A Change of Fortune by Jen Turano

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On the heels of her father’s death, Lady Eliza Sumner is jilted by her fiance when her fortune is stolen from her. Scandal surrounds the missing money, as many believe that her father lost the money through gambling, but Eliza knows better and refuses to believe the untruths being spread about her family. Instead she chooses to follow the man her father trusted most and whom she believes betrayed them.

Lady Eliza travels from England and disguises herself as a governess, Miss Watson, so that she can keep an eye out for the thief in New York society. She desires her true identity to remain a secret, but when she is put in the path of Mr. Hamilton Beckett, everything changes.

Hamilton is a widower with two small children who is suspicious that something is wrong in his business. As a wealthy widower, all of society is attempting to match him with anyone of the female persuasion ~ but he has no desire to be trapped by anyone of them. When he meets the governess, ‘Miss Watson’, he is strangely intrigued by her curious nature.

The two discover that the person they are searching for is one and the same, so they work together to uncover the deception he has 

My Thoughts on A Change of Fortune

Set in 1880 New York society, A Change of Fortune is the first in the Ladies of Distinction series - and a wonderful beginning. I am certain that we were introduced to a character {or two in this book that will be seen in future books, and I cannot wait until they are released – definitely ones I will be keeping an eye out for.

A Change of Fortune isn’t a ‘light’ fluff novel, but rather shows a development of the characters both spiritually and relationally. The quirky friendships that grow between characters are enjoyable and the banter between others just makes you smile. There is humor, suspense, romance and more to keep you turning pages until the wee hours of the morning.

If there is one book that you pick up this year {and a new author as well}, A Change of Fortune is one that you should add to your cart right away. Jen Turano’s debut novel, A Change of Fortune, is not only captivating, but one that you will want to pull out to read again and again.

Find Out More

A Change of Fortune by Jen Turano is published by Bethany House and available for purchase in paperback or Kindle format.

If you would like a little ‘peek’ into the writing of Jen Turano, be sure to download a copy of this {currently} FREE Kindle book, Gentleman of Her Dreams, a short novella that is a companion to Change of Fortune. It’s a fun glimpse at Turano’s writing style and will have you anxious to read more by her. Enjoy!

 

This book was provided for review by Bethany House. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

A Christmas to Remember

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This Christmas was a little more laid back, or at least it felt that way. Completely wonderful. Relaxing. Fun.

In short – exactly what we had hoped and wanted it to be.

This Christmas we scaled back on the gifts and focused more as a family on giving more to others than we did to ourselves.

Christmas Eve we surprised my parents with a visit from one of my brothers. Can you tell that his visit was enjoyed by his nephews?

There was excitement watching others opening their gifts…

Thrilled responses to gifts that were meant to be enjoyed together…

Even a thrilled little kitty who could finally quit ripping open all of the wrapping paper underneath the tree and play with a real gift {just for him}.

Today the tree came down and we are packing up the last of the Christmas decorations. As much as I enjoy the fullness and color that all of the decorations add to the house, there is something to be said for the open and clean feeling in the house when everything has been put away.

Merry {belated} Christmas from our family to yours – and Happy New Year too!

 

Over the Edge by Mary Connealy {Book Review}

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Seth Kincaid found his way home to his brothers, but somewhere along the way forgot he was married. His wife, Callie, didn’t forget though and doesn’t take the news too kindly.

Callie manages to track Seth down and has a few surprises for him. Seth’s memories since the Civil War are sketchy and Callie isn’t sure what to believe – or how patient to be with him.

Seth is trying his best to remember and win Callie back, but will he remember enough to keep her with him? Or will Callie decide enough is enough and let Seth go?

My Thoughts

Over the Edge is the third book in the Kincaid Bride series by Mary Connealy. Seth has been the ‘crazy’ brother since the series began, haunted by nightmares since his return from the Civil War. His brothers and wives are mostly patient with his many quirks, but no one knew he got married sometime after the war.

Many of Seth’s quirks are better explained in this book dedicated to his story and he is shown as so much more than the crazy younger brother that he appeared to be in the other books. Connealy develops Seth’s character deeply in Over the Edge, revealing parts of Set that only his relationship with Callie help explain.

Over the Edge wraps up the Kincaid Bride series nicely and with the introduction of a younger character, it opens the door for a follow-up where readers can see the Kincaid family in the future. {That may be a total guess on my part – but a definite possibility}.

Find Out More

~ Buy Over the Edge by Mary Connealy in paperback or Kindle format {currently only $2.99 on Kindle!!}.

Be sure to check out the entire series by Mary Connealy: Out of Control, In Too Deep, and Over the Edge

This book was provided for review by Bethany House. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

Tracking Medicine Doses

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Believe it or not, I actually put into practice something that I saw on Pinterest. Although I may wish it wasn’t this one in particular, it has been VERY handy since our youngest is on a 30 day run of antibiotics and I have to remember to give them to him twice a day and also call the pharmacy to check on refills since they are dispersed in 10 day supplies.

The concept is so amazingly simple…but has truly been a HUGE help to my tired brain every day. I used a Sharpie to draw a quick grid on the side of the bottle for the days and times that our son needed a dose of his medication. Each time I give him the meds, I check off the dose.

With one quick look at the bottle, I am able to see if the medicine was given that day. A star next to another day reminds me to call the pharmacy to ensure they have the medication in stock for the upcoming refill.

It’s been working like a charm – and will definitely be used again when needed!

Celebrating and Savoring a Simple Christmas

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Crystal Paine from Money Saving Mom has released a new ebook called Celebrating and Savoring a Simple Christmas to help readers slow down and SAVOR the Christmas season. For the first three days {through November 15th}, you can grab a copy for your Kindle for only 99 cents!!

Do you want to have a meaningful, memorable, relaxed Christmas this year. Do you really want to be able to savor and enjoy this season–not just rush through it feeling overwhelmed and behind.

In Celebrating and Savoring a Simple Christmas you'll learn to:

• Organize your Christmas list
• Make and stick with a Christmas budget
• Freezer cook for the holidays
• Make memorable family activities
• Simple and inexpensive homemade gifts
• Get your home in order
• Savor the meaning of the season

…and much more.

You can pick up your copy at Amazon today by clicking on the graphic below. Starting Friday, the book will be $4.99 ~ so grab a copy during the 3 day sale!

No Matter Who Wins…

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Today the kids went to the polls with me and walked through the 2012 presidential election process. They took a sample ballot from both parties so we could talk about the different issues that we were voting for.

After our ballot was counted, there were stickers.

Tonight as the kids got ready for bed, Zachary’s prayer just made my heart smile – and is a good reminder for all of us:

“Dear God, help us remember that no matter who wins tonight, you are still in charge.”

Amen.