MOVED - NEW JOB - BOOK REVIEW of Counterfeit Love

 I am sorely behind on reading books and writing reviews BECAUSE so many life changes have happened! I had the intense drama of looking for a new home after 9 years because the homeowners wanted to sell and for reasons they would not disclose, refused to sell to me. The housing market in So Cal is brutal, but we finally found a home to rent that meets our needs.  But, with so many changes, I retired from my daycare business when the Lord gifted me a brand new job in the world of financial investments.  This was truly a God thing, because I was merely "thinking" of trying something new when we got a call from a friend that she knew of a job opening where the Branch Office Administrator was retiring and would I or my sister be interested.  I quickly looked for old letters of recommendation, and updated my resume on that Wednesday and had a 2-hour interview on Friday.  It went great, but then came the daunting pressure of many steps through corporate with an intense background check WHILE looking for housing and eventually moving. They were super accommodating and allowed me to wait a few weeks to start while I got settled. I have been there a month and am learning so much, getting a little more comfortable each day, while getting settled into a new home.  The commute can be "a lot" at around an hour each way; particularly after doing very little driving these many years other than school drop-off and pickup. Anyway, I am praising the Lord for His many blessings and testifying that He is still the God of miracles!

Please join me in welcoming a debut author to my page, Crystal Caudill.  She is SO kind and sweet and loves praying for her readers upon request. She also was very patient with me as I needed extra time to read her book and post reviews. 

Counterfeit Love – Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age, Book 1 – by Crystal Caudill (3/15/2022)

*** Dangerously Good Historical Romance,

is how she describes her writing and she knocked it out of the park on her debut novel! This book was an exciting diversion to escape into. With secret service agents, battling brothers, rich pasts to explore, counterfeit engraving plates, danger and lost love, plus a hefty dose of faith set in the late 1800s, I found this book to be rich and captivating.  

“He’d learned to rely on God’s prompting Spirit over the years.  More than once, it had saved his life.

“Father’s Bible filled the small space. When was the last time she’d nestled in her favorite chair and cherished quiet time with God?” I loved the special quote written by Theresa’s mother in father’s Bible. It was beautiful, but read that for yourself and be blessed.

Broderick and Theresa’s story is not to be missed.

I was gifted this book for my honest opinion without expectation or compensation.

Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age Series: Counterfeit Love, Counterfeit Hope, Counterfeit Faith

Excellent - 5 Stars

Kregel Publications Description: Can this undercover agent save the woman he loves--or is her heart as counterfeit as the money he's been sent to track down?

After all that Grandfather has sacrificed to raise her, Theresa Plane owes it to him to save the family name--and that means clearing their debt with creditors before she marries Edward Greystone. But when one of the creditors' threats leads her to stumble across a midnight meeting, she discovers that the money he owes isn't all Grandfather was hiding. And the secrets he kept have now trapped Theresa in a life-threatening fight for her home--and the truth.

After months of undercover work, Secret Service operative Broderick Cosgrove is finally about to uncover the identity of the leader of a notorious counterfeiting ring. That moment of triumph turns to horror, however, when he finds undeniable proof that his former fiancée is connected. Can he really believe the woman he loved is a willing participant? Protecting Theresa and proving her innocence may destroy his career--but that's better than failing her twice in one lifetime.

They must form a partnership, tentative though it is. But there's no question they're both still keeping secrets--and that lack of trust, along with the dangerous criminals out for their blood, threatens their hearts, their faith, and their very survival.

Combining rich history, danger, suspense, and romance, Crystal Caudill's debut novel launches this new historical series with a bang. Fans of Elizabeth Camden, Michelle Griep, and Joanna Davidson Politano will be thrilled to find another author to follow! 

Crystal Caudill is the author of “dangerously good historical romance,” with her work garnering awards from Romance Writers of America and ACFW. She is a stay-at-home mom and caregiver, and when she isn’t writing, Crystal can be found playing board games with her family, drinking hot tea, or reading other great books at her home outside Cincinnati, Ohio. Find out more at crystalcaudill.com.

I pray each of you has a wonderful and blessed Holy week!

ABOUT ME

4/9/15 Update: I am going through and cleaning up my blog due to a post I just read about yucky people grabbing your pic and creating new FB account, blogs, etc. to look like you and steal your identity {so you will not often see them of me}. I am also removing references to where I live, other than my home state and photos of friends and children.  One blogger stated her child's photos ended up in creepy ways on the internet, and when her hubby shared he was out of town, predators put 2 and 2 together to figure she was home alone...she found large boot prints leading from the street to the side of her house! Note - I am putting extra spaces in some words to discourage searches of specific words! BE SAFE FRIENDS. 


Hi,
Welcome to my blog. I love the Lord, my kids, vintage charm, 40s music, all things TEA, 

reading Christian fiction (usually historical) and posting book reviews for those, hospitality, taking pictures, 

& surprising/blessing people. 

I live in sunny California. 

I am the mother of 2, and was a long-time H omeschool T eacher until March 2015.

I also run a L icensed H ome D aycare (since 2002).

I have 3 sweet kitties: Max, and 2 sisters Delilah & Abbey. 

I enjoy Jane Austen related things (especially movies), and for modern reading Jen Turano is a fave! You can get a better idea for what I like on my etsy or pinterest boards (links below). 

I am quirky and fun-loving, and throw out sarcasm and random accents whenever the mood strikes!

I sponsor a beautiful l-ittle g-irl in Guatemala since Valentines 2014 (Feb. 14 is her birthday!). 

Compassion International's Website

I love writing for fun, & started blogging as of Jan. 2015! Hopefully, I can make new friends while sharing some of my passions. I hope you enjoy my journey as I learn about this new adventure called blogging!
God bless you all. In Jesus name.

