Shattered {Review}

When I was offered the chance to review Shattered by Dani Pettrey, I thought it sounded like a good book.  I noticed that it was the second book in a series, but I was hoping that it would still be good by itself.  It wasn't quite as good as if I had read the previous book first.  There were a few people and relationships that I couldn't figure out how they fit in, but they were pretty minor and didn't detract from the main story too much.  While I did really enjoy the story, I thought a few parts were a bit unrealistic. Like Piper, the main character, digging herself and an unconscious Landon out of an avalanche and dragging him to safety.  And that a group of people (only one being a police officer) would really be able to investigate and question so many people about a murder.  The romance aspect of the story was pretty predictable, but there were enough twists to the story that I didn't figure out the murderer until the end. While Shattered was a good read, it wasn't great.  If you like suspense and romance, I would recommend starting at the beginning of the series and then reading Shattered.

From the back cover:

When her prodigal brother Reef's return to Yancey, Alaska, is shattered by his arrest for murder, Piper McKenna is determined to protect him.

Deputy Landon Grainger loves the McKennas like family, but he's also sworn to find the truth. And he knows those closest to you have the power to deceive you the most. With his sheriff pushing for a quick conviction, some unexpected leads complicate the investigation, and pursuing the truth puts Landon's career in jeopardy.

When Piper launches her own investigation, Landon realizes he must protect her from herself--and whatever complications await as the two follow clues deep into Canada's rugged back country. Not only does their long friendship seem to be turning into something more, but this dangerous case is becoming deadlier with each step. 

 I received this book for free for review from Bethany House Publishers.

Blessings,

Congo Dawn {Review}

Congo Dawn, by Jeanette Windle is not my typical light reading that I usually stick to.  When I read that it was about Africa and missionaries, I decided to review it since we were right in the middle of studying Africa and some of it's missionaries in our school studies (although it is not something I would read with my kiddos!). I thought it was off to a slow start but it did get much better then farther I read.

Book Description:

While former Marine lieutenant Robin Duncan is no stranger to corruption or conspiracy, she has always been able to tell the good guys from the bad, and the Congo jungle at first seems no different. But as her security team tries to track down an insurgent killer, Robin has to face a man who broke her trust years ago, and she discovers the gray areas extend farther in this jungle wilderness than she anticipated.

A ruthless global conspiracy begins to surface, run by powerful men who can’t afford to leave any witnesses. Her life at stake, Robin doesn’t know who to trust and wonders how she can help protect innocent people. Why is God silent amid all the pain and injustice? And how do these people of faith continue to rejoice in their suffering?

Despite the slow start, I ended up really liking Congo Dawn.  It was suspenseful and informative with a bit of romance thrown in.  I learned quite a bit about life in the Congo and the suffering of those living there.  A large part of the book was about how the people could still rejoice in the love of Jesus and be a light in the darkness despite their suffering. Overall is was a great read and I highly recommend this book!

I received this book for free for review from Tyndale House Publishers.

Blessings,

Giveaway Winners!

Thanks to all of you who entered my giveaways for the Veggie Tales DVD and the Prayers for Everyday book.  Sorry I didn't get the winners picked yesterday, Buddy had his first Pinewood Derby and we spent the morning there and I forgot all about the giveaways!

I used random.org to pick the winners and the winner for the Veggies DVD is #3, Diddlepoyner!

Update 3/21/13: I have emailed Diddlepoyner twice and haven't heard back, so I am choosing a new winner and this time random.org picked #6, Jessica!  I will be emailing you soon!

And the winner of the Prayers for Everyday book is #6, Celine!

Congratulations to both of you! I will be emailing you soon!

Blessings,

Caps For Sale!

I love to crochet.  It is very relaxing to do in the evening after the kids are in bed.  I also love the challenge of a new pattern.  I usually give most of my hats away as gifts, but lately I've been making more than I have needed.  So I have decided to try and sell some of them.  As most homeschoolers know, curriculum can get pricey, so hopefully this is a way we can help offset some of our costs.  Below you will find most of the current hats I have on hand listed with their color, size, and price.  If you see something you like but want a different color or size or it is sold, let me know and I would love to whip it up for you! :)  I am willing to ship to those of you who are not local to me, please add $3 for shipping. I have only used free patterns or made my own up, so if possible, I will link to the pattern for those of you who might want to crochet your own. My email is tolsmamm at juno dot com.  Thanks in advance for any of you who choose to help us out and purchase a hat!

