God Bless Our Fall Book Review

Title: God Bless Our Fall

Author: Hannah C. Hall

Genre: Christian, Children's, Family, Nature, Animals

Plot: With Autumn right around the corner, this cute little book of fun rhyming words and brilliantly colored pictures is perfect for children of all ages to enjoy. Snuggle up together and watch as a furry family of dogs goes on a walk through the woods, or a mommy raccoon bundles up her baby before venturing outdoors. A buck takes his baby off to the pumpkin patch and a fox family goes on a hayride.

Filled with fun Autumn activities {including favorites like hot apple cider and playing in the leaves}, this beautiful book is a treat to read.

Likes/Dislikes: So after convincing my toddle-baby {19 months old} that the UPS guy wasn't Daddy coming home early, I showed her this book. She stared at it for awhile, probably trying to figure out if it really was one of hers that she forgot about, and then she brought it to me to read. She had fun looking at the puppies and kittens, and seemed to enjoy the calm yet colorful pictures. I quite liked it myself and didn't mind reading it three times in a row. Some of the word choices though seemed a little odd to me, as though a different word would've flowed better. But all in all, a lovely book! It's also a good size to hold on your lap while the baby turns the pages.

Rating: G-all ages. Recommended for babies age 18 months and up.

Date Review Written: August 25th, 2015.

I received a free copy of this book courtesy of BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest opinion. I wasn't required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed in the above review are my own.

Summer for Thee, Grant I May Be

Summer for thee, grant I may be

When Summer days are flown!

Thy music still, when Whipporwill

And Oriole—are done!

For thee to bloom, I'll skip the tomb

And row my blossoms o'er!

Pray gather me—

Anemone—

Thy flower—forevermore!

~ Emily Dickinson

Not By Sight Book Review

Title: Not By Sight

Author: Kate Breslin

Genre: Christian, Historical Fiction, World War One, England, Romance, Spies

Plot: Grace, fueled by her concern for her twin brother fighting in France and her participation in the suffragette movement, attends a masquerade ball with her maid to hand out white feathers of cowardice. She meets the charming and handsome Jack Benningham who has quite the reputation, and gives him one of her feathers before being forcibly evicted from the ball. Several months later, Grace is still trying to do her part when she and Agnes, her maid, ship out to Devonshire to work with the Women's Forage Corps baling hay for the Calvary. What she finds in Devonshire, lurking in the lonely halls of his mansion, takes her by surprise.

Jack was always doing his part for his country as a spy by night and a playboy by day. But when a horrible accident leaves him scarred and blind, he retreats to his family mansion in Devonshire in a desperate search for solitude. Instead, he gets the attentions of the fiery Grace and her little circle of female friends. Slowly, he begins to open up to her, until his friend Sir Marcus arrives with news that will break their fledgling relationship and send him plunging back into darkness.

Likes/Dislikes: I've always enjoyed classic spy stories and the First World War is a particularly interesting period to me, so this book was a delicious treat in that respect. I learned more about how the women handled the changes of that era and what they did to support their men overseas. I also greatly enjoyed the tender love story blossoming on the pages. I was frequently reminded of Beauty and The Beast, my all time favorite fairy tale. This was a wonderful book and the first time I've read a work by the author; I'm looking forward to more adventures by Mrs. Breslin!

Rating: PG-15 and up, mainly for reading level and content {battles, descriptions of scars, a couple kisses, past history of prostitution, etc. but nothing at all graphic}. Very clean story.

Date Review Written: August 11th, 2015.

I received a free copy of this book via Bethany House in exchange for an honest opinion. I wasn't required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed in the above review are my own.

Chocolate Oh La La!

