episode 56 - CC and Dami's Book Review and so much more

Milkweed - Carol Sunday - Ella Rae Classic Heathers
~Annual temperature afghan - Ten stitch Zigzag - Frankie Brown - KnitPicks Wool of the Andes sport yarn - weatherghan.com

~Temperature afghan - Knit Picks Swish DK - size 4 needles - Memory Blanket 
~plain socks - Sirdar Heart &Sole - size one needles

Finished Objects:

~Socks - ribbing pattern - Schachenmayr Regia Pairfect - size one needles

~Hand-spun cowl - blend of wool and alpaca - ribbing

Things That Have Made Me Happy 

~How English Became English
~Gale's Art Sock Blank - Butterfly Garden
~Coffee with C. C. (and Dami, too)

What I have been reading, watching and listening to
~Twitch - Geek and Sundry - Critical Role

~Beyond the Schoolyard

~Book Review: How English Became English
~The Chilbury Ladies' Choir
~Words of Grace - Jacqui Grace
~The Glory of the Messiah - an adult coloring book

Coffee with C.C. (and Dami, too) giveaway ~

Runs from March 9 - 14th

Details - post in the thread which one of the patterns in the book you would like to make

Prizes: 1 ebook will be given away using a random number generator.

Must be a member of the Naturally, Kim’s Knitting Podcast group on Ravelry to participate

Thread will be locked the morning of March 14 and winner drawn on the 15th of March.

The winner has 1 week from the date of announcement (the date the podcast episode in which the winner was announced goes live) to contact me to claim their prize or it will be forfeited. If this occurs, the prize will be used for another giveaway at our discretion. Thanks for understanding!

Find Me Online
~on Ravelry as NapiersKnits and Naturally, Kim’s Knitting

~etsy: NapiersKnits

~on Instagram as knittin_kim
~on YouTube, Blogger, Facebook and Wordpress as Naturally, Kim's Knitting

Crafting for Charity~CAL rules ~

Runs from March 1 - 31

Details - any project you knit/crochet/weave/sew/dye for a charity

Projects must not be started before March 1

Feel free to poly-dip in other KALs as long as it fits in with other rules

Prizes: (if you’d like to donate a prize, please contact me) : 1 skein of NapiersKnits hand-dyed yarn will be given away using a random number generator.

When you complete an item, start a post in the Ravelry thread with a photo of your FO..

Must be a member of the Naturally, Kim’s Knitting Podcast group on Ravelry to participate

Thread will be locked the morning of April 1 and winner(s) drawn on that day's  podcast following that.

For any and all giveaways, prizes, competitions, KALs, etc. that we host, the winner(s) have 2 weeks from the date of announcement (the date the podcast episode in which the winner was announced goes live) to contact me to claim their prize or it will be forfeited. If this occurs, the prize will be used for another giveaway at our discretion. Thanks for understanding!

Annual Temperature Craft Along

~Runs from January 1 - January 5, 2018 
~Details - any project you knit/crochet/weave which reflects the temperature from each day. 
~Projects must not be started before Janurary 1, 2017 
~Feel free to poly-dip in other KALs as long as it fits in with other rules 
~Prizes: (if you’d like to donate a prize, please contact me) : 1 skein of NapiersKnits hand-dyed yarn will be given away using a random number generator, every quarter (March, June, September, January) 
~Post photos of the item you are creating under this thread. As you progress just add future photos to your original post. If you are unsure how to do this I will be having examples under my one post.. 
~Must be a member of the Naturally, Kim’s Knitting Podcast group on Ravelry to participate 
Thread will be locked the morning of January 6, 2018 and winner(s) drawn on the next podcast following that, along with other winners throughout the year. 
For any and all giveaways, prizes, competitions, KALs, etc. that we host, the winner(s) have 2 weeks from the date of announcement (the date the podcast episode in which the winner was announced goes live) to contact me to claim their prize or it will be forfeited. If this occurs, the prize will be used for another giveaway at our discretion. Thanks for understanding!

