{Book Review} Justified A Novel by Varina Denman

Justified by Varina Denman
Reviewed by Jackie Thomas
Radiant Lit Blog Tours
Genre : Contemporary Fiction
Publisher: David C. Cook
Release Date: June 1, 2015



{About the Book}
In a small Texas town ruled by gossip, Fawn Blaylock believes others are justified in condemning her untimely pregnancy. Stifled by guilt, she yearns for grace while the local football coach treats her with gentle respect.

{My Review}
Justified is the latest book in the Mended Hearts series.  You know how there are some books that you read and never think about them again? Justified wasn't like that for me.  This book stayed with me for a few days and I found myself reflecting quite a few times on what I had read.  I grew up in a small town so much of this book resonated with me.  Small towns can be wonderful communities full of love and support and at the same time there may be gossip and judgement from people who don't know the whole story.  The story is about a community that judges the main character, Fawn, for her mistakes.  My heart ached for Fawn and I could clearly imagine the judgement she felt.  Her story of forgiveness and redemption is somewhat predictable, but I really grew to love her and wanted to get to the end to find out what was going to happen.  If you are interested in small town, Christian romance I feel you will really enjoy this book.  I'm looking forward to reading the other two books in the series.

Thank you to David C. Cook Publishing Company and to Radiant Lit Blog Tours for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.


{About the Author}
Varina Denman is a native Texan who spent her high school years in a small Texas town. Now she lives near Fort Worth with her husband and her five mostly-grown children. 

Justified is available for purchase here from Amazon.com. Note: I received this book as part of the Justified  blog tour from Radiant Lit.  I received no compensation for this review and only received a copy of the book for review purposes.  Review copy provided by the publisher for review purposes. 

{Book Review} Five Days in Skye by Carla Laureano

Five Days in Skye by Carla Laureano
Reviewed By:  Jackie Thomas
Radiant Lit Blog Tours
Genre: Romance
Publisher: David C. Cook
Date: June 10, 2013

About The Book:
Hospitality consultant Andrea Sullivan has one last chance to snag a high-profile client or she'll have to kiss her dreams of promotion good-bye. When she's sent to meet Scottish celebrity chef James MacDonald on the Isle of Skye, she just wants to finish her work as efficiently as possible. Yet her client is not the opportunistic womanizer he portrays himself to be, and her attraction to him soon dredges up memories she'd rather leave buried. For James, renovating the family hotel is a fulfillment of his late father's dreams. When his hired consultant turns out to be beautiful, intelligent, and completely unimpressed by his public persona, he makes it his mission to win her over. He just never expects to fall under her spell.

Soon, both Andrea and James must face the reality that God may have a far different purpose for their lives—and that five days in Skye will forever change their outlook on life and love.

My Thoughts:
This was an enjoyable book that is an easy read and great to add to your summer reading list.   The characters are realistic and I enjoyed the story between Andrea and James.  I loved how Andrea and James met and its their first meeting that hooked me and I couldn't wait to see where the story went from there.  The author does a great job of describing the scenes and the landscape of Scotland and I could clearly see it all from her descriptions.  This is a romance but there is enough conflict to keep it interesting. I found myself reading quickly because I wanted to find out what was going to happen next.  This book was a joy to read and I look forward to reading more by Author Carla Laureano.

About the Author:
Carla Laureano is the author of the RITA® award-winning romance Five Days in Skye as well as London Tides and the Celtic fantasy series The Song of Seare (as C. E. Laureano). A graduate of Pepperdine University, she worked as a sales and marketing executive for nearly a decade before leaving corporate life behind to write fiction full-time. She currently lives in Denver with her husband and two sons.

Five Days in Skye is available for purchase through Amazon.com.

Note: I received this book as part of the Five Days in Skye  blog tour from Radiant Lit.  I received no compensation for this review and only received a copy of the book for review purposes.

Review copy provided by the publisher.

{Book Review} London Tides by Carla Laureano

London Tides by Carla Laureano
Reviewed by Jackie Thomas
Radiant Lit Blog Tours
Genre: Romance
Publisher: David C. Cook
Date: June 1, 2015

About The Book:
Irish photojournalist Grace Brennan travels the world’s war zones documenting the helpless and forgotten. After the death of her friend and colleague, Grace is shaken.

She returns to London hoping to rekindle the spark with the only man she ever loved—Scottish businessman Ian MacDonald. But he gave up his championship rowing career and dreams of Olympic gold years ago for Grace ... only for her to choose career over him. Will life’s tides bring them back together ... or tear them apart for good this time?


My Thoughts:
I thought this book was a bit heavier than the first book Five Days in Skye.  This genre of this book is romance and inspirational fiction and is a type of book I read frequently.  The Christian storyline isn't as prominent as in other inspirational fiction and I really enjoyed that the book wasn't predictable.  I think the the author will gain readers who wouldn't normally read this type of book.   I was turning pages to find out what was going to happen between Grace and Ian and how Grace deals with her feelings about God in light of the suffering she has seen and experienced.  London Tides tackles some tough issues in this book, namely PTSD.  It's timely and many will resonate with this issue. You will enjoy this book if you like subtle Christian Fiction that delves deep into the emotions and hurt that sometimes accompany a relationship between two people who love each other.  I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series and watch for my review of Five Days in Skye in July.