I've got chocolate on my mind right now, so we're gonna indulge in a chocolate review! One of my all time favorite chocolate companies is Ghiardelii. They make some of the best tasting chocolate around. And they have a wide range of flavors - dark chocolate, milk chocolate {my husband's preferred choice}, lots of caramel varieties and many filled squares as well as bars. Some of my favorite flavors are Dark Peppermint, Mocha, my husband loves the Toffee Crunch. my sister loves the Dark Caramel and Sea Salt, and I also enjoy the yummy Dark and Caramel. Of course, their seasonal flavors of Pumpkin Caramel and Dark Peppermint Bark are to die for. I can't get enough of those and I'm so very impatiently waiting for Autumn and Christmas to roll around so I can stock up on those delicious flavors. We usually buy the squares chocolates, but my husband and I have tried their Double Dark Chocolate Brownie mix {my go-to mix for brownies - it's so rich, chocolate-y and filled with chocolate chips just the way I like it! A real treat!}, and Hot Chocolate Mocha and White Hot Chocolate before they were discontinued and switched to the current selections. The hot chocolate was rich and delicious, especially when made with half and half or whipping cream.


Of course, I could sing Ghirardelii's praises on how fine, rich and yummy their products are, but they are also one of the few chocolate companies that really frustrates me. And it's mainly in the area of discontinuing my favorite products. I mentioned above that the hot chocolate we liked so much {the white chocolate wasn't as big a hit with us} was discontinued. The current selections have a wider range of flavors and look very appealing but we haven't found them at our local markets and attempted to try them yet, mainly because it's just not at the markets we shop at. The squares, however, I purchase periodically for my parents' store and several favorite flavors were discontinued without any reason at all. For a brief while, we enjoyed the lovely Vanilla Dream {a white chocolate square that surprisingly didn't taste at all waxy}, a delicious Cookie Crunch that my husband loved, and my sister and my personal favorite, the Truffle square. In a quick Google search, apparently lots of flavors have vanished from the shelves, including an intriguing holiday flavor I've never heard of called Pecan Pie. The strawberry filled square makes it's seasonal appearance right around Valentine's Day and is quite yummy. Still, with all our favorites disappearing and narrowing the chocolate selection, it can be hard to really honestly call Ghirardelii my favorite chocolate company.


And when that frustration mounts a little too high, I move onto my second favorite, a safe sure-fire company that knows what it's good at and doesn't bounce around discontinuing favorite flavors without warning: Whitman's! Owned by Russel Stover {I'll get to them in a minute}, Whitman's is a chocolate company that has been around for over a hundred years and they never fail to provide me with yummy chocolates that are sure to hit the spot. My husband and I have a system when it comes to boxed chocolates; I eat the coconut ones he doesn't like, and he eats all the orange creams, molasses chews and nougats that I don't like. Anyway, every Christmas we get the giant Sampler's box that has over eighty pieces of chocolate in it and then over the course of three to five days, we eat it all. We're gonna have to buy two or three boxes by the time our kids are teenagers and wanting to join in the fun. Our favorites are the Maple Nut {or creams, not sure on the name since it's only a Christmas time deal and I have a bad memory *smiles*}, Cherry Cordials and Chocolate Creams, to name the favorites that disappear the fastest. My only complaint is that there are never enough Cherry Cordials. I love those! another fun Christmas tradition we started as kids and have continued as young adults is getting the little Sampler boxes with four chocolates in them in our stockings. I get them for my husband and siblings every year now. This year I'll probably have to consider getting one for Baby too so she doesn't eat all of my chocolate. One of the unique things about Whitman's is their box; it's very sturdy and has an appealing label.


Russel Stover chocolates is the top third chocolate option that I take when chocolate shopping. They have a wide variety to choose from and all their lovely convenient sized boxes are so deliciously organized! I can skip the nutty chews and dive straight for the delectable truffles or tasty creams. Or I can pick a box full of my favorite dark chocolates instead of milk chocolates. They are also a good go-to choice for gifts to family and the small boxes make wonderful stocking stuffers. My only objection is that the chocolates are often too sugary for me {which is amusing since Whitman's is never too sweet for me, unless I eat half the box in one sitting}. I eye-spied a box of cherry cordials and French mints one day while out shopping at a market we don't frequent, so I snatched them up and stowed them under the bed for a rainy day. When I get around to indulging, I shall have to update this review to tell you whether I liked them or not. But I probably will, considering I already like cherry cordials and mints. *winks*

