Touching the Sky by Tracie Petterson {Book Review}

When Laura Marquardt first meets Brandon Reid, their encounter is anything but pleasant. But when the two are seated together at a dinner party, they soon find that they share similar interests--Laura desires to educate blacks, and Brandon, as a white officer over colored troops, eagerly supports her cause.

When Laura's sister, Carissa, marries her Confederate beau, Laura finds herself in a difficult situation when she overhears plots to kill Union soldiers. Though in her heart she feels she should share this information with Brandon, Laura fears she will betray her sister's trust and possibly endanger her sister's life. And when Brandon's motives for pursuing her come into question, her heart is even more conflicted. Where is God leading her?


My Thoughts~


I had the chance to review the first book in Tracie Peterson's Land of the Lone Star series.  In case you missed it, you can read my review of that book, Chasing the Sun, here.  After having read the first book of the series, I was eager to read the second book.  I was so thrilled  at the chance to review this one too, and that Tracie did not let me down!  I thoroughly enjoyed this books as well.


As in Chasing the Sun, this book takes place in Texas as well, in the aftermath of the Civil War between the states.  The main character, Laura, and her family, were few supporters of the Union in their town.  While Laura is being courted by a former Union solder, her sister marries a former Confederate soldier, Brandon Reid.  Many issues arise during Laura's courtship with Brandon, mainly involving her sister and brother-in-law.  Laura finds herself caught between her love for Brandon, and her love for her family.  


Tracie keeps the plot twisting in this book, and really sets the scene during the post Civil-War era.  This is really a wonderful historical fiction series and I highly recommend it!  


This book has been provided courtesy of Bethany House Publishers.  A positive review was not required.

Angels, Miracles, and Heavenly Encounters by James Stuart Bell {Book Review}

These inspiring real-life stories explore what happens when people encounter spiritual forces, and how their lives are undeniably changed. This dramatic collection includes accounts of contact with angels, near-death experiences, powerful prayer testimonies, and un-explainable miracles. Every story displays the victory of Christ and his kingdom over difficult circumstances and opposing forces. The outcomes include increased faith, a sense of the loving providence of God, a realigning of priorities, and a greater desire to share the gospel. In turn, the reader's faith will be strengthened knowing that if God can steer individuals through these unknown territories, he certainly will care for their everyday lives.


My Thoughts~


This books contains many real-life stories of supernatural events.  This is an inspirational book and I was in awe of some of the miraculous stories shared in this book.  Each story tells a personal experience with a miracle, angel or demon, and even some who have seen loved ones that have already passed on.  This book certainly offers a glimpse into that unseen and unknown spiritual realm.  


There are so many uplifting stories in this book that are truly to be an inspiration to your spirit.  I loved the faith shown from these experiences and was amazed by how God works in the lives of some of the writers.  I did get goosebumps when reading many of these stories!  This book isn't something I normally would pick-up, but it is sure to be an interesting read.  I recommend this book, especially to those skeptical of those unseen things among us!


This book was provided by Bethany House Publishers.  A positive review was not required.

My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade {Book Review}

Kate Donovan is burned out on work, worn down by her dating relationships, and in need of an adventure. When her grandmother asks her to accompany her to Redbud, Pennsylvania, to restore the grand old house she grew up in, Kate jumps at the chance.

Upon her arrival in Redbud, Kate meets Matt Jarreau, the man hired to renovate the house. Kate can't help being attracted to him, drawn by both his good looks and something else she can't quite put her finger on. He's clearly wounded--hiding from people, from God, and from his past. Yet Kate sets her stubborn heart on bringing him out of the dark and back into the light...whether he likes it or not. 

When the stilted, uncomfortable interactions between Kate and Matt slowly shift into something more, is God finally answering the longing of her heart? Or will Kate be required to give up more than she ever dreamed?


My Thoughts~


Becky Wade makes her debut into Christian, contemporary romance with My Stubborn Heart.  And what an amazing debut it is with this impossible-to-put-down read!  I became completely captured with My Stubborn Heart.  I literally read this book from beginning to end in about four hours straight.  I didn't want it to end! I had many laughs and tears with this book and can't wait to re-read it again.  I have certainly added Becky Wade into the top of my favorite authors list!


