the bridges you’ve burned, the moral failures you’ve committed, the painful words you’ve spewed, the hurtful things you have done… no matter your fears and insecurities, no matter your long list of excuses… with Jesus, you have all you need to be uncommon.”
Carey Scott #beUncommon

I first stumbled upon author Carey Scott on her blog, careyscott.org. I have always found her writing to be so practical and challenging. This new book releases in July, but it can be preordered now! You should check it out! Because I already knew and was confident in Carey Scott I requested an advanced copy of this book.  I was so excited to read it! I am so glad I did! I was not required to give this book a positive review and I was not compensated in any way.

hard

This post was inspired by the book Uncommon: Living a Life or Purpose and Pursuit by Carey Scott. Preorder and submit your receipt details at http://careyscott.org/uncommon/ by June 3oth to receive a PDF download of the Uncommon Companion Study Guide, exclusive access to Carey’s “Diving Deeper” video series and 5” x 7” printable of 10 Ways to Live Uncommon.

An Eater’s Guide Across America

12 Monday Jun 2017

Posted by Jennifer in Favorites, Food, Reviewed Books, Travel

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10th edition, Jane and Michael Stern, Road Food, Where to eat on the road

image1-2

 

My husband and I are attempting to travel all fifty states with our two boys before they graduate from high school. As they are still young, we have plenty of time, but so far we have made impressive progress! We live on the East Coast and have driven to California and back on a crazy six-week National Park Extravaganza! Oh how I wish I had this book on that trip!! Road Food is an incredible resource for finding the local favorites all across the States. This fall we are taking a two-week New England trip and I am so excited to try some of the hidden gems in this 10th edition of Road Food. 

FullSizeRender-10

In September, we will be traveling to Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts in a two-week sprint to experience New England. I am excited to discover all of the great eateries listed in this book!  Road Food  is divided up regionally which is incredibly helpful. Most of the places listed are in towns that you might pass through while traveling on interstates. The listings include well visited towns and cities. For instance, I am from Knoxville, but most of the restaurants listed in Tennessee are in Nashville, Memphis, and Chattanooga. The establishment listed for Knoxville is Litton’s, which is a fantastic hamburger joint. It truly is a fantastic place to eat! I used their listing of Litton’s as a barometer of what the author’s recommendations might look like.

Currently, we live in Virginia and I also approve of the listings for our local area. Goolrick’s Pharmacy in Fredericksburg is a really neat place to grab a milkshake at the counter of an old-fashioned pharmacy you will likely not find anywhere else. Also listed is the Barbeque Exchange in Gordonsville where I have personally eaten numerous times. The parking lot is almost always full, but the line is worth it. They make their own pickles and even have a fun selection of homestyle desserts.

I am so excited to get on the road and start our New England adventure. Road Food will stay in the car so we always know where to eat! This truly is an incredible resource! I love it! I was given a complimentary copy of this book by BloogingforBooks. I was not required to give it a positive review. All opinions are my own and I have not been compensated.

 

My New Favorite Cookbook and Skillet Strata!

13 Monday Mar 2017

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Favorites, Food, Reviewed Books, Uncategorized

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Molly Gilbert, One Pan Meals, Quick Dinner Ideas, Skillet Strata, What's for Dinner

One Pan and Done

 

I rely heavily on new cookbooks and food bloggers for dinner inspiration.  The monotony  of the same old meals is unbearable to me. At least once a week, I attempt something new to feed my people! One Pan & Done by author and food blogger Molly Gilbert is a pretty incredible resource for fantastic ideas that can be made in one pan…veggies and all.

This is a five-star cook book for its ease of use, variety of ideas, and full flavor offerings. The true test of a great cook book for me is the number of recipes I dog ear my first time flipping through the pages. I have quite a list of Molly’s recipes on my menu this week. Saturday morning I made her Skillet Strata. It was amazing to eat and beautiful to see. I would also add, this recipe for Skillet Strata was so easy to make and could be easily used as a base recipe. There are so many ways I could change this recipe and still be left with a delicious breakfast, brunch, or even lunch.

