YBC Book Review - "The Witnesses" by Robert Whitlow

I've done a lot of reading lately, so here's my next review.

"The Witnesses" by Robert Whitlow.

I requested this book from BookLookBloggers as a change of pace of my normal genre of novels.  And I was glad I did.

And if you enjoy historical based fiction, you will enjoy this book too.

Parker House is an up and coming lawyer who shares a "gift" with his grandfather, Franz Haus, who was an officer in the German army during WWII.  The gift is the ability to see snatches of future situations.

Franz runs away from the war, changes his name, and ends up in North Carolina.  The years go by, and one day, Franz's history runs smack dab back into his life, and Parker's life.  The ending was very good, and tied up the loose ends wonderfully.

If you enjoy history and suspense, and even romance, you'll enjoy this book.

Be blessed,
Debbi

*I received a free copy of this ebook from Book Look Bloggers for my honest review.*

A 50 Year Silence by Miranda Richmond Mouillot

I want to share with you this wonderful book I just finished reading, "A Fifty-Year Silence" by Miranda Richmond Mouillot.

Published by Random House, this is the story of Miranda's grandparents, and their life during, and after WWII.  Through conversations, and letters, and documents, Miranda spent most of her life tracking the ebb and flow of her aging grandparents broken relationship, and gave us a glimpse of how their lives affected hers.  It is truly a love story, and while it may not have the required "happy ending", it is real, and it is captivating, and it is worth remembering.

WWII is more than just a time in history, a school lesson, or a documentary.  We must never forget that it was life, peoples lives, and families, that were forever changed by the circumstances of war.  Any war.  Every war.  There were times reading this book that I almost forgot about the war part of the story, and became more involved in the people part of the story.  But that is what life is about...the people, and how circumstances change people.

Usually, once I am done with a book, I will pass it on.  But not this one.  This will be in my bookshelf, for another read in the future, and to share with my kids when we study WWII in our homeschool.  Because it matters, and we all need "to remember".

So I highly recommend this book.  And I also challenge you.  Once you finish reading this book, think about what happened during the Holocaust, and then look around you.  See what is still happening around the world, and try to make a difference.  One life at a time.

Be blessed,

Debbi

 "I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

Tyndale Publishing Book Review - The Song by Chris Fabry

I'm not usually a romance book reader, but I thought I would try something new this time...so I agreed to review

The Song by Chris Fabry

for Tyndale Publishing.

The writing is full of emotion, but not syrupy or too sweet, but very real and raw emotions.  I felt for every character, even the antagonist Shelby, despite her plans to try and destroy the marriage of Jed and Rose.

Jed is the son of a country singing star, and has not only inherited his talent, but his vices.  When his success and failures threaten to destroy his life, and the lives of his family, Jed turns back to God for help.  And God always helps His children when they ask.

I don't want to spoil this book for anyone, so this is all I will say about the book, except that I give it a thumbs up!

Now a little information about the author, Chris Fabry.

Chris Fabry Chris Fabry is an award-winning author and radio personality who hosts the daily program Chris Fabry Live! on Moody Radio. He is also heard on Love Worth Finding, Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman, and other radio programs. A 1982 graduate of the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism at Marshall University and a native of West Virginia, Chris and his wife, Andrea, now live in Arizona and are the parents of nine children. Chris's novels, which include Dogwood, June Bug, Almost Heaven, and Not in the Heart, have won two Christy Awards and an ECPA Christian Book Award, but it's his lyrical prose and tales of redemption that keep readers returning for more. He has also published more than 65 other books, including nonfiction and novels for children and young adults. He coauthored the Left Behind: The Kids series with Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye, as well as the Red Rock Mysteries and the Wormling series with Jerry B. Jenkins. RPM is his latest series for kids and explores the exciting world of NASCAR. Visit his Web site at www.chrisfabry.com.

This book was based on the motion picture screenplay by Richard L. Ramsey

The Song movie.

Be blessed,

Debbi

* I received a free copy of this book from Tyndale Publishing for review, but the opinions are totally mine.*

Besteam feature on Solhful

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but many of the photos in the Etsy shop, Solhful, left me speechless.  Such beauty, such romance, such.....well, you know what I mean.  Ana Cole is the talent behind the camera, and she is truly a romantic at heart.  Only a heart full of peace and love can see the beauty found in nature, and then she enhances it till you just feel peacful yourself.

