I really appreciate that the author gives a strong warning at the beginning of the book so you understand the book is centered around a woman who suffers through instances of abuse and life situations that forced her, at a young age, to do things she did not want to do. But there is so much beauty in the healing power of Jesus and the author weaves a compelling story set in 1884 Indiana, that is both interesting and incredibly well done.
The synopsis is well-written so I won't re-do that here.
I highly recommend this book and I am grateful for the chance to review the ARC provided to me by the author and publisher.
All opinions are mine alone, without compensation or expectation.
Series: Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age (I have given the first three books five stars each!) 0.5 Counterfeit Truth (free to newsletter subscribers) 1 Counterfeit Love 2 Counterfeit Hope 3 Counterfeit Faith
Side note: Crystal is a lovely soul and highly approachable through her newsletter and social platforms.
I also wanted to share this teamail I received yesterday from a dear friend. It is The Royal Cats tea assortment from Richard Royal Teas. Isn't it a hoot? The cat resembles my sweet boy, Max.
They have several different cats and dogs featured on various tea products. The 3 flavors include Ceylon, Lord Grey and Royal Thyme & Rosemary. I am looking forward to trying them.
I have been having loads of fun lately. But, FIRST, in honor of yesterday being Mother's Day, here is a little freebie (at least as of this posting it was) for all of you book lovers! Elizabeth Camden's eNovella, Summer of Dreams
Now, I have not yet read the book, but usually enjoy her work.
Last Thursday was the National Day of Prayer, as many of you probably know. I had fun making photo collages of all my daycare Littles praying, saying the pledge of allegiance and reading a new book.
Although it indicates it is for boys, the inside does not read that way at all. It teaches kids that they can pray any place, any time, and for any thing. I love the artwork too!
Friday night was my daughter's graduation as a 2nd year student at the South Hills Assembly of God Leadership school. She has grown so much in her walk with the Lord and built many amazing relationships. I'm so proud of her for taking the time to grow her spiritual walk with God. In the photo, are some fun ways to display food. I've seen these items recently at WalMart for not to much money. I thought some of you might like to see these as potential outdoor tea service items :)
Saturday morning, I decided to travel to downtown Riverside when I heard that one of my favorite jam vendors would be at a little outdoor vendor fair. They have some amazing old world architecture there! Here are a few things I saw.
I was blessed with the sound of these bells ringing!
Backside of the historic Mission Inn
Check out that spiral staircase on the right, coming out of the window.
I love this tree growing right up in the middle of this covered walkway.
Backside of Mission Inn as viewed from across the street
I splurged on some fancy English hand cream in a luxurious Lemon Basil fragrance. Do you know that my hands are still feeling soft today (Monday), and I put that cream on my hands Saturday?! I thought these furniture pieces were so charming for a baby's room. My lunch was a very delicious veggie enchilada casserole. I may need to make one soon! I love Susan Winget art, and I spotted this very large rooster art of hers on a shelf. The cute little shop in the corner is called Mrs. Tiggy-Winkles. If you are not familiar with that name, it is one of Beatrix Potter's stories. Just for fun, (another freebie) you may enjoy the full story video in the 25 minute youtube link below, which starts off as real life, and then switches to cartoon. Naturally, Lucy and Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle do take tea together (-smile). There is also a bit of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny featured.
Adorable stamped (in purple!) bag, and a fun postcard I purchased
I recently purchased some adorable items to create a fairy garden next to my front porch where I like to sit, and take tea. I had been wanting to do so for a very long time, and when I spotted the teapot house at a discount store, well...
In shopping Mrs. Tiggy-Winkles.,I found a few more items to add including the Little Prince and his fox, a gazing ball for Mr. & Mrs. Gnome, & a pinwheel for the fairy.
As if my day wasn't pleasant enough, I came home to find the items I had ordered only a few days prior, had arrived from Vermont! I can not wait to try these new teas. She even enclosed a "teany" sample of her signature tea named for her etsy shop: Sunshine Cottage (shop here: SUNSHINE COTTAGE). I love how the earrings arrive in Tiffany Blue boxes :) I of course, ordered lavender teapot earrings, and everything was wrapped in lavender tissue - Yay! And, I then decided to also order green, because they were just so pretty!
"You've got Tea-mail"
Sunday, of course, was Mother's Day. And my children certainly spoiled me this year. We started off with flowers, filled with my favorite fragrance of Stargazer Lillys and several gorgeous purples, and then off to church.
My pastor spoke on Mark 5:25-34, which tells about having faith and the Master's touch. This is a beautiful story about a woman who
has been sick for 12 years, but knows if she can just "touch the hem of Jesus garment as he passes by, she will be made well." Now that IS BIG FAITH. My pastor also noted that this is the only place he has found where Jesus calls someone daughter. v.34 "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease." Isn't that beautiful? Here is an old Sam Cooke song (2 minutes) about this very story!
After church, the kids drove me to Old Town Orange. Everything was a SURPRISE. We went to The Filling Station; a popular indoor/outdoor diner. I ventured outside my normal comfort zone, and ordered a veggie sandwich on soft ciabatta role, with sweet potato fries, and cran-apple juice (btw, that's not on the menu, but whenever I see apple and cranberry juices, I just ask for 50/50 & am one happy girl!)
Ducking behind menus for more whispered plans, while we waited for seating.
Next we headed to Mission Viejo, for an outdoor vintage market. My daughter did not even know I had been wanting to go there. I thought this old book was so cute, along with the stepside truck, and the trailer.
Below are the treasures I found which my son purchased
as gifts for me :)
vintage, lavender plate $10
modern, toile teawares $20/set!
After shopping, we went to see the new Captain America movie. I always enjoy super hero movies. But, we were so far from home, and the freeway held two accidents, so we did not get back until nearly 9pm. They planned to take me out to dinner too, but I respectfully declined in favor of fast food, and my PJs!! It was certainly a day I won't soon forget!
I pray you all enjoyed your mother's day as well.
Thank you for sharing in my adventures!
Hugs and a cup of tea friends.