Here is what you need to make this lovely strata!

2 tablespoons evoo

12 ounces of maple breakfast sausage links cut into 1/2 thick slices

1 small onion, thinly sliced (I diced)

2 cups cremini mushrooms sliced

6 large eggs

1 cup whole milk or half-and-half ( I used 2% b/c that’s what I had on hand, worked great)

1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Kosher salt and pepper to taste

4 cups 1-inch bread cubes (I used her suggestion of ciabatta)

1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese, about six ounces

10-inch iron skillet

Preheat oven to 400.

Heat olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Make your life easy and chop everything before you get started. Once oil is shimmering, add sausage to pan and saute until well browned and cook through. Stir in onion and mushrooms to soften, about 7 minutes.

strata 1

While veggies cook, in a separate bowl,  whisk together eggs, milk, mustard, chives, and some salt and pepper. (again, do this before you get started to make it less stressful)

Add the cubed bread to the skillet in a single layer. and top with the cheese. Remove from heat and pour over egg mixture, distributing it evenly over the pan. Press the bread down with a spoon to help it soak up the mixture. (I sorta tossed the bread a little to get some of the sausage to the top to make my end product look as pretty as Molly’s.

strata 2

Transfer skillet to the oven and bake until the strata is browned, about 25-30 minutes. Sprinkle more chopped chives over strata and serve warm.

strata 3

This was really delicious!! I can highly recommend this recipe and the book! This week I am also making her Shepherd’s Pot Pie and her Oat and Date Breakfast Bars.I received a review copy of this book from BloggingforBooks. You can find more from Molly Gilbert at dunkandcrumble.com.

 

 

 

 

A New Favorite from Tamera Alexander

25 Wednesday Jan 2017

Posted by Jennifer in Favorites, Reviewed Books

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A Note Yet Unsung, Christian Fiction, Favorite Fiction, historical fiction, Reviewed, Tamera Alexander

a-note-yet-unsung

 

I have had the privilege of reading all three books in Tamera Alexander’s Belmont Mansion series.  This last book, A Note Yet Unsung is without a question my favorite of the three! It was a fantastic ending to a fabulous series!! While this book is third in the series, you could absolutely read it as a stand alone. Tamera Alexander does include characters from the previous books, but in a fun flashback sort of way.

A Note Yet Unsung, is a charming story about a tenacious woman before her time. Rebekah Carrington has arrived home to Nashville from Vienna without money or a safe place to live. She is an extremely talented musician living in a time when women are not invited to participate in symphonies. She soon finds that the city has acquired its own philharmonic with a promising conductor, Nathaniel T. Whitcomb. The war is over and times are changing… perhaps Mr. Whitcomb will offer her an opportunity to live her dream. Her hope for her future rests in hands.

I love the way Tamera Alexander develops this story. There is no love at first sight or unbelievable relationship created. Page by page, Rebekah and Nathaniel get to know one another. I love the amount of page time dedicated to the development of their story. This story is perfection, an easy five stars. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Netgalley. I was not required to give it a positive review. To be perfectly honest, I was patiently waiting for this book’s release so I could request it. I would have purchased a copy for myself because Tamera Alexander is in my top three must read authors!!

The BEST of 2015

07 Monday Dec 2015

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Favorites, Reviewed Books, Uncategorized

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Book Review, Christian Historical Fiction, Favorite Fiction, Favorite Reads of 2015, Julie Klassen, Laura Frantz, Tamera Alexander, The Mistress of Tall Acre, The Painter's Daugher, To Win Her Favor

I spend so much time reading!  I love getting lost in a book. This year I have lost count of exactly how many I have read. However, I recall three books that I will never forget. These books are guaranteed good reads if you love historical fiction. I whole-heartedly recommend these novels. I will read them over and over again.

The Mistress of Tall Acre

 by: Laura Franz

The Mistress of Tall Acre

To Win Her Favor

By: Tamera Alexander

To Win Her Favor

The Painter’s Daughter

by: Julie Klassen

The Painters Daugher

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