What I'm Reading - February 5, 2018

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This weekly reading list meme is hosted at Book Date. Join in to see what others are reading and maybe get some ideas of what to read next!

I finished reading . . .  

The Ladies of Ivy Cottage (Tales from Ivy Hill) by Julie Klassen - This one started slow, but turned out to be just as enjoyable as I've come to expect from Klassen. Rachel and Mercy are the two title characters, ladies earning their own way and navigating the possibilities of finding love. (Read my full review HERE.)




My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah: Leanna's Choice by Angie Dicken - Set in the early 1900s, Leanna and Alex have both suffered the loss of their first spouse, and although they are drawn together in love, a relationship between an American woman and a Greek man isn't acceptable in the small mining community. (Read my full review HERE.)

I'm currently reading . . .

Judah's Wife: A Novel of the Maccabees (The Silent Years) by Angela Hunt - So far I've finished part one of this novel, which introduces Leah and Judah and sets the stage for their part in this tumultuous period of Israel's history. Excellent!

As Death Draws Near (A Lady Darby Mystery) - I missed reading this when it first was released, but am devouring it now! Lady Darby is a favorite sleuth series.




Next on the stack... 

A Light on the Hill (Cities of Refuge) by Connilyn Cossette
A Treacherous Curse (A Veronica Speedwell Mystery) by Deanna Reybourn
Delilah: Treacherous Beauty by Angela Hunt
The Mayflower Bride: Daughters of the Mayflower by Kimberley Woodhouse
Downsizing The Family Home: What to Save, What to Let Go by Marni Jameson



     

   

On my blogs recently . . .

Here on Just A Second:

Scripture and a Snapshot - Beloved, Let Us Love
Recent Reads - The Ladies of Ivy Cottage
Bookshelf Review - January 2018
Recent Reads - My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah: Leanna's Choice
Scripture and a Snapshot - When I Consider
Recent Reads - French Women Don't Get Fat
Reading Challenges 2018

And on my homeschool blog, Homeschool Coffee Break:

Homeschool Highlights - First Semester Wrapped Up
Virtual Refrigerator - Getting More Realistic
Let's See What's Out There (Electives and Extras)
Planning to Homeschool Through High School on The Homeschool Post
Homeschool Highlights - Week Twenty-One
No-Nonsense Algebra (Blogging Through the Alphabet)
Virtual Refrigerator - Cartoon Museum Art Field Trip

What are you reading?

©2008-2018 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Scripture and a Snapshot - Beloved, Let Us Love

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. in this was love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.

~I John 4:7-10, 14~

Scripture & a Snapshot is hosted by A Glimpse of Our Life.

Sunday Scripture Blessings is hosted by Peabea Scribble Pad.

Glimpses is hosted by Embracing Every Day, a lifestyle blog by Barbie Swihart.

©2008-2018 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Recent Reads - The Ladies of Ivy Cottage

This post contains affiliate links. 

The Ladies of Ivy Cottage (Tales from Ivy Hill) by Julie Klassen - Although this works perfectly well as a stand-alone novel, it is the follow-up to The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill, and centers around characters already introduced. Miss Rachel Ashford is a gentlewoman, but her prospects of marriage went down considerably when her father's poor financial decisions some years ago cost her everything. When her father passed away, he left his large collection of books to her, but not much else. Without a dowry or prospects, Rachel moves in with the Misses Grove at Ivy Cottage where she tries to assist them with the girls school. The collection of books does give her the opportunity to earn her own way, as she decides to open a circulating library with the help of many of the village women.

The relative who inherited the Ashford estate has asked Rachel to marry him, but since she still carries a torch for Sir Timothy Brockwell, she is reluctant. She and Timothy have renewed their friendship, and she hopes perhaps their courtship as well, but the revelation of some old secrets dashes her hopes.

Rachel's friend, Miss Mercy Grove, knows that she is not pretty and attractive and has all but given up on marriage. Instead she pours herself into teaching and guiding the girls in her school. She is already considering becoming guardian to one of the little girls in her charge when her parents show up with a prospective suitor for her. But in the meantime, is it possible that one of the men from the village has an interest in her? Oh, and did I mention old secrets? Some of those in this character's story as well.

As always, Klassen provides an excellent read with well-developed characters in complex situations that aren't resolved with a simple declaration of love. I found that this one was a much slower start though, and I didn't get truly pulled into the story emotionally until around the halfway point. That's when things got really complicated for the characters, with hard decisions and dwindling options. And once I reached that point, I was genuinely intrigued and eagerly turned pages (or swiped them, since I read on my Kindle!) until the end.