After this, the remaining chocolate companies rather blear together. You have Hershey's which I try to avoid on general principal because they just aren't that healthy of a company {funny, considering Ghirardelii uses soy in their chocolates and I can't bring myself to read the ingredients of Whitman's or Russel Stover}. I haven't tried Godiva chocolate enough to know whether I actually like it or not. It's pricey and my husband always avoids chocolate shops in general. And then there's See's Candy but I consider them to be more of a candy company than a chocolate company and so file them elsewhere in my brain. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this brief little look into the chocolate world I love and that it ignited your inner chocolate cravings. See you at the market!

In Summer

How plain and height

With dewdrops are bright!

How pearls have crown'd

The plants all around!

How sighs the breeze

Thro' thicket and trees!

How loudly in the sun's clear rays

The sweet birds carol forth their lays!

But, ah! above,

Where saw I my love,

Within her room,

Small, mantled in gloom,

Enclosed around,

Where sunlight was drown'd,

How little there was earth to me,

With all its beauteous majesty! 

~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Exodus Book Review

Title: Exodus

Author: Cliff Graham

Genre: Christian, Historical Fiction, Biblical Retelling, Action/Adventure, Bible Battles, Egypt

Plot: Not much is known about Caleb, not even by the men he commands. But one rainy day while the Israelites are stuck in camp waiting to attack the giants just over the ridge, Caleb's nephew coaxes his uncle to tell his story. And, reluctantly, Caleb begins his tale, going all the way back to life as a boy before journeying to the magnificent land of Egypt to work as a stone cutter.

Masterfully and powerfully written, the author brings to life one of every boy's favorite Biblical heroes in this epic tale of battles and hard lessons learned. A brutal story at times but consistent with the times it takes place in. Every boy everywhere will want to read this book.

Likes/Dislikes: In all honesty, I haven't completely finished this book yet. Teenage me would've devoured it, been somewhat disturbed by all the violence and then moved onto the next exciting rush in the form of another {possibly similar} book. Now I'm older, married and have a very adventurous little baby. My thirst for bloody adventure stories has slacked and I found it hard to get into this one. That doesn't mean it isn't intriguing, well written or a good book. It just means that my future son will love me for saving it for him. *smiles*

Rating: PG-16 and up, mainly for content {very brutal battle scenes, blood, etc. Mildly to extremely graphic, depending on your viewpoint}.

Date Review Written: August 6th, 2015.

I received a free copy of this book from the publishers in exchange for an honest review. I wasn't required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed in the above review are my own.

Product Review Odwalla Smoothies

With time being divided between reading, writing, housecleaning and socializing with the now walking toddle baby, I haven't had much time for blogging. So I'm taking advantage of a free moment to try to whip out a product review on Odwalla smoothies and juices that my sister, baby, husband and I have tried over the summer.

My favorite smoothie from this company is Red Rhapsody. Made from non GMO ingredients, this smoothie has a delightful blend of apple juice, strawberry puree`, banana puree`, beet juice, tomato puree`, plum puree`, pomegranate juice, raspberry puree` and assorted vitamins. With a thick yet smooth texture, it's reminiscent of straight tomato juice with sweeter fruits added to give it a unique delicious flavor. I love tomatoes and raspberries so this smoothie is perfect for me. Baby love sit too. But she probably just likes the 39 grams of sugar in it.

My husband loves the Strawberry Banana smoothie and prefers this brand to other companies' smoothies of the same flavor. Made with orange juice, apple juice, banana puree`, strawberry puree` and a couple added vitamins, this smoothie has 44 grams of sugar and a thick banana-y texture. The baby has tried it but finds it unimpressive compared to other smoothies while Daddy can't get enough of it.

