Bridge to Haven by Francine Rivers ~ A Review

My book club recently read Francine Rivers' latest novel - Bridge to Haven.

First, let me say, that while I enjoy Francine Rivers' books, she is not my "go-to" writer for Christian fiction. I know others think EVERYTHING she does is great but I'm not one of them. Don't get me wrong, she's good but not my favorite. I don't gravitate toward her books - they don't call to me. That said, I absolutely LOVED Redeeming Love. It was a wonderful retelling of the story of Gomer and Hosea and had some meat and depth. A good story stays with you for a long time which, I'm sure, is the hope of many writers.

Okay, back to the review of her current book.

Bridge to Haven tells the story of Abra Matthews, a tormented soul who spends much of her young life convinced she is not wanted. We read how Abra runs from everyone who loves her, most importantly God. We watch, sometimes painfully, as Abra travels a rocky road and we rejoice at the predicted conclusion.

Astute readers will know exactly how this books plays out before they read what happens. As I was reading through it - and it is a very quick read - I kept thinking it would make a great made-for-TV movie! And that was a major disappointment for me. Too much fluff and not enough meat. It was way too predictable.

There is some great character development with the manager, Franklin and with Abra herself. And a nice portrayal of life in 1950's Hollywood. Some big Hollywood names are tossed in - Lana Turner, Elvis Presley and Ronald Reagan. This gave the story some credibility and I enjoyed reading about the parties and the pitfalls of movie stardom back then.

So, would I recommend this book? Yes, if you've never read Francine Rivers before and are looking for a quick read. No, if you're a Francine Rivers fan and expect something along the lines of Redeeming Love or The Scarlet Thread. I'd give it 3 out of 5 stars.


**This review is my opinion only. I was not paid for nor asked to post this review. I did not receive any compensation for it nor did I receive a book in exchange for a review. I purchased the book myself.

Are you a scent junkie?

I love trying new things. One of my favorite things to try are perfumes, colognes and body sprays. You know, those inexpensive sprays you pick up on clearance after holiday sales. Yes, that's me.

I perused Wal-Mart's after Christmas sale aisles like a ninja looking for deals and ridiculously marked down goods. Some things I found - stickers, lip balms, photo boxes and baking supplies plus lots of smelly fun! You know those little stocking stuffer perfumes that guys pick up on Christmas Eve to fill the stocking? Yes, those!

The highlights? Exclamation by Coty. I remember when this came out back in the '80's but I didn't wear it then. I was more of a Love's Baby Soft kind of gal but that doesn't scent doesn't do much for me today and that memory has to stay there!

I digress. Exclamation is a nice everyday scent - not too heavy and stays with me thru the day. I also found a small bottle of Chantilly. This one is a bit stronger but still nice.  Sort of reminded me of something my Grandma would wear.

My vanity holds a crazy amount of sprays from the semi-annual Bath & Body Works sale. 75% off is very seductive. Lotions, sprays, shower gels, oh my! No particular favorite there - I love them all! And I picked up more than I should have. I've also purchased Bath & Body Work sprays from estate sales (hello Velvet Tuberose!) and thrift stores (Vanilla Bean Noel - a 2 pack for $2.99...why, yes, I will take that. Thank you!).

While I would love to be able to wear my Estee Lauder Beautiful on a daily basis, my budget just doesn't allow for that luxury. Beautiful is saved for the special outings - a date with my husband, church, dinner with friends and so on.

In the meantime, I'm happy to indulge my scent obsession with all those little spray bottles bought on the cheap!

 Do you have a favorite scent? How do you indulge in little luxuries without spending a fortune?


**The opinions in this post are solely my own. I was not compensated in anyway for this post.

Revamping the content and plan for this blog as I go in a different direction. Stay tuned!

Solomon's Puzzle by Loris Nebbia

Solomon's Puzzle by Loris Nebbia

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


I read this for my book club...doubt I would read it again as it was very long and felt very tedious for me. We had mixed reviews in our club. Some liked it, some had issues with the storyline (I did - too many rabbit trails and unanswered questions!).

