A Fun and Colorful Summer Refreshment!

Summer is here, and now is a great time to celebrate the season with some cool, colorful drinks! I follow a blog called Sugar Bean Bakers, and a recent post there included a super-easy, super-fun recipe for making something like this:

 

Yep, I tried it out, and it really worked! My mom, my sister, and I all loved it!

Aren't they lovely?? So pretty!

So check out the directions for making "Layered Drinks" (from Sugar Bean Bakers blog) - I think you might just love them, too!

P.S. I used Sobe (Cranberry Grapefruit), Gatorade Perform Low-Cal (Glacier Freeze), and VitaminWater Zero (Orange) to get the multi-colored drinks you see above. They tasted kind of like tropical-flavored cotton candy. =)

My Review of The Secret Keeper

Here's a description of the book from Simon & Schuster:

"What she sees in secret, she may not tell.

Mistress Juliana St. John is the lovely, forthright daughter of a prosperous knight’s family. Though all expect her to marry the son of her late father’s business partner, time and chance interrupt, sending her to the sumptuous but deceptive court of Henry VIII. Sir Thomas Seymour, brother of the late Queen Jane, returns to Wiltshire to conclude his affairs with Juliana’s father’s estate and chances upon her reading as lector in the local church. He sees instantly that she would fit into the household of the woman he loves and wants most to please, Kateryn Parr. Juliana’s mother agrees to have her placed with Parr for a season and Juliana goes, though reluctantly. For she keeps a secret.

As Juliana accompanies Kateryn Parr to court, Henry’s devout sixth queen raises the stakes for all reformers. Support of firebrand Anne Askew puts the queen and her ladies in life-threatening jeopardy, as does the queen’s desire to influence her husband’s—and the realm’s—direction and beliefs. Later, without Henry’s strong arm, the court devolves to competition, duplicity, and betrayal. The risks could not be higher as Juliana must choose between love and honor, personal fulfillment and sacrifice. Ultimately, her course is driven by a final kept secret, one that undoes everything she thought she knew."

My Rating

Spring

My Review

The Secret Keeper is the story of Juliana St. John - a woman who holds her own and keeps the faith during the days of Kings Henry VIII and Edward VI. Through this fictional perspective the reader is treated to a grand tour through history that is rich in texture and personal in nature. From the relative safety of a wealthy home to the colorful but dangerous world of the court, Juliana's story is an interesting one.

Sandra Byrd is a talented author. The Secret Keeper is well-written, although it involves a lot of shuffling. With lots of travel and lots of time passing, the characters keep moving from one scene to the next, or from one year to the next, without a completely satisfying fluidity. There's a lot of ground covered - from the history being conveyed to the emotional journeys of the characters.

I would have liked to see some more scenes involving both the hero and the heroine - some more romance - but that's a personal preference. This is a book where history takes precedence and romance, while a part of things, is in more of a secondary position. The ending takes an intriguing turn and is a gratifying, albeit slightly sudden, conclusion. If you're looking for historical fiction that borders on historical romance, and if you enjoy a story that brings the past to life without shying away from the more unseemly and painful  aspects, then The Secret Keeper has a lot to offer!

*With thanks to author Sandra Byrd and the publisher for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

The Booker Award

Huge thanks to Faye (labor not in vain), Cathy (Thoughts on Books), and Carissa (Carissa's bookshelf) for passing The Booker Award on to me!

Ah, yes - I think I do spent quite a bit of time in fictional worlds, LOL!

Here are the rules for this award: 

"1. This award is for book bloggers only. To receive this award the blogger's blog must be 50% about books (this includes writing blogs or reader blogs).

2. When you accept this award you must also share what your top five all time favorite books are. Going over five is encouraged.

3. You must pass this award on to five to ten other book blogs that you adore :)"

Now, I have a really hard time narrowing down my favorites when it comes to books... There are so many books that have moved me or inspired me or swept me away! But here are some of the books that I've marked as "Favorites" on Shelfari:

• A Tailor-Made Bride by Karen Witemeyer
• Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer
• Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz
• The Redemption by MaryLu Tyndall
• Surrender the Night by MaryLu Tyndall
• Yesterday's Tomorrow by Catherine West
• Undercurrent by Michelle Griep
• Chateau of Echoes by Siri Mitchell
• The Messenger by Siri Mitchell
• There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones
• The Rose of Winslow Street by Elizabeth Camden
• Promise Me This by Cathy Gohlke 
• The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen
• Love in Disguise by Carol Cox
• The "Phantom Island" series by Krissi Dallas (Windchaser, Windfall, and Watercrossing - with more to come!!)