Tana Thompson has a way with words that touch the heart of adults and children.

In Why Dogs Are, Thompson tells about the creation of dogs by God. More specifically why one special dog, a golden retriever, was sent to Brian by God. The dog shows Brian that God loves him so much that he sent a friend to be the seeing eyes and the hearing ears that Brian needs.

This is such a heartwarming story that is a great book to share with loved ones, no matter what the age. I read it to my 1 ½ year old granddaughter and she loved it as much as I did. Marita Gentry created wonderful illustrations to add to the book.

All the profits from this book go to charities which train and support therapy dogs.

I was very glad that I was given this book by bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review! Thank you. 

Book Review: Destiny by Don Brown

Destiny is the powerful and inspiring prequel to the Navy Justice Series. In this book there are three characters, one American, one English and one German. Each faces the war in their own way. Throughout this book, Brown is able to express the family and individual perspective of facing war.

Walter, the American, was drawn in by loyalty and love for his brother, Billy, who served on the USS Arizona, which was located at Pearl Harbor during the Japanese attack.

Heinrich, the German, joins a group who acts in vengeance after a government official's assassination. He was then placed under Rommel in Africa.

Darwin, an English actor, was the son of a Royal Naval officer who wanted his son to follow in his steps. Darwin, though was a pacifist. To try to receive recognition from his father he joins the reserves and then the Royal Naval Commandos.

Each of these men face death in various battles as they make their way to the Normandy Invasion. Each is unsure of their destiny.

This is such a powerful book that is rich in details and facts, while it brings the war to a personal level of each of the men involved and the families that surround them.

I was given this book by the author, publisher and bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: When the World Was Young

When the World Was Young, by Elizabeth Gaffney, begins on V-J Day and is written from the perspective of Wally Baker. Wally, throughout the book, feels like a bit of a misfit. First of all, there is her name, which she feels is definitely a boy’s name. Then, even through she loves Wonder Women comics and ants, she feels like these items still separates her from others. Finally, there is her mother, who is not stable and the fact that the lives with her grandparents, but yet her best friends are Loretta, the housekeeper and Ham, Loretta’s son.

Wally is faced with different losses, conflicts, and prejudices throughout the book yet is able to find strength when she needs it.

This is a beautifully written, honest portrayal of human nature at this time as well as today. 

Book Review: Inescapable by Nancy Mehl

Inescapable, by Nancy Mehl, is an intriguing novel. With the main character, Lizzie, having lived in a big city and a small Mennonite village, the reader can sense there will be tensions between the two cultures will arise. These and other scenarios makes this book one that is difficult to put down until the end.

Mehl is a talented author and even though this is the first of her books I have read, I know it will not be the last.

Book Review: God in This Cave by Paul Yoder

For a first novel, Paul Yoder picked an immense topic. God in This cave sends the reader on a familiar journey set in modern time. I think Mr. Yoder did a fine job. There is additional editing that needs to be done but congratulations on this epic work. I look forward to reading more from you in the future.

Book review: The Song: The Ultimate Love Story by Thomas Lochnicht

Praise God!! That is what I wanted to say over and over as I read The Song; The Ultimate Love Story. The title does tell what this is about… God’s love for us is the ultimate love story. This was such an enjoyable read and I want to share this love with all of my friends.

I highly recommend this to everyone; it is the ultimate feel good read as the reader experiences God’s love through every word.

I am so glad that I was given this book by the author and bookfun.org in exchange for my honest and fair review.

Book Review: A New Resolution by Rose Dee

A New Resolution by Rose Dee is a book that has unexpected life issues throughout it. The story is set in Queensland and the two main characters show how being a Christian does not mean that their past lifestyles do not affect others they may meet. Each of them had had sexual partners before they became Christians and the way they face this can help others that may face this issue.

