Book Review--Bitter Blessings

Bitter Blessings by Christine Mehring. This book surprised me. It hooked me from the beginning and kept me turning the pages. The writing was well done, and kept me wondering if I had figured things out. I enjoyed the characters and really felt for Megan and everything that happened to her. I loved seeing the growth she made, but wished the ending had a little more to it. It did remind me that even the hard things are in fact blessings, whether we see them that way or not. I look forward to addition books from Christine. I would recommend this book to any and everyone, especially to those needing a reminder that things can always be worse. :)

:):):):)

Here's a blurb and purchase information.

Megan has the perfect life, but when her mother dies in an accident, everything spins out of control. With the rest of her family falling apart, Megan must confront her past to uncover the truths that will keep everyone together. Thought-provoking and heartfelt, this book shows that even in times of trial, you can often find blessings.

Gratitude Giveaway Nov 17-27

Welcome to the Gratitude Giveaway hosted by I Am A Reader Not A Writer and All-Consuming Books. Thank you so much for stopping by, following, and participating in this blog hop. On my blog you can win a copy of Josi S. Kilpack's culinary mystery, Pumpkin Roll. Here's what you need to do.

1. Follow my blog and leave me a way to contact you in the comments section if you win. (US only please.) That's it!

Good Luck! Be sure to stop by everyone else who is participating.

Sadie Hoffmiller is looking forward to spending her favorite baking season of the year making delicious New England recipes in Boston, Massachusetts, with her favorite leading man, Pete Cunningham, as they babysit his three young grandsons. But when the boys insist that Mrs. Wapple, the woman who lives across the street, is a witch, Sadie and Pete are anxious to distract the boys from such Halloween-induced ideas. However, it gets harder and harder to explain the strange things that keep happening, particularly after Sadie learns the eccentric Mrs. Wapple has been attacked in her home.

As the unexplained occurrences escalate, Sadie finds herself embroiled in yet another mystery with life-or-death consequences. Can Sadie discover whoever—or whatever—is behind the mystery before anyone else gets hurt? Or will this be Sadie’s last case?

Work In Progress Wednesday

Having a sick baby isn't conducive to getting much done. Needless to say, I haven't written anything more than in my journal. Sorry there's not more to report!

Book Buzzin'--The Star Prophecy

With Christmas coming up, this would be a great gift! The Star Prophecy by Joan Sowards. Click on the title to read a sample chapter. Here's a blurb and my review.

"You are crazy. No Nephite has ever returned."

Most people laugh when they hear of Enoch's dream of returning to Jerusalem to find the infant Messiah. Even Enoch's future father-in-law mocks him when he asks for a postponement of his long-awaited wedding to his beloved Rebekah. A few take Enoch seriously - the shipbuilder Omnihah, Enoch's teacher David, and the prophet Nephi.

Five years before, a Lamanite named Samuel had stood on the wall of Zarahemla and prophesied that "five years more cometh" and the Christ would be born in Jerusalem. Time is running out! Enoch knows he must set sail across the great waters in search of his dream - to see the face of the Messiah.

The Star Prophacy is a surprising story of courage and love, faith and foritude. Sail with Enoch and his friends across the sea through hardship and adventure in search of the Christ child.

And the winner is . . .

Thank you to all who participated! I wish I had one for everyone. The lucky winner is Nicole Sender. The winner has been notified. Stay tuned for the next giveaway, the Thanksgiving Giveaway.

Book Review--Light Fixtures

Light Fixtures by Deborah Demoss Smith. Deborah contacted me and ask me to review her book. First of all, I think that's pretty cool that she asked me. Thanks Deborah!

This was a very interesting book. I enjoyed the characters, the setting, and the concept. For once, all of my predictions for how things would turn out were wrong. That made it more interesting for me to read. The concept of needing people to be Light Fixtures, to help us through different things and balance life, I really, really like. Deborah does a great job weaving a story the held me to the end. This book receives a :):):):). I could recommend this book for just about anyone.

It’s 1963 and everything is moving fast for 14-year-old Aurora. Her often-manic thoughts and actions can cause those around her to shake their heads in bafflement, especially when her spirits nosedive. But it’s no puzzle for the mystical Mr. Hematite and his tiny assistant, Mr. Dragonfly. Together, they guide her in understanding the onset of bipolar moods and show her that as Light Fixtures, everyone has the potential to shine with balance and brilliance.

Work In Progress Wednesday

I was able to attend the Northwest Writer's Retreat this past weekend and finished another revision on Encoded Secrets. I'm really excited about it and am waiting to hear back from some fellow writer's on whether or not I made it work. So in the meantime I'm working on some critics and picking up where I left off with The Black Orchid and Anya's Trek. Stay tuned for more! I'm also going to be adding a tab with descriptions of my works soon.  Happy Writing! :)