Some other Christian fiction favorites:

• Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
• Snow Angel by Jamie Carie
• A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman

And some favorites from books I had to read for college classes (class underlined in parentheses):

• Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen (17th-19th Century British Literature)
• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (19th-20th Century British Literature)
• Dracula by Bram Stoker (19th-20th Century British Literature)
• The Ghostway by Tony Hillerman (Literature of the American West)
• Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain (19th Century American Literature)
• Into Africa by Martin Dugard (History of Modern Africa)
• Cavalier in Buckskin by Robert Utley (American Military History I)
• The Gospel of Ruth by Carolyn Custis James (Ruth & Esther)

Like I said before, there are so many books that have blessed me or challenged me. As a college graduate with a degree in English, I'm sure you can imagine that I am very grateful for books!

I'm passing this award on to:

• Bluerose (Bluerose's Heart)
• Lydia (The Overweight Bookshelf)
• Christy (Southern Sassy Things)
• Casey (Writing for Christ)
• Renee (Black 'n Gold Girl's Book Spot)
• Katie (Legacy of a Writer)

 What are some of your favorite books?

My Review of Garden of Madness

Here's a description of the book:

"The Untold Story of King Nebuchadnezzar’s Daughter.

For seven years the Babylonian princess Tiamat has waited for the mad king Nebuchadnezzar to return to his family and to his kingdom. Driven from his throne to live as a beast, he prowls his luxurious Hanging Gardens, secreted away from the world.

Since her treaty marriage at a young age, Tia has lived an indulgent palace life. But when her husband dies and a nobleman is found murdered in the palace, Tia must discover who is responsible for the macabre death, even if her own newfound freedom is threatened.

As the queen plans to wed Tia to yet another prince, the powerful mage Shadir plots to expose the family’s secret and set his own man on the throne. Tia enlists the help of a reluctant Jewish captive, her late husband’s brother Pedaiah, who challenges her notions of the gods even as he opens her heart to both truth and love.

In a time when few gave their hearts to Yahweh, one woman must decide if she is willing to risk everything—her possessions, her gods, and her very life—for the Israelite’s one God. Madness, sorcery and sinister plots mingle like an alchemist’s deadly potion, and Tia must dare to risk all – to save the kingdom, and to save herself."

My Rating

Spring/Summer

My Review

The "Seven Wonders" series continues with an intriguing story centered around the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. This is a depiction of a fascinating and yet dark time in the life of King Nebuchadnezzar - as seen through the eyes of an independent and intelligent daughter who never stops loving him.

Tiamat is a strong and determined heroine who exercises as an outlet for her anxiety and stops at nothing to discover the truth. The secrets of the palace are numerous and prove to be quite painful, and yet this "Nancy Drew" of ancient Babylon keeps asking her questions and putting herself at risk. Tracy Higley does a wonderful job of writing historical suspense, as she keeps the tension - and the stakes - high. The descriptions of the palace and the city, combined with the escalating drama unfolding around Tia, make this an enthralling read.

The romance gets off to a great start (in terms of romantic tension), too, with Pedaiah and Tia constantly assessing their priorities and battling their feelings. But I confess that the ending - while engaging and generally satisfying - didn't quite live up to all I hoped it to be. Everything turned out too neat without finally endearing me to the hero.

So Garden of Madness isn't my favorite of Higley's books (I'm still partial to City of the Dead and Guardian of the Flame), but it is definitely a great read. The journey of the heroine and the theme of humility really stand out in this captivating story!

*With thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishing through the Booksneeze program and the author for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

Litfuse Publicity Blog Tour: Angel Eyes

Here's a description of the book:

"Once you've seen, you can't unsee. Everything changes when you've looked at the world through . . . Angel Eyes

Brielle went to the city to chase her dreams and found tragedy instead. She's come home to shabby little Stratus, Oregon, to live with her grief and her guilt . . . and the incredible, numbing cold she can't seem to shake.