This was a well-written book that presented difficult subjects and how it is hard to come across the best decision at the time. Because of this, it is easy to identify with the characters, which helps the lessons taught to be more easily received.

I received this book from the author and bookfun.org in exchange for an honest and fair review.

Book Review: PDQ by Ronald Glanz

Ronald Glanz has written another book that will keep the reader on their toes. This book, PDQ, revolves around robberies and murders that have occurred at a few convenience stores in Madison, Wisconsin. Detectives Schultz and Finney are assigned to this case and their investigation takes some unpredictable twists and turns until they finally solve it.

I have become a Ronald Glanz fan with previous books that I have read. I look forward to his books to keep me on the edge of my chair and to grab my attention and keep it to the end.

I was given this book by the author and bookfun.org in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Book Review: Up From the Grave by Marilyn Leach

Marilyn Leach has a way with a mystery. In Up From the Grave she continues with the tradition. While having the ground-breaking for a garden at St. Aidan of the Wood Parish, a bone turns up. This set Berdie Elliot on the hunt to solve the mystery of the bone and how it ended up in this spot.

I enjoyed reading this book very much. Now I will need to check out this author’s other works. Thank you.

I received this book from bookfun.org and the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Never Ending Night by Tanya Stowe

T.R. Sheridan fought and died during the Civil War. Or did he? During a re-enactment of the same battle, Sheridan came out of the woods and suddenly the world changed for several people. The photo-journalist who took pictures of the re-enactment as a part of her newspaper assignment, also took pictures of T.R. coming out of the woods. The gentleman who was in charge of the event, and he was a professor of Sheridan’s poetry. Then there was a dr. who wanted to observe this man from another time.

Never-Ending Night, by Tanya Stowe, tells the story of these people and makes it intriguing. Once I picked up this story I could not put it down. Stowe knows how to build a book to a wonderful climax and then finish it so that the reader is satisfied with the reading experience. I look forward to more work by this author.

I was given this book by the author and by bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review.

Surviving Henry is a terrific book

Erin Taylor Young is a terrific writer. “Surviving Henry” is such a wonderful read.

Henry is a boxer puppy; however, he is not just any boxer puppy. Henry has a stubborn streak and he wants what he wants when he wants it. This is the story of how Henry works his way into, and wins the hearts of Erin and her family.

Young takes the reader through obedience training, although it is never sure who is being trained Henry or the family. There are also road trips, boat rides, and boarding. Each of these events includes episodes that bring a smile. This could be because of the readers’ similar experiences or because the way Young and Henry bring these times into the heart.

I would read more by this author anytime. Thank you, Erin Taylor Young.

Book Review: Tested By Fire by Kelley Latta

In the book Tested by Fire by Kelley Latta, the readers are invited to discover and live God’s will throughout their lives. In this Scripture-based four-week study Latta leads the readers through the necessary building blocks that are needed to survive what is thrown at them.

This is an excellent resource to find God’s will in one’s life and to learn how to share His love with others.

I was given this book by the author and bookfun.org in exchange for my fair and honest review.  

Book Review: The Illusion of More

From the time of Adam and Eve, through today, people have always desired more than what they are given by God. In “The Illusion of More: The Trick to Finding Faith in a World of Deception” Harris III explores this desire that we have to for the unattainable, and quite often, the unneeded.

Through the use of Bible stories and verses demonstrates Satan role in this and how it was Satan’s downfall in the first place. Each chapter ends with reflection questions to see how the lessons within fit each person’s live and the paths we can take to avoid Satan in our lives and, instead, invite God in us.

This book was given to me by the author and bookfun.org in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Book Review: Fatal Exchange by Lisa Harris

Fatal Exchange, by Lisa Harris, is a modern-day suspense novel. Before beginning this book, find a comfortable seat and a nice cup of a favorite beverage, because once you begin to read this you will want to stay with it to the end.

Emily Hunt’s brother, a police officer, was killed. Whereby Emily and her family have their own suspect, it needs to be proven. The path that this book takes you on will keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

This is a very good book and I look forward to reading more by this author.