[Phl 4:11-13 ESV] 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

FOR SWAP PARTNERS:

Like/Dislikes: things I WOULD WANT TO KNOW about somebody if doing an “exchange”, which I love to participate in.

Highly sensitive to smells/tastes, so am very selective. Can not stand bergamot (found in Earl Grey tea), cilantro (aka coriander), bell peppers, or hot/spicy foods. I am the bane of my brother’s restaurant experience (haha).

With Tea: Madelines sold by SugarBowlBakery.com available at Costco & now WalMart are AWESOMESAUCE (do try them), and Irish Soda Bread is a fun treat in March – served with Kerry Gold butter. Scones – blueberry with lemon curd, or a nice orange/cranberry. Have you tried Sticky Fingers brand from Cost Plus World Market?  Trader Joe's also sells some wonderful boxed mixes.  Chocolate Chip or mixed berry.  I think there is a pumpkin one, but I don't really care for pumpkin flavored stuff (sorry world!).

Cinnamon – just makes so many things better

After I turned 40 I found I suddenly like DARK chocolate – as long as it’s not bitter. Try Dove brand to see what I mean.  Or the Cadbury bar with fruit & nuts.  I just discovered dark chocolate covered marshmallows for Easter (yippee!)

Cost Plus World Market European Deep Dark Cocoa (OMG!) or Land-O-Lakes Classic DARK Hot Chocolate

I do NOT enjoy peanuts or walnuts, but I do like pecans and almonds.

Crazy for Cranberries (dried of course) - but not the chocolate covered ones.

Teas – decaf blackberry sage (Republic of Tea), Darjeeling, Twinings Christmas tea (cinnamon, cloves, spices, etc), Harney & Sons Holiday Tea, Apricot-Peach Blend – I have discovered a good quality tea is well worth it! NO chai tea, hardly any green tea, not too many herbals, never Earl Gray.  No weird (can I say that?) holiday mixed flavors (cranberry vanilla, sugar plum, gingerbread, sugar cookie, etc.). Nope, those do not float my boat. Republic of Tea & Adagio have darling travel tins if you are interested.

Honey - orange blossom, farmer's market, raw, unfiltered type honey is the bestest!!


Never coffee! Blegh. Eww. Gross. Gag!

Don’t drink alcohol and don’t smoke.

Girly things – especially if said items serve a purpose (like a teacup... you see?).

Um, not dirt... no gardening, etc.

Lavender*blue*dilly*dilly - I love lavenders and purples in my home and to wear, although not so much in my kitchen… I tend to go for pops of red & cream in there, and then autumn colors in the fall.... yes, I'm complicated (smile).

Going Green (not crazy, over the top...just doin' my part)

Words of affirmation or scriptures (in cards, signage, crafts, etc.) really speak to me.

Bunco! – but, it’s been a long time since I have had a group to play with, but it's so much fun (well, except the crazy screaming! haha).

Musica': Big band / 40s music – especially the softer stuff – Glenn Miller, Moonlight Serenade, Glen Miller, When You Wish Upon A Star. Christian Praise Music, and some old hymns (although not familiar with many, George Beverly Shea is my fave!), but if having a tea party I will most likely play classical.

Autumn is my favorite season, with the warm colors, and cozy feelings, but I absolutely do NOT celebrate Halloween.  I enjoy Christmas, and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, so I do not decorate with Santa Clause. I do like cute gingerbread figures, and lean towards a country Christmas (hunter greens, deep cranberry reds) feel.

RAoK - Random Acts of Kindness (surprising/blessing people)

Regal Edwards Movie Theater when time permits or RedBox

Trader Joe's & British shows (just because it rhymes teahee) – Downton Abbey, Pride and Prejudice (the one with Kiera Knightly), Miss Potter, Emma, PBS Masterpiece, Miss Marple Mysteries, also LOVED Leap Year (currently on Netflix) – a wonderful romance set in Ireland (would love to visit Ireland and England one day and really enjoyed the book: “A Fine Romance” (travel journal) by Susan Branch. 

Check out her fun website at SusanBranch.com. 

www.CBD.com - I love to read & find awesome Christian books (historical romance is my favorite, especially regency era), and there are sweet gifts on this site. Check it out!

Retro / Vintage items – not tons, but little treasures here and there that speak to me (my home is 1946), or dish towels – (such as tea towels with chickens or scriptures or teapots or teacups embroidered on them, but also seasonal towels - useful ones, not embellished to just "look" at.)

Shabby/Chic – I like the girly feel of it. And toile with pretty English scenes, especially in lavender or soft green.

Not big on crafting, but do some here and there, never really sticking to one theme. I love the look of pretty, embroidered &/or quilted things (that other people make), but not really into the look of crocheted or knitted.  If you like, you can browse my  Blue Jeans and Teacups etsy favorites

I previously collected English Bone China Teacups and I also have a around a dozen teapots – which get good, regular use at my tea parties. I am now gifting them away, as I simply have far too many!

Some scents I enjoy: Citrus (orange, verbena, lemon), Tea Rose, Jasmin, Apple Cinnamon in autumn for candles.

Not big on jewelry any more. Don’t have much occasion to where it, but I do like some sweet, little pieces from time to time, and I do have several tea themed pieces I love. Usually lean towards silver or pewter look, not so much gold (especially shiny).

I also don't often wear makeup & certainly not expensive.  Avon or WalMart. I paint my nails once or twice a year; am a pretty simple girl.
Feel free to browse my Pinterest, especially if you enjoy looking at tea things!

I think that’s quite enough for readers to get a well-rounded picture of me! But if you have a question, just ask (-smile). Can you tell I’m an over-achiever?

Blessings to you sweet ladies!

Last Updated: 11-15-2017