From the publisher:

Return to Ivy Hill as friendships deepen, romances blossom, and mysteries unfold . . .

A gentlewoman in reduced circumstances, Miss Rachel Ashford lives as a guest in Ivy Cottage. With her meager funds rapidly depleting, she is determined to earn her own livelihood . . . somehow. Her friend Jane Bell and the other village women encourage her to open a circulating library with the many books she's inherited from her father. As villagers donate additional books and Rachel begins sorting through the volumes, she discovers mysteries hidden among them. A man who once broke her heart helps her search for clues, but both find more than they bargained for.

Rachel's hostess, Mercy Grove, has given up thoughts of suitors and finds fulfillment in managing her girls school. So when several men take an interest in Ivy Cottage, she assumes pretty Miss Ashford is the cause. Exactly what--or whom--has captured each man's attention? The truth may surprise them all.

By the same author: The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill, The Painter's Daughter, Lady Maybe, The Secret of Pembrooke Park, The Tutor's Daughter, The Dancing Master

Visit the Baker Publishing Group for info on where to buy.

©2008-2018 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Bookshelf Review - January 2018

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January's Books Completed and Reviewed

An Awakened Heart (Orphan Train): An Orphan Train Novella by Jody Hedlund - a prequel to With You Always, which introduces the characters Christine Pendleton and Guy Bedell. (Read my full review HERE.)

"I certainly don't mean to diminish their spiritual needs, but it appears we may be feeding their souls while allowing their bodies to languish." She cringed as she waited for the reverend to chastise her for being so outspoken.

Isaiah's Daughter: A Novel of Prophets and Kings by Mesu Andrews - I forced myself to read this slowly enough to be able to post my review just before it was released earlier this month. This story of King Hezekiah's wife is full of beauty and sorrow, and insight into the prophecies of Isaiah. (Read my full review HERE.)

We must keep our eyes on eternity, or today might be more than we could bear.

French Women Don't Get Fat: The Secret of Eating for Pleasure by Mireille Guiliano - This combination of memoir and practical advice on eating and living well and wisely was a surprisingly entertaining read. (Read my full review HERE.)

The French word menu not only means "bill of fare," for which a la carte is the more common term in France, but also "little"; and by its use in relation to food, we mean to suggest our sense of small offerings. The essence of French gastronomy is to have a little of several things rather than a lot of one or two.

My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah: Leanna's Choice by Angie Dicken - Leanna is a young widow wanting to escape the bad memories in the little mining town where her husband died. When she meets Alex, a Greek miner, she finds a good friend and the possibility of loving again . . . except that a match between an American woman and a Greek man would never be accepted. (Read my full review HERE.)

Friendship would only last so long, before she'd hope for more. Or perhaps, there was something more already.

During January I continued reading:

The Ladies of Ivy Cottage (Tales from Ivy Hill) by Julie Klassen - Although enjoyable, this book has not been as compelling as I'd hoped, and it's taking me rather a long time to read it. Around the halfway point, the pace has picked up and so has my interest, so I suspect I will finish soon!

"What are you saying?" Sir Timothy's jaw tensed, and Rachel saw dark suspicions glinting in his eyes. He guessed, or at least feared, more than he let on.

During January I started reading:

Judah's Wife: A Novel of the Maccabees (The Silent Years) by Angela Hunt - I've barely started this book about Judah Maccabaeus and this tumultuous time in Israel's history.

Despite the uncertainty of the future, I had escaped my father's house. I did not know Judah Maccabaeus well enough to sigh over him, but if love could be built on a foundation of gratitude, I was halfway to loving him already.

   

Coming Up in February!

A Treacherous Curse (A Veronica Speedwell Mystery) by Deanna Reybourn
Delilah: Treacherous Beauty by Angela Hunt
The Mayflower Bride: Daughters of the Mayflower by Kimberley Woodhouse
Downsizing The Family Home: What to Save, What to Let Go by Marni Jameson

   

   

This post will be linked at:

5 Minutes For Books - What's On Your Nightstand? January 30
The Book Date - Reading Month In Review - January

©2008-2018 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Recent Reads - My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah: Leanna's Choice

This post contains affiliate links. 