I love this one.  I can just feel myself laying in this field and watching the clouds slowly make their way across the sky.  Maybe even see a horse and a clown in the cloud formations.  Do you remember doing that as a child?  Wonderful days filled with fun, not worries.  so let this beautiful print, "No Coward Soul" sooth your spirit.  Title inspired by the quote,

"No coward soul is mine,
No trembler in the world's storm-troubled sphere:
I see Heaven's glories shine,
And faith shines equal, arming me from fear."
-Emily Bronte

Ana incorporates her love of classic literature into many of her pieces.  To be surrounded by these beautiful works of art, and beautiful words, is sure to enhance your home, and lift your spirit.

The process Ana uses to show peace in the above scene, she also uses to make her colors pop off the page.  Like this delicate Calla Lily bouquet. You can almost smell their sweet fragrance.  I take photos, and like to scrapbook, but I don't have the knowledge to make my photos look like this.  I truly feel that it takes more than just knowledge of a photoshop program, it takes a special "eye" and heart to create something so wonderful.  Ana has that "eye" and that heart to create images that evoke emotions and stay with you even after you turn away.  And isn't that the mark of a true artist?  Ana uses only the best paper on her creations, so you will be able to enjoy them for years to come.  She has even taken her phots and put them on stretch canvas for that special arty feel.  Like this Yellow Rose on stretched canvas.  At 11x14, it's a perfect size to make a focal point in any room.  Whatever you choose to purchase from this shop ships already matted and in an acrchival sleeve, boxed and wrapped in a pretty ribbon.  I spent my childhood watching my mother paint, and helped her mat and frame her art for juried shows, and I have worked at Michaels as a framing specialist, and I cannot stress enough just how important it is to use supplies in your framing that will keep your art lasting a long long time, without yellowing or staining.  After all, the art you buy today could end up on the Antiques Roadshow in just a few generations, lol.  Ana writes a blog, and it is so interesting. She gives tips and shares her work, plus she shares other great BESTeam shops, so it is a must read.  And her very own web page which I found totally cool. Someday I'm gonna have one like it, sortof, haha.  You can also follow Solhful on facebook.  Right now Ana is sending 10% of her profits to African famine relief.  So when you buy from this shop, you are also helping others.  Enjoy!

Debbi

If you are an Etsy artisian that likes to blog, click here.
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Besteam feature on Poison Garden

This week I'm browsing the shop of a BESTeam newbie...Poison Garden.  Three friends, Melissa, Suzette, and Crystal share this Etsy shop, which is full of great romantic jewelry and accessories.  I was intrigued when I was reading their blog, and saw their pictures.  I want to share those pictures with you, because they look like they would be a blast to hang out with.  I love their romantic style!

From left to right we have...Crystal...Melissa...and Suzette.  Love that hat on Suzette!  And this great fashion style flows into their custom designs, gothic, steampunk, ribbons, suncatchers...you'll find it here.  Let me show you what I found while shopping their store.

 This Smokey Rose Suncatcher would look great hanging from my
mini-van rear view mirror.  One look at this and maybe I'll hear the wisper of a wind blowing thru an english rose garden instead of "mom...he's looking at me".



I love pearls...and this large pearl pendant looks wonderful.  Hanging from a choker created with sliver rose beads, clear beads, and small white beads, this is a great look for both casual jeans, and that classy little dress.  The Margaret style Pear Choker is just waiting for someone to take it home.

My eye became stuck on the gorgeous colors of this Purple and Teal Feather Hair Clip.  I love color, but if I bought this, I would have to buy a new outfit to match.  Hmmmmm, maybe I should think about this? So if your drawn to this hair clip like I am, you better get it quick.



The girls also have a wonderful blog just jammed full of artist features, info on them, upcoming shows, custom work...be sure to follow this blog.  Or if you prefer quick updates, check out thier facebook page.  And for even faster updates...twitter!  So hurry...and have fun shopping with Poison Garden.
Debbi

If you are a blogger that has and Etsy shop, check us out here.
Or if you have an Etsy shop and likes to blog, check us out here.