Thorn in my Heart

Title: Thorn in my Heart
Author: Liz Curtis Higgs
Genre: Historical Fiction

Let me just start off by telling you that this book is the first in a three part series. I just thought you might like to know that because if you are like me, I really get into a book, then get to the end only to find out there is another book to follow. I'm personally not one for romance novels, but because one of my favorite authors penned the story, I couldn't resist reading it and I was not in any way disappointed. The story is inspired by the love triangle mentioned in the Bible concerning that of Jacob, Rachel and Leah. Thorn in my Heart takes in 1788 in the lowlands of Scotland and the main characters are Jamie, Rose, and Leana.

Jamie must leave his home, Glentrol, because of a trick he played on his father and brother that may cost him his life. At his mothers urging, he leaves Glentrol for Auchengray, the home of Lachlan, his mothers brother. While there, he is to chose a bride from among his two cousins and hopefully conceive an heir that would one day be the lord of Glentrol. While he is off at Auchengray, hopefully things will cool down enough at Glentrol for his return.

However, things heat up upon his arrival at Auchengray. Both sisters would love to be married to the handsome Jamie, however, he only proposes to one. But a trip to Twyneholm for the bride to be and a wedding that takes place in her absence changes everything for the trio.

This is a wonderful story that just affords your mind to escape to the hills of Scotland. Don't make the same mistake I did, I found the glossary at the back of the book after I finished reading it! I probably would have enjoyed the book a bit more had I known that was there! Also, Liz Curtis Higgs provides reading guides for this book that are great for book clubs.

Moonlight on Millpond

Title: Moonlight on Millpond
Author: Lori Wick
Genre: Fiction

This is the first book in Lori Wicks newest trilogy. I actually bought the book for my mom for Mothers Day but had to read it first! Is that really bad?

The book is about Jace who has been raised by his controlling sister and when he moves away, his sister Eden can't stand not being a part of his life. She especially doesn't want him falling in love and having another woman more important to him than she. So when Jace meets Maddie, he doesn't tell his sister right away. When she finds out about the little romance her brother is involved in, just a few well-timed lies and the relationship seems to be over. But...

Some things were unrealistic for me in this book. Like if I were Jace or Maddie it would drive me crazy to leave things so unresolved! I would need some answers before I wouldn't ever want to see that person again. Also Maddie seems to have a little drinking problem and how she handles her distrust of Jace seemed a little over the top.

Moonlight on the Millpond was a feel good book. I totally enjoyed getting lost in the story and thinking about how interesting it would be to live in the time of trains and horses and buggies. Lori Wick is a wonderful "feelings" writer. You really can relate with the characters personalities and feelings. Also, in this book the main characters are not Christians. The trilogy is about Jace and Maddie's spiritual journey

Good Things

Title: Good Things
From: The Best of Martha Stewart Living
Genre: homeliving

Well, if you enjoy hosting people in your home, decorating or the occasional craft project, Good Things, is an enjoyable book to read. It reads like a magazine and is chocked full of full color photos. Chapters in the book include: Entertaining, Cooking, Celebrating, Giving, Gardening, Decorating and Homekeeping. The text is easy to read and so are most of the projects. You don't have to be a "Martha Stewart" to pull some of this stuff off!

One of my favorite sections in the Entertaining chapter is about napkins. How to fold, how to give them an elegant look, where to put them at the table etc. This chapter also serves as an excellent reference guide to tablesetting.

The chapter called Gifts really gives great ideas on how to give a gift that has thought and effort behind it.

From fancy and elegant to simple and chic, this is a great reference book for a new bride, or a veteran homemaker looking for new ideas.

Monster

Title: Monster
Author: Frank Peretti
Genre: Fiction

Wow! This book is 419 pages of adrenaline. In conversation with people, prior to reading the book, we all wondered if Monster was going to be anything like The Oath. Well, it's not! Monster is absolutely nothing like The Oath. It's very fast paced and you can never tell what is going to happen next. Several times my breath was taken away by a plot change.

Reed and Beck are a happily married young couple who decide to go on a survivalist camping trip in the rugged woods of Idaho. Soon as they get to their destination point to meet their guide, things take a drastic change for the worse. They decide to stick to the plan and spend their first, and most unforgettable, night in the woods. But they weren't alone. Everything that happened that night is a blur to Reed, except for the huge creature that carried his wife into the darkness.

To tell anymore than that would give to much of the plot away and believe me, this plot has so many twists and turns. You would probably enjoy reading this book more than one time just to get all the pieces. One other helpful thing that Mr. Peretti included were maps at the beginning of each chapter to help you keep track of the characters and story line.

Enjoy reading Monster, but don't bring it along on any rustic camping trips this summer!