Yours Truly, Thomas by Rachel Fordham Book Review

Yours Truly, Thomas by Rachel Fordham tells the story of a single woman working at a dead letter office whose letters from a man named Thomas pass over her desk.  Penny feels heartbroken for this man who has lost the love of his life.  She seeks to unite them by delivering the letters to his fiance herself.  But she finds out some tragic news and feels even more connected to this mysterious Thomas.  His words have truly touched her heart and she wants to give the letters back to him.  She goes on a quest to locate the young man and finds herself and her dog traveling from Washington DC  to a small town in Iowa.  Penny is unprepared to meet the endearing people of this sweet town, but becomes attracted to Thomas but does not reveal her reasons for coming to the town.  Some strange things start happening to Thomas and his new farm and Penny becomes involved. They form a friendship and become emotionally attached, but with secrets still between them.  When she finally reveals who she is, will Thomas accept her?

This book was a sweet historical romance that swept me back to a time with dead letter offices, community dances, writing long letters, boardinghouses and taking chances.  Penny was a young girl who felt things deeply and wanted romance more than anything in her life, but she felt stuck.  She had determination and spunk to to pick up and travel to a faraway place on her journey to finding true love.  This book gives a glimpse as to what a possible lost letter might give to woman searching for a place to belong.  I enjoyed this story.


Find our more about Rachel here:
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*I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Revell Reads for review.  All opinions are my own.*

Homemaker's Friend Daily Planner BOGO Sale!! Ends Aug 31, 2019

Homemaker's Friend Daily Planner BOGO Sale for 2019 and 2020!!

Several years ago I was floundering around with a planner that I had printed off week by week.  I wasn't able to keep up with it and eventually gave up.  Then I discovered this planner from Sue Hooley known as the Homemaker's Friend Daily Planner.  

 Here are the features I love about it: 

*It's a convenient size.  I can slip it into my purse.
*The weekly task list helps me organize my to do list.
*I can record and see my menu plan for the whole week on the two page spread.
*I plan birthdays, cleaning projects, clothes I need, makeup brands, books to read and more.
*The tear out shopping lists are handy for recording my shopping needs and using for my grocery run.
*I keep a master list of shopping needs from my favorite stores.
*I can see a month at a glance.
*It's my brain and I LOVE it!

This planner has been such a positive impact in my life to be organized, productive and happy!

Recently I moved and this planner has helped me organize my new life schedule as my kids are now in school.  We've been having a very fun and busy summer and it's great to keep my running list of things that need to be done.  There are SO many family birthdays in the summer.  I also run a Podcast Club and do many book reviews, so this planner keeps me on task.  

Get your Homemaker's Friend Daily Planner

BOGO Sale for 2019 + 2020

expires Aug 31, 2019

Take a look inside:
 

Don't Blame the Mud: Only Jesus Makes Us Clean by Marty Machowski Book Review

Don't Blame the Mud :Only Jesus Makes Us Clean by Marty Machowski is a picture book for young listeners to understand exactly how sin can move someone to make bad choices which lead to consequences.  But it also offers the forgiveness and redemption of God's love.  Young Max is on his way home and has been told to keep his clothes clean.  He opts to walk down near the creek but thinks he can skirt around the mud with no problem.  He eventually slips and becomes muddy which he tries to hide when he gets home.  His parents see through his disobedience.  He gets cleaned up on the outside, but his inside is still battling the sin and he makes excuses.  His parents gently guide him to understand God's way and lead him to repentance. 

There is a short section after the story for parents to help their children understand sin and also to understand the gospel.  At the back there are key Bible verses to remember with a promise, a prayer and a plea.

This book was illustrated with lively pictures to help kids identify with the "picture" of sin.  Sin is the ugly mud that follows young Max everywhere until he finally asks for forgiveness and he's washed clean on the inside.  This story gives a realistic look at the thoughts and actions of a child's mind and heart as they choose disobedience and reap the consequences of sin like shame, guilt, and blame.  This story also shows how parents can naturally help their child to "see" sin and to learn to come to God to wash away the "mud in our hearts." 

This is a great book for ages 6-10 as children need to learn how to confess their sin and truly understand the Gospel that is relevant and present in their lives.