My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah: Leanna's Choice by Angie Dicken - Leanna McKee is a young widow living in the mining town of Castle Gate, and longing desperately to find a teaching position elsewhere so she can leave the town and its bitter memories behind. Her husband had been killed in a mining accident, and their short marriage had been marred by his weakness for gambling and Leanna's bitterness over it.

But then one of the Greek miners, Alex Pappas, comes asking for her help and a healing friendship begins between them. Since Leanna is their schoolteacher, Alex asks for her help in taking his young niece and nephew to and from school each day. Alex is one of the few Greeks who has learned to speak English well, and as the two get to know each other, Leanna finds that Alex is a widower and that both of them are struggling with forgiveness and guilt. And they are both determined to challenge the deep prejudices of the town, where Greeks and Americans are deeply mistrustful of each other, and a relationship between a Greek man and an American woman isn't accepted by either community. In fact, although Alex's family likes Leanna very much, Mr. Pappas is firmly opposed to Alex marrying her and even makes arrangements to bring a Greek bride to America for him.

Leanna struggles with the decision of whether to accept a teaching job in Salt Lake City, and Alex does his best to get his family to accept her and convince her to stay. But when the anti-Greek sentiment in Castle Gate flares into real danger for Alex and his family, Leanna finally feels that she has no choice but to leave. But she and Alex still love each other - is there any hope for their future, or will Alex give in to his family's traditions and marry the bride they have chosen for him?

From the publisher:

Journey now to Castle Gate, Utah of 1910 where . . .
Forbidden Love Tries to Survive Old World Expectations

Schoolteacher Leanna McKee plans on leaving the coal mining town of Castle Gate, Utah, and never looking back. Good riddance to coal dust, rugged men, and the fatal mine that took her husband's life.

Until the widow meets a widower who awakens her heart . . . and she finds herself inexplicably falling for miner Alex Pappas which stirs up a whole heap of trouble.

Alex's Greek parents have arranged a more traditional match for him. When the schoolteacher's association with the Greek family begins to anger the American miners, they threaten Alex and his family. Leanna has received an offer to teach elsewhere and feels she has no choice but to leave Castle Gate . . . though she will be leaving her heart behind.

Other books in this series: My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss, Texas: Priscilla's Reveille by Erica Vetsch, My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude's Mooring, My Heart Belongs in the Shenandoah Valley: Lily's Dilemma

Visit Barbour Publishing for more info on where to buy.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

©2008-2018 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Scripture and a Snapshot - When I Consider

LORD, our Lord,

how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory

in the heavens.

Through the praise of children and infants

you have established a stronghold against your enemies,

to silence the foe and the avenger.

When I consider your heavens,

the work of your fingers,

the moon and the stars,

which you have set in place,

what is mankind that you are mindful of them,

human beings that you care for them?

You have made them a little lower than the angels

and crowned them with glory and honor.

You made them rulers over the works of your hands;

you put everything under their feet:

all flocks and herds,

and the animals of the wild,

the birds in the sky,

and the fish in the sea,

all that swim the paths of the seas.

LORD, our Lord,

how majestic is your name in all the earth!

~Psalm 8~

Scripture & a Snapshot is hosted by A Glimpse of Our Life.

Sunday Scripture Blessings is hosted by Peabea Scribble Pad.

Glimpses is hosted by Embracing Every Day, a lifestyle blog by Barbie Swihart.

©2008-2018 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Recent Reads - French Women Don't Get Fat

This post contains affiliate links. 

 

French Women Don't Get Fat: The Secret of Eating for Pleasure by Mireille Guiliano - Not long ago I saw this book mentioned on several blogs and thought it sounded intriguing. It's a combination of memoir and practical advice for health, exercise, enjoying good food, and keeping life in balance. 

Guiliano tells stories about growing up in France, and how she began to realize the difference in attitudes about food and weight after some time spent in the United States as an exchange student. To her dismay, she gained weight while in America, and upon returning to France her mother brought in a trusted doctor to help her change her habits. As a result, she noticed that very few Frenchwomen are overweight and that their overall attitude towards food and eating is very different from women in America. By resetting her own habits to enjoy food the way her countrywomen did, she lost the added weight in a relatively short period of time, and without the grueling dieting and exercise regimen that we in the US are likely to try.

Guiliano shares these secrets and a number of recipes as she tells her story, and it makes for an entertaining read filled with practical advice.

 This is a Book to Improve My Life for the Full House Reading Challenge 2018 hosted by The Book Date

©2008-2018 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.