Jake's the new guy at school. The boy next door with burning hands and an unbelievable gift that targets him for corruption.

Something more than fate has brought them together. An evil bigger than both of them lurks in the shadows nearby, hiding in plain sight. Two angels stand guard, unsure what's going to happen. And a beauty brighter than Jake or Brielle has ever seen is calling them to join the battle in a realm where all human choices start.

A realm that only angels and demons-and Brielle-can perceive."

My Rating

Fall/Spring

My Review

Angel Eyes is a heartfelt YA novel that draws attention to important issues - from the power of fear to the cruelty of human trafficking. As a creative story full of emotion and tension, this book delivers. It's an engrossing read that offers enough romance and real-life heartache to carry the reader through to the last page.

But the writing itself is kind of hit and miss. Sometimes the symbolic and lyrical language shines. And other times it's a bit too much - along with some of the content. Not to say that the content is too edgy to handle, but rather the romantic and angelic content is a little too fanciful at times, even for the genre. Jake is sweet as all get-out - don't get me wrong! I'm just not sure where his utter romantic devotion comes from.

And I think the depiction of the angels and demons has to be taken with a grain of salt, as well. God is mentioned and revered in the story, but He seems so distant in comparison to the bold interference of the angels in the lives of the human characters. The author certainly gives an interesting fictional look at the supernatural as it affects, is affected by, and interacts with the natural world - a perspective that can have merit in the questions it raises and the discussion/thought it might prompt.

*With thanks to the publisher for providing me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion, to be shared during the Litfuse Publicity Blog tour.* 

About the Author

"Shannon is a wife and mother. A sister. A daughter. A friend. She was raised in Northern California by her parents-pastors of their local church and constant figures of inspiration.

As a youth, Shannon traveled with an award-winning performing arts team, excelling on stage and in the classroom. As a young adult, she attended Portland Bible College, continued acting, and worked with an outreach team targeting inner-city kids in the Portland-Metropolitan area.

It was in Portland that she met her husband, Matt. They were married in 2002. Soon after, they took the reins of the youth ministry at Living Way Community Church in Roseville, California where they continue to serve in that capacity. In October of 2004, their son Justus was born, followed by their daughter Jazlyn, born in 2008.

Find out more at www.shannondittemore.com."

To Buy the Book: click HERE

Blog Tour Schedule: Check out all of the other reviews scheduled by clicking HERE.

Contest

Celebrate with Shannon by entering her "Angel Eyes" Giveaway and connecting with her during the Author Chat Party on 6/26!

One "angelic" winner will receive:

• A Brand New Nook Color
• A copy of Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on June 25th. Winner will be announced at the "Angel Eyes" Author Chat Facebook Party on 6/26. Shannon will be hosting a book chat, testing your trivia skills and giving away some great prizes!

So grab your copy of Angel Eyes and join Shannon on the evening of the June 26th for a chance to meet Shannon and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 26th!

My Review of Short-Straw Bride (CFBA Blog Tour)

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Short-Straw Bride Bethany House Publishers (June 1, 2012) by Karen Witemeyer

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Karen Witemeyer is a deacon's wife and mother of three who believes the world needs more happily-ever-afters. To that end, she combines her love of bygone eras with her passion for helping women mature in Christ to craft historical romance novels that lift the spirit and nurture the soul.

After growing up in California, Karen moved to Texas to attend Abilene Christian University where she earned bachelor and master's degrees in Psychology. It was also there that she met and married her own Texas hero. He roped her in good, for she has lived in Texas ever since. In fact, she fell so in love with this rugged land of sweeping sunsets and enduring pioneer spirit, that she incorporates it into the pages of her novels, setting her stories in the small towns of a state that burgeoned into greatness in the mid- to late1800s.

Karen is living her dream by writing Christian historical romance novels for Bethany House.

ABOUT THE BOOK

No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a lethal plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a twelve-year-old debt compels her to take the risk.

Fourteen years of constant vigilance hardens a man. Yet when Travis Archer confronts a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can't bring himself to send her away. And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt send him riding to her rescue once again.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Short-Straw Bride, go HERE.

MY RATING

Summer

MY REVIEW

I saved the reading of this book for my birthday, and what a treat it was! Karen Witemeyer's books are delicious - from the absolutely delightful covers to the meaningful romance stories between them. This particular book, with a few character and plot elements that resemble those of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (a movie a dear friend got me hooked on), is really quite endearing!