About the Author:
Carla Laureano is the author of the RITA® award-winning romance Five Days in Skye as well as London Tides and the Celtic fantasy series The Song of Seare (as C. E. Laureano). A graduate of Pepperdine University, she worked as a sales and marketing executive for nearly a decade before leaving corporate life behind to write fiction full-time. She currently lives in Denver with her husband and two sons.

London Tides is available for purchase from Amazon.com

Note: I received this book as part of the London Tides blog tour from Radiant Lit.  I received no compensation for this review and only received a copy of the book for review purposes.

Review copy provided by the publisher.

It's Gardening Season! {Video Tour of My Backyard}

I'm so happy that Spring 2015 is finally here.  Our Winter in Missouri wasn't all that difficult but it felt so dark and gloomy to me.  That probably had more to do with things going on in my personal life than with the weather.  Sunny days have arrived again and thank goodness for that.  I've been working in my gardens and especially in what I call my Cottage Garden in my backyard.  15 years ago our home had no landscaping except for a huge ugly hedge in the front of the house.  Hard to believe that in 40+ years not one of the homeowners of our house did any landscaping.  Well, that changed when we moved in.  I have dug loads of dirt and planted hundreds of flowers, shrubs and vegetables over the years. 

In the backyard I had a really nice flower garden, but last year decided to change it up and add vegetables to the beds.  We had a great harvest of tomatoes, eggplant, peppers and zucchini so I decided to plant even more this year.  I've just gotten started and have more to plant in the next few weeks but here is a little video tour of what's happening in the garden now.

Have a great weekend!

Jackie

{March 1st Snow}

We've had a pretty snow last night and today.  Here are a couple of photos when the large flakes were falling this morning.

On Prayer and Meditation...

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Turning all the noise off in life and in my head is hard sometimes.  I'm so distracted by devices, whether it's phone, computer, or iPad.  Also, kids, husband, bills or work and busy-ness keep me from taking time to pray and talk to God.  It's hard to turn off the noise and be still enough to hear from God.  I've always been pretty good about asking God for things but not so good at listening.  Meditation is helping to still my mind.  The song, Oceans, helps me to be still and pray and listen.  

I invite you try it...Wherever you are right now.  It's okay if you're in your office chair, at your kitchen table or in bed.  It doesn't matter.  Just get comfortable and place your hands on your legs or any comfortable position.

Start the Video Below...

Take a Deep Breath...

Close Your Eyes (if you wish)...

Breathe...

It's okay if your mind wanders...

Just come back to your breath...

Take a Deep Breath...

Breathe...

Breathe...

Breathe...

Pray.

Listen.

Love.

With Love,

Jackie

August Thoughts...

It's been a long while since I've written anything on this blog.  For the past year or two I just haven't felt like writing.  Life is busy and it's easy to send off a quick post to Facebook or snap a pic on my phone and post on Instagram.  Life is messy too.  Mine has been.  For the past couple of years we faced some issues in our marriage like my husbands addiction to alcohol and my codependency, we have had problems with debt and have second guessed decisions we've made.  It hasn't been all pretty flowers and cute decorating, so I haven't posted.  We're still working through those messy issues and I miss having a place to capture my thoughts.  So, here I am.  I'm 45 now.  I was 39  when I started this blog and so excited about having a place to write and that someone out in the world might actually see it.  Now, I'm not too concerned about who reads it.  I'm writing for me and I'm ready to be real.  I'm in the process of changing the name of this blog to reflect how I've changed.  I'm still Blessed.  I'm still counting those Blessings.  But now, I want to write about me and everything in my life...not just the cute, flowery fluff.  (Although, I'm sure there will still be plenty of that here).  I honestly believe that everything we go through prepares us for something better.  I'm counting on it.

It's August and a time for new beginnings.  Looking forward to sharing it here.

Love,
Jackie

Summer 2013 Photo Book

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November Gratitude {Day 5} Live Bird Cam

Yes, I'm grateful for a Bird Cam. Really.  This little cam brings peace and serenity to my workspace.  I'm blessed to have two monitors on my desk at work and out of a full day I'm usually only using the second monitor half of the time.  The other half I'm watching this:

cornellfeeders on livestream.com. Broadcast Live Free

...and then today...I discovered the cam also has sound.  So now, I'm listening to the birds, geese and even rolls of thunder today in Ithaca, NY.  I love it.  Hope you do too.

Jackie

November Gratitude {Day 4} Rainy Days

Today is rainy, cloudy and dreary. Even though I don't love the dreary days in February, right now, in the Fall, I really do enjoy them.  I love the rain on all the colorful leaves and a slight chill in the air.  Just enough of a chill to wear a jacket and a scarf and carry an umbrella.  That is today. 

Jackie
 

November Gratitude {Day 2} {Quiet Strength}

My whole life I have watched my Great Grandmother, My Grandmother, My Mother and My Aunt and how they have conducted themselves in public and in private...they all had {have} this quality...Quiet Strength. 