Learn more about the author at www.martymachowski.com. 

Don't Blame the Mud can be found at New Growth Press.  Visit www.newgrowthpress.com.

*I was given a complimentary copy of this book for review.  All opinions are my own.*

No Ocean Too Wide by Carrie Turansky Book Review

No Ocean Too Wide by Carrie Turansky is the first book in a series that explores the British Home Children who were sent across the ocean from London to Canada in the late 1800's to early 1900's. Many of these children were orphans, but this novel gives a glimpse into a family that was torn apart by this system that promised a better life for children.

Laura McAlister is working as a lady's maid for the very affluent Fraser family in England when she finds out that her widowed mother has become ill.  When she arrives in London, she discovers that her brother and sisters have been put in orphanages.  She is desperate to find her siblings and tries not to worry her mother. Laura encounters many obstacles and frustrations as she searches for her family and  when she finds out that her siblings have been shipped off to Canada, she sneaks her way into a position that will allow her to travel the same route that will lead her to her siblings. She meets Rose who becomes a kind and caring friend.  And while on the boat, she meets Andrew Fraser (again), who not only is the son of her former employer, but also an attorney who is on assignment to learn more about the children being transferred through the orphanages to families in Canada.  She begins to form an unlikely friendship with him as they continue their search for her family. Laura had to rely on God's provision through this scary and lonely trial. When Laura finally tracks down one of her sister's she is appalled by her living and working conditions.  She is adamant to find her the rest of her family.   Will Laura and Andrew rescue her siblings?  Will they move beyond their friendship to something more?

This book addressed a new topic for me that I had actually never heard or read about before.  I was highly intrigued about how all these children were moved from one continent to another.  This historical fiction gave a glimpse into the life of a family that learned the struggles and heartache that could happen accidentally.  I especially liked how how even though the main character, Laura, seemed to be a very responsible and careful young lady, she had to take great risks and even conceal her identity to pursue her siblings.  I can't imagine all that this family had to endure.  It seemed very wrong and even though there were many well meaning authorities, when it came time for choosing homes, it was not done properly in my opinion.  The novel does not end here, but will continue on with a story for each of the McAlister children.  I look forward to following this family.

*I was given a complimentary copy of this book for review.  All opinions are my own.*


Be sure to check out the author at her website for more amazing books:  Carrie Turansky.

Goodbye, 2018, Hello 2019! 6 month update!

Oh my goodness!  I never believed I would have packed so many transitions into one year.  I did not plan any of these things!  At the beginning of the year we adopted a new cat who was about 6 months old.  He was all black and we named him Raven.  He has become my little buddy.  Also in January, we went to my father in laws memorial (he passed in October).  It was a very comforting time with family. Then in February, we had a garage fire which destroyed everything we thought was valuable, but realized it was just stuff.  Also that spring, my parents sold my grandmother's house (she had passed in October as well).  Then they bought a new house in a different town and also later that summer sold their home (my growing up home!).  Amidst all of that we went through a job search, and eventually selling our house, buying a house and moving across country.  I explained a lot of this in my previous blog posts.

But today we have been in our new home for 6 months.

Whew, and so much has happened since we moved here as well, but really good things.

I started this blog much earlier in the year and then life has become really busy!

First of all, I just LOVE living in the country! We have a huge yard and we are not close to any neighbors or noise.  We hear birds singing every morning.  The frogs were croaking at night in the Spring.  We can see the stars and watch the sun rise and sunset every day.  The kids can run, ride bikes, dig in the garden and be loud without disturbing anyone.  We have built bonfires, planted a garden, bought chickens and made a makeshift coop.

Our historic town is less than 10 min away.  The school is 5 minutes and the grocery store is 7 minutes.  There are many places to explore likes beaches and state parks.  There is a lot of driving, but there is no traffic except in planting season when the tractors use the regular highway.   We live about an hour and half from the big city of Richmond and the airport.

We have found the people to be very friendly and welcoming.  We started going to a church, the small group and the kids attended the Awana program.  I am volunteering at the school and taking care of the home as well as taking the kids back and forth to school.  I also have been on a few of their field trips.  My son went to Jamestown and Yorktown.  My daughter went to a state park for a fun day.

