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.)
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Saturday, April 30, 2016
"Brazen" Book Review
Leeana Tankersley takes us on a journey to unleash the BRAZEN in all of us!
Early on she makes it clear to not associate brazen in a negative way, but in an empowering and freedom-grabbing way.
The book is broken down into 3 parts that break down: how to receive your identity, reclaim your voice, and recover your soul. In each section, Leeana gives sub points in chapter format with anecdotes and stories that make the point in how to achieve what she is describing. At the end of each chapter are two small sections for the reader to perform an exercise: one in reflection or expression and one in activity.
Leeana's way of writing makes you feel like you are in a comfortable chair at a women's retreat as she relates life and its pitfalls in a real, deep, descriptive, colorful, and humorous way. As I read through each chapter, I found myself, usually with a small smile on my face; either from a "wow, that was really deep" feeling, or "that was funny" feeling. Page 210 made me laugh out loud...
The only thing I couldn't wrap my head around was the section on her describing her 20 minutes of "soul time". I wasn't really sure if this time was prayer time in writing or a free-write time or what...If she could have given and example of what the actual writing looked like would have helped me out there a lot to actually know what we are to be getting out and getting in touch with.
My absolute favorite thing about the book was the "For Your Brazen Board" at the end of each chapter. It was usually something easy that the reader could attach to a memory board or bulletin board that builds a visual reminder for us to be BRAZEN. And the cool thing about that, it is unique to each of us.
Overall, I found the book interesting, reflective and real. I give it 4.5 stars out of 5.
(I received this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
Early on she makes it clear to not associate brazen in a negative way, but in an empowering and freedom-grabbing way.
The book is broken down into 3 parts that break down: how to receive your identity, reclaim your voice, and recover your soul. In each section, Leeana gives sub points in chapter format with anecdotes and stories that make the point in how to achieve what she is describing. At the end of each chapter are two small sections for the reader to perform an exercise: one in reflection or expression and one in activity.
Leeana's way of writing makes you feel like you are in a comfortable chair at a women's retreat as she relates life and its pitfalls in a real, deep, descriptive, colorful, and humorous way. As I read through each chapter, I found myself, usually with a small smile on my face; either from a "wow, that was really deep" feeling, or "that was funny" feeling. Page 210 made me laugh out loud...
The only thing I couldn't wrap my head around was the section on her describing her 20 minutes of "soul time". I wasn't really sure if this time was prayer time in writing or a free-write time or what...If she could have given and example of what the actual writing looked like would have helped me out there a lot to actually know what we are to be getting out and getting in touch with.
My absolute favorite thing about the book was the "For Your Brazen Board" at the end of each chapter. It was usually something easy that the reader could attach to a memory board or bulletin board that builds a visual reminder for us to be BRAZEN. And the cool thing about that, it is unique to each of us.
Overall, I found the book interesting, reflective and real. I give it 4.5 stars out of 5.
(I received this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
Thursday, March 31, 2016
"A Sweet Misfortune" Book Reveiw
Rachel Matthews is a gal with guts and spunk and will do anything to save her family's ranch--even if it means working at a job that could label her a "soiled dove". But, she remains undeterred even rafter she is whisked away to the McIntyre ranch.
John McIntyre finds Rachel Matthews to be a determined woman. And John's grandmother Estelle, sees those qualities and a bit more in Rachel too.
Can John and Rachel find a common ground? Will the dreams Rachel have of saving the family ranch come true?
"A Sweet Misfortune" is the second installment in the Virtues and Vices of the Old West series by Maggie Brendan. I have not yet read the first book in the series.
The book starts out moving well out of the gate! The pace is fairly fast, which is good, but I felt that there wasn't a lot of development to the characters. So, I feel that this book was overall a "light read". Nothing wrong with that, but I prefer a little more layers to my characters. That's purely my preference. Ms. Brendan's book was fun to read, so don't get me wrong.
The secondary characters of Estelle and Molly and Annabelle were a good source of dialogue. Of course there was the characters you cringe about in Vera and Beatrice.
The christian theme isn't overly heavy or preachy, but a nice clean romance. The lesson of not judging a book by its cover and perfection are good reminders.
4 out of 5 stars.
(I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
John McIntyre finds Rachel Matthews to be a determined woman. And John's grandmother Estelle, sees those qualities and a bit more in Rachel too.
Can John and Rachel find a common ground? Will the dreams Rachel have of saving the family ranch come true?
"A Sweet Misfortune" is the second installment in the Virtues and Vices of the Old West series by Maggie Brendan. I have not yet read the first book in the series.
The book starts out moving well out of the gate! The pace is fairly fast, which is good, but I felt that there wasn't a lot of development to the characters. So, I feel that this book was overall a "light read". Nothing wrong with that, but I prefer a little more layers to my characters. That's purely my preference. Ms. Brendan's book was fun to read, so don't get me wrong.
The secondary characters of Estelle and Molly and Annabelle were a good source of dialogue. Of course there was the characters you cringe about in Vera and Beatrice.
The christian theme isn't overly heavy or preachy, but a nice clean romance. The lesson of not judging a book by its cover and perfection are good reminders.
4 out of 5 stars.
(I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
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Roscoe
A good walking buddy and awesome frisbee catcher! Life cut short by a brain tumor.
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
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.
