I have been terribly neglectful of my blog for several months. I have excuses. My Etsy shop keeps me busy almost every day. A GOOD problem to have. :) My toothbrush pouches for traveling are very popular, so I am busy sewing and shipping most days. The other excuse is even more wonderful! My 2 adorable Grand Darlings! Carson is 5.5 months old and Eloise is 4 months old. I've gotten to take several trips this summer already, to spend time with these two precious little ones. Bliss. :)
But I want to let you know about something else that brings me joy, relaxation, encouragement, and mental vacations. Bethany House Christian fiction books are a wonderful way to unwind at the end of the day and get my mind to relax so that I fall right to sleep when the lights go out! They are quality, inspiring, interesting, and are something I look forward to every single night. I'd like to share with you several that I have read this spring and summer.
An Unlikely Suitor by Nancy Moser captured my attention before I even opened the cover. Such beautiful artwork on the cover! And the mystery of the title and the scene on the cover drew me in. The main character, Lucy, a young Italian dressmaker living with her extended family in New York City, is sweet and smart. Her family depends on her to help make a living and to help lead them in wise decisions, as her father has died. Lucy's friendship with one of the young socialites for which she sews clothes, leads her to a wonderful summer away from hot New York City, to the seaside delights of Rhode Island. While there, she chances to meet a wonderful, wealthy young man and they fall in love. BUT...who is this young man, and does she really have the freedom to accept his love and devotion? Time will tell! I will definitely read this book again in the future. It was captivating. I enjoyed the scenery so nicely painted with words. I like to sew, so I enjoyed the descriptions of the dress designing and hat making. And Lucy is a character that is easy to love. Click the photo above to be taken to Amazon for more information.
In Too Deep by Mary Connealy was a fun book. Ethan Kincaid is a rugged, strong, man of honor. He has trouble expressing his true feelings and tends to try to smile problems away. He feels very responsible for his brothers and for a certain young widow who needs protection. Therefore, he proposes to Audra, and is suddenly a husband and the father of two little girls. Audra is independent and strong, but is facing fears of her own. Can love grow and flourish in such a situation? And with dangerous crooks in search of a treasure they believe that Audra possesses? What about the perilous cave on their land which both intrigues the Kincaid family and also strikes dread in their hearts? Is it a friend or a foe? You'll fall in love with Ethan, Audra, the Kincaid brothers, the baby girls, and the determined Julia in this story from long ago. I enjoyed reading about the workings of an 1800s ranch. Click the photo above to find more info on Mary's book.