The story begins when Kate decides to take some time off from her job as a social worker to help her Gran restore her childhood home, Chapel Bluff.  Insert hired carpenter, Matt, ex-NHL player, who is an emotionally damaged from the death of his young, Miss America wife.  Kate's social worker instincts kick in and she takes on Matt as a challenge, and boy does the story unfold from there.  There is a lot of romantic tension, a love triangle, and some silly senior citizens all thrown into the mix!


Kate's relationship with God directs her path when it comes to her relationship with Matt.  She lets God lead her to know when to push, and when to step-back.  The hardest part for Kate was at one point, listening to God when her heart was telling her something completely different.  However, Kate eventually found out that sometimes God isn't saying yes, or no...He i just saying, not right now.


This book is certainly a tear-jerker, with the story behind Matt's grief and loss, but it is so amazing to see how God help Matt overcome it.  With Kate's help, Matt goes a long way to getting back onto the path God has planned for him.  The end-result to this relationship is certainly worth the wait!


I HIGHLY recommend and have to say this is a must-read!  It truly was an amazing story and I will be on the look-out for more novels by this author.


This book was provided courtesy of Bethany House Publishers.  A positive review was not required.

Quilting

On my list of things to learn, quilting has always been at the top.  When I learned that Craftsy was offering a free block of the month class, I quickly joined up!  I figured this could be a great way to start off the new year and complete a goal.  The class started in January, and continues throughout the entire year.  In the class, the wonderful instructor, Amy Gibson from Stitchery Dickory Dock, guides you through the process of two quilt blocks a month.  Beginning in November, she will start the process of teaching how to finish up the quilt.  

So far, I have completed fourteen blocks.  I have been so thrilled to learn all the techniques and block designs.  I am finally going to take the time to share those here and will continue to post monthly as I make up the new blocks.  By the end of December, I hope to be able to share a completed quilt!  :]

January:  Slashed Blocks

February:  Half-Square Triangles

March:  Foundation Piecing

April:  English Paper Piecing

May:  Wonky Long Cabin

June:  The Modern 9-Patch

July:  Dresden Plates

Thanks for looking!  In August, we will be working on Star quilt blocks.  I can't wait to share those!

Unstuck by Arnie Cole & Michael Ross {Book Review}

Back to the Bible Leaders Show Readers How to Cultivate a Thriving Walk with Christ.  When asked about their relationship with God, many believers say the Christian life "isn't working" or that they want "more than an okay walk." After conducting extensive survey research on what it takes to grow spiritually, Back to the Bible leaders Cole and Ross offer solid evidence for the power of Bible engagement. But more than statistics, Unstuck gives readers a practical and proven way to encounter Scripture daily, connect with God, and revitalize an otherwise listless faith. This book is part of a strategic ministry plan developed by Back to the Bible, which has been on the air for more than 70 years. Through multimedia products and services, the ministry is walking alongside individuals and churches, helping Christ-followers tap into and live out God's Word.


My Thoughts-


As a Christ follower for many years, I have to say I have found myself "stuck" during a difficult periods in my life.  I have looked at myself, only to realize I have neglected my Bible reading, prayer life and I have just been going through the motions of my beliefs.  I often find myself trying to find that love and priority for reading my Bible and praying that I had before the chaos of things in my life.  When I need it most, I seem to allow it to be pushed aside.  What I loved about this book is that it described the exact situations and thoughts I have had before at different points in my life.  Not only that, but some of the true, real life experiences told in the book were so easy to relate to from some of my own personal experiences.  The authors even share some experiences and stores as well.  I found this book to not be your typical self help book.  This is a real eye-opening book that makes you look at yourself and find the motivation to start pursing a loving relationship with God.