With a fun name like Mango Tango, you'd think we'd have loved the mango smoothie. And while it was very mango-y and delicious, it doesn't rank high on the favorites list. Made with mango puree`, apple juice, filtered water, banana puree`, coconut cream, lemon juice and added vitamins, this smoothie has 55 grams of sugar and a very smooth consistent texture. I do like it but every time I try it, something just doesn't quite gel just right with all the other flavors. Usually it's pineapple juice but since there isn't any in this smoothie, I'm gonna blame it on the coconut cream.

Berries GoMega isn't a favorite with me but it's a good second choice if Red Rhapsody is all sold out. Made from apple juice, orange juice, cherry puree`, peach puree`, pear puree`, mango puree`, blackberry puree`, strawberry puree`, ground flaxseed, lemon juice and inulin {not really sure what that is}, this smoothie has 45 grams of sugar in it. There is a smooth very fruity flavor to it but I think the orange juice throws off the balance and makes it taste a little odd. Baby doesn't mind it though and will gleefully dribble it down her chin in attempt to drink it quickly.

Mo'Beta smoothie is my sister's choice and it's made from orange juice, peach puree`, mango puree`, plum puree`, apple juice, pineapple juice, vitamins, green tea powder and Stevia leaf extract. There are 41 grams of sugar in it. While I like Stevia {my brother devoured our plant once} and green tea, this fruit smoothie just doesn't cut it for me. Probably too much orange and pineapple juice. Still, it's a lovely smoothie for my sister and baby to enjoy.

The green Original Superfood smoothie is another of my sister's choices. Made with an assortment of ingredients that include apple juice, peach puree`, mango puree`, strawberry puree`, banana puree`, spirulina, spy lecithin {which isn't good for you}, kale, wheat grass, barley grass, wheat sprouts, Jerusalem artichoke, and Nova Scotia dulse, this smoothie has only 49 grams of sugar. As with a previous similar smoothie, the dulse rather adds an odd flavor to me and I don't much care for this particular smoothie, Neither does baby, but my sister likes it.

Strawberry C Monster is a very unique and sweet smoothie. Made with orange juice, apple juice, strawberry puree`, cane sugar, concord grape juice, vitamin C and rose hips, this juice has a very thin juice texture rather than a thick smoothie texture and contains 54 grams of sugar. I liked this smoothie but it was a little too sweet for me and had a very strong orange juice flavor to it while the grape juice added a slightly odd mix to the flavors. It's a good boost of vitamin C which I enjoyed.

I don't know if we've tried the Citrus C Monster or not, and I do know that my sister has tried the straight carrot juice. Since carrot juice is just carrot juice and rather plain, I'll never it at that.

St. Martin's Summer Poem

AS swallows turning backward

When half-way o'er the sea,

At one word's trumpet summons

They came again to me -

The hopes I had forgotten

Came back again to me.

I know not which to credit,

O lady of my heart!

Your eyes that bade me linger,

Your words that bade us part -

I know not which to credit,

My reason or my heart.

But be my hopes rewarded,

Or be they but in vain,

I have dreamed a golden vision,

I have gathered in the grain -

I have dreamed a golden vision,

I have not lived in vain. 

~ Robert Louis Stevenson

Lady Maybe Book Review

Title: Lady Maybe

Author: Julie Klassen

Genre: Romance, Historical Fiction, Drama, Christian

Plot: Hannah Rodgers, the daughter of a clergyman, is the former paid companion to the vain Lady Mayfield and privy to more than her fair share of secrets. When she reappears after abruptly leaving six months previously, Lady Mayfield takes this as a sign and engages Hannah to be her companion once more as Sir John uproots his household in another futile attempt to separate his wife from her lover. Reluctant at first, Hannah agrees only for the sole reason of providing for her baby boy left in the care of some rather unsavory people. With each passing mile however, she grows to regret tagging along. And when a horrible carriage accident leaves her broken and confused, Lady Mayfield gone and Sir John close to death, Hannah's troubles are only just beginning.

Mistaken for her employer's wife by the kindly doctor who rescues them, Hannah stays mum about the truth for her son's sake, needing the advantage of a carriage and money at her fingertips to rescue her baby. But broken bones take awhile to mend and she can't find work with the use of only one arm, so she waits, posed for flight. Even when a solicitor comes snooping around and Sir John awakes, still Hannah stays and waits, bidding her time. Yet every day the net of her self-made trap draws ever closer, threatening to ensnare her until by the time she realizes the danger she's in, it's too late to run.