This story starts out with a lot of naivete and misunderstandings. Travis, while doing his best to appear tough, is really a sweet man who will do anything to protect the people he loves. And Meredith is a thoughtful young woman who challenges him at every turn - starting at their first meeting as children when she unknowingly challenges him to do what is right no matter what the consequences, and then later on when she finds herself at Travis' ranch again, challenging his authority and his long-held customs. What is Travis to do when a female with a heart as big as Texas is suddenly thrown into his all-male, isolated life?

Witemeyer knows how to write a satisfying and inspiring historical romance story. The ending of Short-Straw Bride is a bit far-fetched, but the story overall is wonderful - from the adorable prologue that introduces a young Travis and Meredith, to their continued interactions throughout the story that offer a look at an admirable and caring heroine, along with a sacrificing and loving hero. Paranoid brothers, a short-straw bride, and some valuable lessons in humility...yep, this book has it all!

*With thanks to Bethany House through CFBA for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

My Review of Love In Disguise (CFBA Blog Tour)

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing Love in Disguise Bethany House Publishers (June 1, 2012) by Carol Cox   

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Native Arizonan Carol Cox has an abiding love for history, mystery, and romance. The author of more than 25 books, she believes in the power of story to convey spiritual truths. Carol lives with her husband and daughter in northern Arizona, where deer and antelope really do play--within view of the family's front porch.

A word from Carol:

As a native of Arizona, I have a longtime interest in the Southwest and its history. My family shares my love of the Old West, as evidenced by this photo taken back in the halcyon days before my son turned to a life of crime and started robbing trains for a living...

  

ABOUT THE BOOK

When costume-maker Ellie Moore suddenly finds herself out of a job in the middle of a bleak Chicago winter, she uses her knowledge of theatrical disguise to secure a position as an undercover operative with the Pinkerton Detective Agency. Her assignment: find the culprit behind the theft of silver shipped from the mines near Pickford, Arizona.

Disguised as Lavinia Stewart, a middle-aged widow, Ellie begins her investigation. Soon she finds she must also pose as the dazzling young Jessie Monroe, whose vivacious personality encourages people to talk.

Mine owner Steven Pierce is about to lose his business after the theft of several bullion shipments–until hope arrives in the unlikely form of Lavinia Stewart, who offers to invest in Steven’s mine. In his wildest dreams, Steven never expected to be rescued by an inquisitive gray-haired widow… or to fall head over heels for Lavinia’s captivating niece, Jessie.

But then the thieves come after both Lavinia and Jessie. Ellie isn’t safe no matter which character she plays! Will she be forced to reveal her true identity before the criminals are caught? What will Steven do when he discovers the woman he loves doesn’t exist?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Love in Disguise, go HERE.

MY RATING

Summer

MY REVIEW

If you're looking for an absolutely fun Western romance - this is it! What starts out as a sort of "costume party" on a grand scale, with the spirited Ellie taking on whatever role necessary to avoid destitution and to play detective, turns into a complicated twist on reality with some serious ramifications if Ellie can't keep her various identities in line.

After losing out on what seemed like the chance of a lifetime to travel across Europe, Ellie overhears a conversation that might just lead her on another adventure in the opposite direction - into wild Arizona territory. Sure, she's never been a detective before... But how hard can it be to use her skills with makeup and costumes, along with all her observations of acting in the theater, to discover information and put all the clues together while undercover? Well, Ellie learns that it can be very hard, indeed, when one girl has to play two very different roles and still keep her sanity intact, her safety secure, and her heart independent!

I loved this book full of intriguing twists and humorous turns! The plot is just plain fun, and yet there is an important reminder disguised within: when we divide our lives into various "roles" that we take on, it can be too easy to forget who we are fundamentally beneath the facades. Knowing who you really are and living in that knowledge requires humility - and discovering love in that state of authenticity is beautifully powerful.

Love in Disguise has it all - sweet community, a wonderful and unique love story, and some dastardly villains that need to be brought to justice. I'll admit that the climax has its cheesy moments, but the resolution is too happy to judge. And with great romance and cleverness, this book is just all-around awesome!

*With thanks to Bethany House through CFBA for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*