Book Review: Prize of my Heart-- Lisa Norato

Here is my second, and last, book review of the month. This review is for the book titled Prize of my Heart by Lisa Norato.

Here is a brief description:

An unsolved mystery separates ex-privateersman Captain Brogan Talvis from his lost son--his only living relation, his only family. Shortly before her tragic demise, his wife abandoned their infant to strangers, refusing to reveal the child's whereabouts. Now, three years later, Brogan has discovered the boy at the home of a shipbuilder's daughter, Lorena Huntley.

Lorena guards a dark secret about her young charge. She finds herself falling for the heroic captain who has come to claim his newly built ship, unaware his motive for wooing her is to befriend the boy he plans on reclaiming as his own--until the day anothers evil deceit leaves her helplessly shipbound, heading toward England.

As the perfect opportunity to reclaim his son unfolds, Brogan is haunted by thoughts of Lorena in her dire circumstance, and he is forced to make a heartrending choice between his child and the woman who has begun to capture his heart. But only his unselfish sacrifice can win him the greatest prize of all--love.

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This is another historical fiction book and I do believe you will truly enjoy reading it. The book is based back in 1815 and it reflects the language and dialogue of this time period. This book offers a little for everyone; a little mystery, a little romance, some family issues, and so forth. It is a book that many people would enjoy for different reasons. I really shouldn't spare any more details than are mentioned above in the description, but I truly think that you will enjoy this novel as I did.

I recommend reading Prize of my Heart by Lisa Norato to anyone who desires a little mystery or romance.


"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

Blog Candy

Carla over at My 1/2 Dozen Daily is giving away this gorgeous handmade pouch. All you have to do is stop by and look at the three chances you have to win. I would love to get my hands on this. I think it would be a perfect purse bag to keep those things in that needs to be moved from purse to purse (I'm a purse-a-holic!). So head on over and check things out!!

Book Review: Chasing the Sun-- Tracie Peterson

Here is my very first book review. It is for the Historical Fiction Novel Chasing the Sun by Tracie Peterson. This is the first in a series of books entitled Land of the Lone Star.

Here is an excerpt:
When her father disappears in war-torn Mississippi, Hannah Dandridge finds herself responsible not only for her younger siblings but for the ranch her father recently acquired on the Texas plains. Though a marriage of convenience could ease her predicament, she determines to trust God for direction.
Wounded soldier William Barnett returns to his home only to discover that his family's ranch has been seized. Though angry and bitter at this turn of events, he's surprised to discover that it is a beautiful young woman with amazing fortitude who is struggling to keep the place running.
Hannah, desperate for help, and William, desperate to regain his family's land, form an uneasy truce. But nearby Comanche tribes, the arrival of Confederate soldiers, and a persistent suitor all threaten the growing attraction that builds between them. Will they be able to set aside their own dreams and embrace the promise of a future together?

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This is the first historical book (fiction or nonfiction) that I have read in quite some time. I was pleasantly surprised at how interested I was when I read the first few chapters. I often found myself deeply entrenched in the life of Hannah; her trials and tribulations somewhat reminded me of my own life but in a more modern version. I felt for the girl and truly admired her bravery. There was something about her determination that I felt drawn to. Of course there was also the underlying love story to keep your attention focused. I love a little bit of love; there's something about wondering how things will turn out in the end that kept me going page after page. I didn't find this book to be action packed or heartracing, which one wouldn't expect from this genre or after reading the excerpt. However, with it's easy reading, unique characters and the reminder of how basic life once was it will surely be a pleaser in the end.

If you enjoy a little romance and a glimpse of the past, then Chasing the Sun is a good book for you!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

Pup Birthday Invites Complete!

Finally! They're done. They're nothing fancy but I love them.

I've been reading like crazy this weekend. I'm mentally drained, can't believe I signed myself up for 2 years of craziness that is the Master's Program. Also got my first bill-- $3250 by mid July. I almost fainted. Seriously. I lost my breath and everything!

Anyways, Seven's birthday is 2 weeks away, invites are done, in the envelope, dress is on its way and shopping this upcoming weekend to get other supplies.

Hope you're all doing well out there-- calling for major snow storm tomorrow night here yikes!

Locks of Love Donation

I cut off 10.5 inches of hair today for my Locks of Love donation. Yikes. I seriously get a fright every time I pass the mirror :p

Easter Card

My first (and probably ONLY) card for this Easter. My mom called a couple nights ago and wanted a card for her nephew for Easter. I've been super busy doing report cards but I managed to whip this one up for her. She loved it, so that's the main thing.

Report cards are done. *does happy dance*

I've been accepted into the Master's of Literacy Education Program that I applied for a while back. I start on Saturday. I'm nervous, and oddly enough I'm most nervous about being the youngest person there. I know not many 25 year olds start their masters.

My to-do list is working wonderfully! I'm really loving being able to physically cross things off rather than getting on here to do it! I love adding two or three (sometimes four!) things per night to accomplish the next day.

Seven's birthday planning is still going strong. I have her invites nearly done, just need to do a few butterflies with the Cricut for it. I ordered her dress last night (and spent a freaking $32 on it! A DRESS FOR A DOG! I'm nutssss...). My mom thought I was silly planning a party, but then she thought it was cute and said for me to get my invites out soon lol.

Anyways, off to bed. Hoping to get some reading in as I have two books to review this month and haven't had a chance to finish either due to report cards.

Nighty night!

Revised to-do...

So my to-do list was too overwhelming. I felt like a failure. Here's my new system. A lovely "to do" sheet printed from Anything but Perfect. If you haven't been over there before, I suggest popping by. The CUTEST printables ever!

My new goals are to add around three "to do's" each night; one cleaning, one personal (or fun!) and one professional. Last night I added four just because I had them in my head. I've accomplished three of them and I feel great and I'm going to add three more for tomorrow.

I didn't continue with my February goals; after the second week I felt like I failed and I got really overwhelmed and just gave up. I'm such a dork lol. Apparently I don't take failure easy.

Anyways, lovin' this new idea. I'll let you know if it works for me. How do you keep your life organized?

Seven's 1st Birthday {Planning}

So this is little Miss Seven and myself today during our snow day (which means NO work day!) Yay! We've been pretty relaxed all day.

...until...it hit me. Seven will be turning the big number ONE of April 9th and this Momma must get her party planned.

I'm thinking I'll do a butterfly and bugs theme-- a little girlie, a little springish and a little kiddish (she is only one afterall).

So here's my list of "to-do" to get ready for the party:
1. Make invitations
2. Send out invitations
3. Make/purchase decorations
4. Make homemade dog treats
5. Make her a dog birthday cake
6. Purchase a nice birthday dress
7. Decide on snacks for the human guests
8. Get some dollarstore toys for the pooch guests to play with
9. Buy her a gift of course
10. Take her to the groomers before Easter Break

Am I crazy!? Maybe it's time to have children lol.