Likes/Dislikes: I just spent an almost useless two days devouring this book. It was like having dark creamy chocolate after months of denying oneself such a rare treat. But considering this book was also an anniversary present from my husband and by my favorite author, it was a triple delight to indulge in. And, oh my gosh, the story itself! So suspenseful, dramatic and - dare I say? - delicious! I was instantly swept up in the intrigue, wondering who was whom, what was what and where all these trails would end up. The scenes where Hannah feared for her son were heart-wrenching and difficult for me, as a mother, to read, but thankfully he was the safest character in the book! And I instantly liked one suitor and disliked the other. I loved how the title meaning was worked into teh story at teh end, so cute. My only regret is that the book wasn't long enough! I wanted to see more of the happy ending and how everyone got along after such a scandal and if Becky ever got her Edgar or not. Should I cry "Sequel"?

Rating: PG-18 and up, mainly for content {heavy themes of adultery, a child born out of wedlock, lots of steamy passionate kisses and the beginning of flashback that ends up in the bedroom, though none of it was as graphic as some reviewers might let you think; there's no nudity or sex described, only very obviously suggested}. Recommended for mature readers. If you binge on it, like I did, don't do so on your period and have some wine and chocolates handy. *wink*

Date Review Written: August 4th, 2015

The Curiosity Keeper Book Review

Title: The Curiosity Keeper

Author: Sarah E. Ladd

Genre: Christian, Historical Fiction, Adventure, Romance

Plot: Abandoned by her mother at a young age, Camille Iverness has grown up managing her father's dingy curiosity shop. Tougher than she looks, Camille can handle big burly men and sell priceless objects to anyone without batting an eyelash. She tucks all her tender hurt feelings deep inside her mind, just as she tucks away the infrequent letters from her mother into her apron pockets. One evening, when she's left alone to tend the shop, Camille's life drastically changes. An attempted robbery leaves her injured and shaken, thrust onto the kindhearted mercy of a stranger.

Jonathan Gilchrist has his hands full with his apothecary business and the last thing he needs is to running around on a wild goose chase looking for his father's stolen ruby. When he follows up a promising lead, he rescues the clever Miss Iverness and whisks her away to his little country town when he sees first hand that she can't stay in her present environment. With the mystery of the ruby hanging over their heads and scarlet fever threatening the school where Camille gets a new job at, Jonathan and Camille are faced with some difficult choices and their blossoming feelings for each other.

Likes/Dislikes: This was a beautifully written well paced very clean novel and I loved it! The plot was so intriguing didn't waste time getting you from Point A to Point B. The characters were all diverse and wonderful; I loved getting to know them. Camille did repeat rather frequently that she couldn't go back home and a few other minor things like that were repeated a little too often for my taste but overall, it was a lovely story.

Rating: PG-16 and up, mainly for reading level and content {verbal abuse, a couple kisses, etc. nothing at all graphic}.

Date Review Written: August 6th, 2015.

I received a copy of this book free from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review. I wasn't required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed in the above review are my own.

Tis the Last Rose of Summer

Tis the last rose of summer 

Left blooming alone; 

All her lovely companions 

Are faded and gone: 

No flower of her kindred, 

No rose-bud is nigh, 

To reflect back her blushes, 

Or give sigh for sigh. 

I'll not leave thee, thou lone one! 

To pine on the stem; 

Since the lovely are sleeping, 

Go, sleep thou with them. 

Thus kindly I scatter 

Thy leaves o'er the bed, 

Where thy mates of the garden 

Lie scentless and dead. 

So soon may I follow, 

When friendships decay, 

And from Love's shining circle 

The gems drop away. 

When true hearts lie wither'd, 

And fond ones are flown, 

Oh! who would inhabit 

This bleak world alone?

~ Thomas Moore