The story did draw you in at first. School boy (Ben) is being abused by his dad (Max) and the question of Ben's parentage is a mystery. Is Max the real dad or is it Tom, someone who knew Max and his wife around the time Ben was born? While the reader knows who the real mom is, Ben doesn't find out until the end (sorry if that is a spoiler!). My biggest beef is that if Ben had been told the truth from the beginning, instead of the adults all waiting for him to guess his true parentage, it would have alleviated a lot of the pain this kid went through...and a lot of the text of the book!

I had a hard time relating to any of the characters. Certainly not either Max or Tom nor the wives, Donna and Mrs. McBride (who came across as a more perfect image of Martha Stewart than Ms. Stewart herself - I had to remind myself that this was fiction!). Maybe to the teens - Joe the goof-ball, Ben the serious one or Bonnie Jean, near perfect herself.

One good thing about the book, if you are local, you could really picture much of the scenery as you were reading.

Might make a good beach read for someone but it was definitely not a favorite!



View all my reviews

Book Review - Same Kind of Different as Me

"Same Kind of Different as Me" by Denver Moore and Ron Hall is the study of two very different men, from two very different worlds who are brought together - rather begrudingly - because a woman wouldn't let either of them go. As I read this book, I realized how truly ignorant I was to American History. I am sorry to say I did not realize sharecropping was a part of our country after the Civil War ended. This book was such a stark depiction of modern day slavery. But it is also the story of love, forgiveness, grace, determination and how, if you truly believe in someone and the power of the human spirit, anything is possible. I absolutely loved this story - so much in fact that it was my top pick of the 40+ books I read in 2010.

Many thanks to the Book Sneeze team for providing me with a copy of this book. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Book Review - The Butterfly Effect

The Book Sneeze Team sent me a copy of The Butterfly Effect by Andy Andrews some time ago. Andrews is part of the Women of Faith tour and a wonderful motivational speaker. This gift book shares the tale of how the flap of a butterfly's wings can alter happenings on the other side of the world. You never know what kind of difference you can make by your actions - all of history could be changed! This is a beautifully illustrated book and would make a lovely graduation gift.

The opinions in this review are entirely my own. Other than the free copy of the book, I was not compensated in any way for my review.

Book Review ~ Pursuit of Justice

Fall has been exceptionally busy here at the Quiet House but I've been trying to catch snip-its of time to read. Tyndale sent me a copy of this book and I have to admit it is completely out of the genre I generally read. I'm not a big fan of mystery novels - Christian or otherwise - and I tend to shy away from them. I'm glad I received this book though because I really enjoyed it!

Author DiAnn Mills crafted this story, the third in a series, about Special Agent Bella Jordan who is assigned a murder case in Texas. We learn about Bella's past and how it intersects with the main male character, Carr Richardson. I enjoyed that Carr was a believer of Christ. I didn't really expect this - I think that stems from the genre's I tend to stick with. This book was action packed from the get go and kept me guessing the whole way through. I enjoyed the well-written dialog and the story was easy to follow. I'm sorry I missed out on Ms. Mills earlier works and I'll have to jaunt over to the library to check them out.

If you enjoy a good mystery, action with a little romance - and stories of God's grace and redemption - you will enjoy this book.

Many thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book to enjoy. My review is completely my own opinion and other than the free copy of the book, I was not paid to write this post.

"The Busy Mom's Guide to a Happy, Organized Home" - A Review

I recently had the privilege to read "The Busy Mom's Guide to a Happy, Organized Home" by Kathy Peel, who bills herself as America's Family Manager. A catchy title to bestow on oneself.

I have to admit that I skimmed through most of this book as I really didn't find any new (well, new to me!), useful information in the first few chapters that I did read. The chapters are broken down into: Managing Your Time, Managing Your Home, Managing Menus and Meals, Managing Relationships, Managing Your Finances, Managing Special Events and Managing Yourself.

Within each chapter you will find ideas and tips to make each area of your home run more efficiently thus giving you a happy and organized home. This would be a great book for a new homemaker who may feel lost in how to run their home. I have to admit this would have been a perfect gift for me when I got married twenty years ago. Learning something new is always a bonus - but I don't feel like I learned anything new from this book. I've read a lot of books on how to organize my home...it's implementing that knowledge that is where I could use the most help! Hubs would probably agree as clutter control seems to be one of my major issues!