I was given this book by the author and bookfun.org in exchange for my fair and honest review. 

Light the Fire by Marry Manners

Light the Fire is the kind of book that readers have difficulties putting down once they begin reading. The characters are complex and the incidences in the book are down-to-earth.

Even though this sounds similar to other books of this genre there is a difference. God is interspersed throughout to help the characters develop. He also is there through the resolution of problems that are encounters.

Mary Manners is an excellent writer and I plan on reading more of her books now.

I was given this book by the author and bookfun.org in exchange for my honest and fair review.

Unexpected Marriage by Carla Roassi

Unexpected Marriage by Carla Rossi is about two people who meet while working at a summer camp. Rocky is a strongly independent man who has learned to adapt to life in a wheelchair. At time he appears to be, almost, too independent.

Gia is the daughter of an evangelical minister. She became a rebellious teen who then became an adult that had trouble believing in herself or trusting others.

Both of these adults met and filled holes that the other had within their hearts. Along their paths they had to learn to trust in God more than themselves.

This is a book worth celebrating. As I read it I found myself recommending it to others, even before finishing it. Rossi made me feel as if Gia and Rocky were friends, yet I know their lives, after the book ended, would go on successfully.

I was given this book by the author and bookfun.org in exchange for my honest and fair review. 

Book Review: Down and Dead in Dixie by Vicki Hinze

Down and Dead in Dixie, by Vicki Hinze, is a fun read. Most of the people that the reader meets in this book are not what they seem. Or perhaps it is best said that they are more than they seem.

Hinze has a way of bringing the reader to the point that they think they will never unravel everything and, soon, one puzzle is unraveled and another presents itself.

I would have given it the highest rating, except that it was a little slow at the beginning, so I was not sure if I would stay with it. Soon, though, I could not put it down.

Anyone that enjoys an entertaining story to keep them involved and holding their breath to see what happens next will definitely enjoy this book.

I was given this book by the author and by bookfun.org in exchange for a fair and honest review.  

Book Review: The Sinners' Garden by William Sirls

The Sinners’ Garden by William Sirls spoke to me deeply. Sirls was able to reflect on his own life and bring the faith that he developed through his experiences into this book.

The characters in The Sinners’ Garden, Heather, Rip, Judi and Andy all needed God’s love through different difficulties in their lives. One was troubled by an unsolved murder, one was abused by a former spouse, her child was also affected by the abuse but did not know who to blame and the other was a rock for the others to turn to, even though he was a former convict.

Each had their heart touched by an iPod, the words of a boy, a “Summer Santa,” and a miraculous garden.

It has been a long time since I have felt a book touch me as this one has. Thank you Mr. Sirls.

I was given this book by the author and by bookfun.org in exchange for my fair and honest review

Sincerely Yours: A Novella Collection consists of four stories, each involving a life-changing letter.

The first story is Moonlight Promises by Laurie Alice Eakes. This story begins with Camilla Renfrow, a titled gentlewoman from England, fleeing to a steamboat where she runs into a rakish, mysterious ship’s owner and captain.

Lessons in Love by Ann Shorey introduces the reader to a woman who writes for an advice column, Marigold Montgomery Bentley, known to her readers as MM, writes primarily marital advice, even though she is a single woman. The editor comes to meet this MM, who he thinks is a man and now Marigold has to come up with a plan to keep her job.

One Little Word is written by Amanda Cabot. An heiress, Lorraine Caldwell, is in danger of losing her money to a cousin. The only way to avoid this is to marry soon. While dealing with this, she discovers that her lost brother may still be alive. Searching for him leads her, to her surprise, to a carver of carousels.

A Saving Grace by Jane Kirkpatrick tells about Grace Hathaway. While rescuing a friend from a false clinic, she discovers lies and cover-ups which can endanger the lives of many people. She is unsure where to turn.

This book was give to me by the authors and bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review.