Welcome to the farm...

Welcome! For up to date happenings of Life On CT Farm, visit and follow my Facebook page under "CT Farms"...I will only blog when I get the itch to write or when I am reviewing books or feel inspired in some other way. So, come. Explore. Enjoy your visit!!

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

"I Wish He Had Come with Instructions" Book Review

And the rest of the title is "The Woman's Guide to a Man's Brain"...

In all honesty, I was surprised at the 213-page length of this book! As a female married to a male for 16 years, I can tell you that men don't really seem all that complicated. I mean, its like the comedian Jeff Foxworthy says, men are easy to figure out, they want a beer and to see something naked. So, when I saw the title of this book and knowing Jeff's concise summation of the male persona and psyche...well, I just had to see what this book was all about--and how it was only more than 2 ages!!

This is the second book I've read by Mike Bechtle. Just as in "You Can't Text a Tough Conversation", Mike has clearly done his homework again. There are several instances where Mike quotes or sites findings to support his statements.

The chapters are broken down like subtopics to 5 main parts that Mike wants to discuss, Chapters and inner-chapter sections are easy to read with good examples and multiple examples.

I found myself dog-earing several pages because I want to go back and share what I read with my hubby!

This book did enlighten me to some of the how and why behind some of the things my husband does. It also does well at delineating the how and why behind the differences between men an women so that we as women can achieve the "a ha". It's not strictly all about men. Instead it does break down the difference between the sexes so we as females can relate to our own sex and then understand why we relate to men in certain ways--or not. And that is why it was 213 pages!

Overall, a very informative read in a enjoyable format. I give it 5 stars!

(I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

Saturday, August 13, 2016

"Honor Redeemed" Book Review

With her mother and father now gone, no money, and little family, Prosperity Jones is anything but the image of prosperity. Her one hope is her fiance, David, stationed in Key West. Will Prosperity find prosperity in Key West with David? Or only find more heartache...

Set in the tropical venue of Key West, this second installment of the Keys of Promise series delivered another page-turning plot. Christine Johnson introduces us to two new characters: Prosperity Jones and Lt. David Latham.

Prosperity is a woman of strong values and principles. David as similar characteristics as well, which in the end cause much of the turmoil throughout the novel. There is the ever-present struggle to do whats right and to be Christlike, even to the point of discomfort or unhappiness.

The novel has strong secondary characters in Dr. Goodenow and Elizabeth.

The plot, as I mentioned, was a page turner! Ms. Johnson does a wonderful job peppering in the right amount of intrigue and twists to keep you wanting more.

Compared to her first installment of "Love's Rescue", I preferred this story line better. I will say what I said in the review for "Love's Rescue" that I map or something of the town would be helpful. Like where the hospital was in conjunction to the fort.

Overall an enjoyable book. 4.5 stars out of 5

(I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

Thursday, June 30, 2016

"Sea Rose Lane" Book Review

In an effort to escape hurt, BJ Stevens left her life in the big city and career as an architect to make a new home with new direction in Hope Harbor, Oregon.

Partner-track attorney Eric Nash is heading back home to Hope Harbor.

When Eric and BJ's worlds collide--literally--can BJ see past Eric's big-city persona and livelihood and can Eric alter his life plan for love?

This is the second book I've read by Irene Hannon and the second in the Hope Harbor series. In this installment, we get to revisit Charley, the town taco maker and artist, the bantering between Father Kevin and Reverend Baker, Floyd and Gladys, the resident seagulls, and Tracey and Michael, whom we met in "Hope Harbor".

BJ and Eric's story line is supported with another story line about Eleanor and Luis. Eleanor and Luis both deal with the struggles of being alone, being useful, and having purpose. However, each story is vastly different in how alone, useful, and purpose are played out.

All main characters have a complexity to them and the book moves at a steady pace in revealing the layers to each character.

Overall, I preferred this installment better than "Hope Harbor". Mainly because the circumstances that brought the main characters didn't involve a death and the pace was a little faster. My only complaint is that it ended to abruptly. I would have liked to see Eric's struggle and decision play out a little more.

I give this a 4 out of 5 stars.

(This book was given to my by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

Gone But Not Forgotten...

Even though you may be gone from this earth, you will always live on in our hearts!

Roscoe

Roscoe
A good walking buddy and awesome frisbee catcher! Life cut short by a brain tumor.

Tuffy

Tuffy
If ever there was a candidate for Dog Heaven, it would be Tuff. Tuff was put to rest December 7, 2012. At almost 14 years old, he threw the longevity curve for dogs of his breed-makeup and size. He battled 2 types of cancer and Cushing's Disease as well as arthritis. Faithful to the end and never grumpy, depite the constant care and nagging from me. Always the protector, gentleman and companion--you will be sorely missed by all who had the opportunity to know you.

Cranky Thomas

Cranky Thomas
Ever wonder why it's called "Life On CT Farm"? The horse you see in the pictures is Cranky Thomas, a registered quarter horse gelding. He was born May 5, 1980 in Galion, Alabama and passed away August 3, 2004 on CT Farm--his farm. He originally belonged to my husband, but I adopted him and I think he adopted me. We competed together in contest classes at local horse shows. But, an old injury finally slowed him down and I retired him in 2000. He was a loving and patient being that I completely trusted and admired. There will never be another like him, never. He meant so much to me that I named our farm after him as well as my company, Cranky T. LLC. He's gone now, but is still with me and now you.

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