Things are a lot different here and sometimes we think about life back in Tacoma.  But somehow we feel so comfortable and at home here.  We love our big house and yard.  We are going to have a big work party with my husband's co-workers soon.  The weather is unpredictable, but we have had snow, rain, thunder, lightning, tornado warnings, sun and wind.  Most days are pleasant although it is getting warmer.  I don't even need a sweater!

We are so excited to see what the rest of the year will hold for our family.  There is so much to tell, but honestly, I enjoy living my life.  If you want to keep up with me, be sure to check out my Facebook page The Knowlton Nest,  where I occasionally post what I do on a daily basis.  

We are so happy that God moved us to Virginia and continue to find ways to serve Him in this new area.  And we can't wait to have fun this summer with our new friends!

The Next Right Thing by Emily P. Freeman Book Review

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The Next Right Thing: A Simple Soulful Practice for Making Life Decisions by Emily P. Freeman is a delightful and heartfelt read from a popular podcast presenter.  Her vision is simple, do the next right thing.  If you struggle with "decision fatigue" as Emily refers to it, this book will show steps to "create space for your soul to breathe."  Each chapter begins with a timely quote on the topic of the chapter.  Emily weaves her story along with inspiring actions and new ways of thinking to address the topic.  She ends the chapter with a short and hopeful prayer along with a simple practice to guide the reader to give life to the actions outlined in the chapter.  Emily is a master in keeping the attention of her readers as she shares her thoughts and musings.  The ideas presented are shared in quiet expectation.  She is inviting her readers on a magical journey by just choosing the next right thing...today.  

Last summer a friend of mine who knows I listen to podcasts asked if I had heard of Emily P. Freeman's The Next Right Thing Podcast.  I had not, but as soon as I heard the title I knew I had to check it out.  I started at the beginning and devoured the words I heard through my ear buds.  Emily's sweet voice floated through my mind and caused me to unearth some hidden thoughts and ideas that I never knew existed.  I was so excited to read this companion book and I could almost hear Emily's voice reading it to me as I devoured it too.   I crave the simple and quiet spaces in my soul where I can breathe and connect with who I really am.  Emily's book is just the right pace to spur me to make decisions with ease and confidence.  

* I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Revell Reads for review.  All opinions are my own.*

Dear Daughters :Love Letters to the Next Generation by Susie Davis Book Review (Giveaway!!)

Dear Daughters: Love Letters to the Next Generation by Susie Davis is a sweet book that gives young women wisdom and mentorship from a godly perspective.  Susie reaches the hearts of these young women by covering topics such as worry, life's purpose, expectation and caring for your soul.  Each chapter is designed to delve into the topic with a friendly opening story and carries along like a conversation.  She slowly urges her readers to ponder and answer questions that bring hope and comfort.  She also provides a small space for writing thoughts and gleanings from the chapter.  Her honesty and transparency are wrapped up in this book that will encourage young readers to lean into God.

I really enjoyed this heart warming book as I think back on my life as a young girl.  I have really enjoyed the benefits of mentoring in the past few years and I really encourage every young woman today to pick up Susie's book and let the love and and connection be wrapped in their soul.  This book reads like a devotional with stories and questions always leading back to the Lord.  It's a perfect gift!

*I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review.  All opinions are my own.*

Enter to win a free copy of this book through May 7: 

 https://www.audrajennings.com/2019/04/deardaughterstour.html

Susie Davis is an author, speaker and co-founder of Austin Christian Fellowship. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Will Davis, Jr., and they have 3 delightful young adult children (Will III, Emily, and Sara) who are all married and living their own beautiful life.
 
Susie’s podcast, Dear Daughters, is full of wisdom and joy, offering women young and old the kind of comfort and companionship they crave.
 
Aside from family and ministry, Susie is hopelessly addicted to horseback riding, McDonald’s coffee and pink geraniums. She loves bird watching, creek walking and connecting the dots between God and nature. Her favorites include cooking, gathering people at her big French farm table and asking deep questions.
 
Visit her website: www.susiedavis.org.
 
She is also active on Facebook (@davis.susie), Twitter (@susiedavis) and Instagram (@susiedavis).