Black, white, and pink cow hat: 6-12 months, $18 *SOLD*

Button flap beanies: newborn purple, newborn white, 6 months light green, $12 each (find pattern HERE)

White cluster stitch beanie, white and purple scalloped beanie, both 3-6 months, $12 each (find scalloped beanie pattern HERE)

Light green and white scalloped beanie, 2-3 years, $12 *SOLD*

Brimmed beanie: all 3-6 months white, soft navy, light green, $12 each (find pattern HERE) *green is SOLD*

Pink and white Granny Stitch Sun Hat, 3-6 months, $12 (find pattern HERE)

Pink, brown, and white owl hat, 3-6 months, $18 (find pattern HERE) *SOLD*

Purple, brown, and white owl hat, 3-4 years, $18 *SOLD*

Purple and white cloche, 6 months, $12 (find pattern HERE)

Pink and white cloche, 5-6 years old, $12 *SOLD*

This cloche pattern is one of my favorite and here is my girls wearing theirs and I even made one for Sweetie's American Girl doll.

Textured brimmed beanie: both 3-6 months, brown with white flower, brown with pink flower, $12 each (find pattern HERE)

Textured brimmed beanie: 5-7 years old, brown with pink flower, $12

I attempted shoes one time, but not sure they were worth the work.  These are for sale, but I don't know if you can convince me to make them again! :)

Brown and white beanie and shoes, newborn, $25 (together)

Pink and purple cluster beanie, 12 months, $12 *SOLD*

Pink, brown, and white bow beanie, 12 months, $12 *SOLD*

Side Knot Beanie: pink, 3 months $12

Purl Stitch Beanie: grey and purple, 3 months $12

 Brown, orange, and white beanie: 18 months $12 *SOLD*

Orange pumpkin hat: 0-3 months ~ $18 *SOLD*

 Grey and pink earflap beanie: 3-6 months ~ $15

 Hello Kitty hat, pink and white: 2-3 years ~ $18 *SOLD*

 Sock Monkey Hat, red, grey and cream, (can add a flower or pompom if desired) 3-6 months ~ $18

 I've even branched out a bit from hats and made these cute sandles! Pink and white: 3-6 months ~ $12

 And this cute owl baby rattle ~ $18

I've also expanded to scarves for the coming cool weather!
Chunky Button Infinity Scarf, cream ($38 inches round, 7 inches high) ~ $22 *SOLD*

Pink girl's scarf (48 inches long) ~ $15 *SOLD*
Brown and white long skinny scarf (82 inches long) ~ $18 *SOLD*

Here are some pictures of other hats I've made for my kiddos for other ideas of what I could make for you!

Despite the sad face, he really does like his hat! :) (He was probably just mad about someone taking his toy!)

Buddy's Angry Birds Hat

Blessings,

Tasy Tuesday ~ Blueberry Honey Scones

I am normally not a huge fan of scones, I think they are just a little too dry.  But these blueberry honey ones are amazing!  The kids loved them and were begging for more the first time I made them.  Since then, I have doubled the recipe so we can have more!  They are also really quick to make in the morning since they taste best fresh, but can be made the night before. 

Ingredients:
 2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons butter, chilled, cut-up
3/4 cup fresh or frozen  blueberries
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1 egg

GLAZE
2 tablespoons plain yogurt
1 teaspoon honey
1 cup powdered sugar

Directions:
Heat oven to 375ºF. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in medium bowl. Cut in butter with pastry blender or two knives until butter is the size of blueberries. Stir in blueberries and lemon peel.  Stir 1/3 cup honey, 1/4 cup yogurt and egg in small bowl until smooth. Using fork, stir into flour mixture until moistened. On lightly floured surface, pat dough to 1-inch thickness. I usually shape into a circle or square  (2 if doubled) and cut into triangles or squares.  You could also use a biscuit cutter to make circle shaped scones.  Place on baking sheet.  Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack 5 minutes.
Stir 2 tablespoons yogurt and 1 teaspoon honey in small bowl. Slowly stir in powdered sugar. Spoon over warm scones and let stand 5 minutes. Serve warm.  Enjoy!
 
Blessings,

Linked up with:
Raising Homemakers
Far Above Rubies
The Better Mom
Teach Me Tuesdays
Titus 2sday
Women Living Well
A Delightful Home
Raising Arrows
The Modest Mom
A Wise Woman Builds Her Home
Diary of a Stay at Home Mom