A good how-to reference book for beginner's.

Many thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my review. Opinions in this post are solely my own.

Menu Plan Monday ~ August 9 - 15

Another week, another menu!

Monday ~ Fire Island Ziti

Tuesday ~ Kid's Create - Hubby and I attend Financial Peace University so I let the kiddoes fend for themselves

Wednesday ~ Haystacks Over Rice - a recipe that sounds fun and looks good!

Thursday ~ Salmon Patties, Peas and Buttered Noodles

Friday ~ Steak Subs and Salad

Saturday ~ My Birthday! Grilled Steak, Shrimp, Baked Potatoes and Salad

Sunday ~ BBQ Ribs, Macaroni Salad and Baked Beans

Menu Plan Monday ~ August 2 - 8

Wow - it's been awhile since I've done one of these posts. I'm trying to be more intentional about posting as I continue to figure this blog thing out. I sure do enjoy reading all the other great blogs out there but I'm still not sure there is a niche for mine. Anyway, we have a pretty simple, quiet week at the homestead before we get back into life in the fast lane. Here's what we're eating:

Monday ~ Grilled chicken quarters, grilled zucchini and roasted red potatoes

Tuesday ~ Hubs and I attend our FPU class where we have dinner with our group; kiddoes are having quesadillas and chips and salsa. I know, it's not very healthy. Here's to hoping they top those quesadillas with avocado and chopped tomato...doubtful but I can hope!

Wednesday ~ Cincinnati Chili and cornbread

Thursday ~ Grilled Salmon, more grilled zucchini and brown rice

Friday ~ Hubs and I are headed to a crab feast for a free date night; kiddoes are dining on...I don't know yet - maybe leftovers!

Saturday ~ Youngest child turns 13! It will be his choice for dinner but I believe he is leaning toward burgers on the grill and corn on the cob

Sunday ~ BBQ ribs, baked beans and macaroni salad

Sorry no recipes to share. Like I said it's a simple week here! Find more great menus over at Menu Plan Monday courtesy of I'm an Organizing Junkie.

Review ~ Friendship for GrownUps

Book Sneeze (Thomas Nelson Publishers) recently provided me with a copy of "Friendship for Grown-Ups" by Lisa Whelchel. I really enjoyed this book. Actually, I've enjoyed just about everything written by Lisa Whelchel! I also enjoy her on the Women of Faith tour - but that is a topic for another day! The author shared her struggles with making and keeping friends - not just acquaintances but friends who will there for you through all of life's challenges and joys. I loved the practical applications on how to be intentional with your friendships. An author who can share with me the where's, why's and how-to's, plus share her journey, is someone I want to continue to read and be mentored by (in the relative sense - I do not know Ms. Whelchel, although I believe we could be great friends if ever given the opportunity - which is slim). Her strong faith in Jesus and willingness to bare her soul before all of us is one of the reasons I enjoy reading her books. I recommend "Friendship for GrownUps" to anyone who is looking to be intentional with their friends. Thanks again to Book Sneeze for sending me this copy.

Tithing...Test Me in This ~ A Review

I was recently provided a copy of "Tithing...test Me in This", written by Douglas LeBlanc, by Booksneeze (from Thomas Nelson Publishers). First, let me say that my husband and I are committed tithers, so I was a little interested to read stories of others who also tithed and see the work that God was doing in their lives. The book included nice little vignettes of people of varying religions and the reasons why they tithe. It was encouraging, and motivating, to read these stories. This book was written as part of an Episcopalian Ancient Practices series. I have to admit that I had no idea what "Ancient Practices" were. I would recommend this book if you were struggling about your decision to tithe. Mr. LeBlanc does give scripture reference to back up the principle of tithing, which I appreciated. All in all, I did enjoy the book but I'm not sure I would have purchased it had I been perusing the bookstore shelves simply because it leaned more toward one religion.

The opinions in this post are 100% mine. I was provided a copy of the reviewed book from Thomas Nelson Publishers under the agreement that I would give an honest review.