Cole and Ross have a different path to take on getting back to a point of spiritual growth.  They offer the “Powered by Four Solution” to help you get unstuck and grow in faith.  “The Four Critical Elements of Spiritual Growth”, knowledge, prayer, faith and action,  will help set you in the right direction of growing in faith and communicating with God.  Be sure to have a Bible handy as you will frequent many references to scriptures and passages.


If your ready to get "unstuck," and eager to purse your relationship with God, I highly recommend getting this book, grab up your Bible and get ready for a wonderful experience!  You can find even more motivation an encouragement to go along with this book at www.unstuck.gotandem.com.  Visit today and join in on the Unstuck 45-day Campaign.  


You can also visit www.gotandem.com for daily Bible engagement to help encourage your spiritual growth.  Take an online, confidential spiritual-growth assessment to start receiving scripture throughout the day via voice messages, texts or e-mails.  They are all personalized to fit your current spiritual needs.  Need someone to discuss scripture or pray specifically for you?  You can even request a weekly phone call from a Spiritual Growth Encourager.


This book has been provided courtesy of Bethany House Publishers.  A positive review was not required.

Chasing the Sun by Tracie Peterson {Book Review}

When her father disappears in war-torn Mississippi, Hannah Dandridge finds herself responsible not only for her younger siblings but for the ranch her father recently acquired on the Texas plains. Though a marriage of convenience could ease her predicament, she determines to trust God for direction.

 Wounded soldier William Barnett returns to his home only to discover that his family's ranch has been seized. Though angry and bitter at this turn of events, he's surprised to discover that it is a beautiful young woman with amazing fortitude who is struggling to keep the place running.

Hannah, desperate for help, and William, desperate to regain his family's land, form an uneasy truce. But nearby Comanche tribes, the arrival of Confederate soldiers, and a persistent suitor all threaten the growing attraction that builds between them. Will they be able to set aside their own dreams and embrace the promise of a future together?

My Thoughts-

I have become a recent fan of Tracie Peterson, so I couldn't pass up the chance to review the first of her books for a new series, Land of the Lone Star.  When I pick up one of her books, I won't put it down until it's finished.  This book was no different!  I was sad to have it end.  

Hannah Dandridge is trying to keep things going on her father's Texas ranch in his absence.  She also has the responsibility of raising her young brother and sister, whose mother has passed on. When Hannah has not heard from her father in a while, she contacts her father's law partner, Herbert Lockhart, out of concern.  She only wants to inquire if her father is ok, but Mr. Lockhart has other plans.  To add to the worry over her missIng father, the son of the former owner of the ranch, William Barnett, is back from the war. Not knowing his families ranch was given to the Dandridges, he assumes he has come back to the home he has always known. The conflict between Hannah and William is intriguing, but add in the conflict between Hannah and Herbert, plus the Indians, and you are in for a book full of romance, faith and suspense!

In this book, Tracie Peterson does not disappoint!  You will be captured in this book till the very end.  I highly recommend this book, which is Book 1 of the Land Of The Lone Star series. I am eagerly anticipating the next book in this series.  

This book has been provided courtesy of Bethany House Publishers.  A positive review was not required.

The reason behind Home Grown Blessings

Hello!  Welcome to my blog!  My name is Ashley a.k.a. Gabby, and I can pretty much sum up the "about me" in two words; wife and mother.  But to give you a bit more details...  I am a 26 year old wife and a mom to three.  I am happily married and help meet to my soul mate, Seth, and we will celebrate our sixth anniversary in October of this year (2012).  God has blessed us with three beautiful children thus far; Wyatt, Bristol and Lillian.  I strive everyday to serve the Lord through my family and hope to tell you more about that in this blog.  My initial reason behind this blog was to have a place to start sharing our homeschooling journey, which will began in September of last year.  However, I think it will become a place for so much more than that.  I am really looking forward to having a place to document our lives and to hopefully get to know others like me in the process, near and far.  I am a frequent pattern tester and book reviewer, so this will now give me a place to share those reviews.  You will probably see a lot of whatever I may be cooking up on my sewing machine as well, besides the pattern testing projects.

I think this pretty much sums it up for now and gets things started here on my little blog!  I am sure to have more to share soon as I get things going and set-up.