They aren't loud.  No attention drawn to themselves.  When things in life are hard (as it is for everyone at some point in their lives) whether it be health problems, financial issues, marriage issues... they are strong...quietly. 

I'm grateful today that it was passed down to me and then by chance I read the following scripture this morning:

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you:  compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline.  Be even tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense.  Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you.  And regardless of what else you put on, wear love.  It's your basic all-purpose garment.  Never be without it.
Colossians 3:12-14

This could be my life verse.  When I think of the women in my family...this verse is them.

Jackie

November Gratitude {Day 1} {Reminders}

You know when things are rough and you can't see much further than the few feet in front of you because you are consumed by everything going on in your life?  It's hard to notice much else going on.  Then, early this morning, after a tough couple of weeks, I pull open the curtains in the dining room and see this...

 

It took my breath away because I wasn't expecting to see it.  I realized it was meant for me to see God's creation so clearly as a reminder.

I needed the reminder.

I'm thankful on this first day of November in 2013 that sometimes things are very clear and bright and meant to be seen by those who need to see them the most.

Jackie

Book Review: I, Saul by Jerry B. Jenkins and James MacDonald

Synopsis from Amazon:

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 Review:

I felt it was a bit slow in the beginning and I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy the story switching between modern day and ancient times.  I'm so glad I stuck with it because the story was incredible and I thoroughly enjoyed the suspense and intrigue.  The apostle Paul had historic last days of his life.  Professor Knox is called on by a friend of his who is being hunted because of what  Paul left behind all those years ago and he jeopardizes everything to help his friend.  I really liked the character of Augie Knox and couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen to him on each page.  

Despite the somewhat slow beginning, this novel is a page-turner once you get into the story.  I was even inspired to dig a little deeper on my own to learn more about Paul.  I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys suspense novels and for those of you, like me, who wouldn't normally read a biblical novel.  You won't be disappointed!

For purchasing information go to Amazon or click on the image of the book above.

A Disclaimer: Note: I received this book as part of the I, Saul blog tour from Fiction Addict. I received no compensation for this review and only received a copy of the book for review purposes. 

Jackie

Flower and Herb Garden...

Hope you are all having a lovely summer.  We are busy as usual and I'm really enjoying gardening more this year than in the last several years.  The photo above is part of my flower and herb garden.  It is really full this year from all the rain we've had.  The garden contains Hostas, Hydrangea, Thyme, Sedum, Daylilly, Lemon Balm and Rosemary.  

Jackie

Each Day Is A New Beginning...

Some people hate wild honeysuckle.  I love it.  This is one of the photos I took yesterday and added the quote.  Enjoy your Saturday!

Jackie

Early Morning Dew...

I was out in the backyard around 5:45am taking these shots this morning...the light was extraordinary!  It's quite possible my neighbors think I'm nuts.  They might be right.

For all the choices we make as a Moms...

I don't know who wrote this, but a co-worker showed me this today and it's a perfect reminder that we're all doing the best we can no matter what choices we make as Moms.  Enjoy...


Jackie


To the Mom who's breastfeeding:  Way to go!  It really is an amazing gift to give your baby, for any amount of time that you can manage!  You're a good Mom.

To the Mom who's formula feeding:  Isn't science amazing?  To think there was a time when a baby with a mother who couldn't produce enough would suffer.  But now?  Better living through chemistry!  You're a good Mom.

To the cloth diapering Mom:  Fluffy bums are the cutest and oh, so friendly on the bank account.  You're a good Mom.

To the disposable diapering Mom:  Dang those things hold a lot, and it's excellent to not worry about leakage and laundry!  You're a good Mom.

To the Mom who stays at home:  I can imagine it isn't easy doing what you do, but to spend those precious years with your babies must be amazing.  You're a good Mom.

To the Mom who works:  It's wonderful that you're sticking to your career, you're a positive role model for your children in so many ways, it's fantastic!  You're a good Mom.

To the Mom who had to feed her kids from the drive-thru all week because you're too worn out to cook or go grocery shopping:  You're feeding your kids, and hey, I bet they aren't complaining!  Sometimes sanity can indeed be found in a red box with a big yellow M on it.  You're a good Mom.

To the Mom who gave her kids a home-cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner for the past week:  Excellent!  Good nutrition is important, and they're learning to enjoy healthy foods at an early age.  You're a good Mom.

To the Mom with the kids sitting quietly and using their manners in the fancy restaurant:  Kudos, it takes a lot to maintain order with children in a place where they can't run around.  You're a good Mom.

To the Mom with the toddler having a meltdown in the cereal aisle:  they always seem to pick the most embarrassing places to lose their minds, don't they?  We've all been through it.  You're a good Mom.

To the Moms who judge other Moms for ANY of the above?  

Glass Houses, friend.  Glass Houses.

 

Spring Is Here...

Glad to see that Spring is finally making it's way to our part of the country.  To celebrate, here are a few spring/summer photos I've taken in the last year.

Hope you are enjoying some warm weather wherever you are.

Until Next Time,


Jackie

{Winter Snow}

Backyard Photos During A Winter Storm on February 26, 2013

{Kindness}