Temperature Blanket - Week 6

Pretty soon, my blanket is going to need a bag of its own and not fit in the same bag as the yarns.

Feb 5: 34
Feb 6: 39
Feb 7: 35 Rain from 8:30 am - 10:00 pm
Feb 8: 32
Feb 9: 20 Snow from 2:30 am - 8:30 am
Feb 10: 35
Feb 11: 41

Book Review: "A Love Song for Kayla" by Kimberly Rose Johnson

Kayla Russell doesn't care for Valentine's Day and the idea that you express your love once a year. Can her list of requirements for a husband help her find her ideal man?

Derek Wood is trying to hide from the paparazzi that hound him as super star singer DJ Parker. As he gets to know Kayla, he thinks he has found where he belongs. When his secret identity is revealed, will he lose Kayla?

I liked Derek and Kayla and how they interacted. I thought the book flowed well and had a nice pace. I thought it was fun about Kayla's list. Along with the romance in the book, there was also a touch of mystery and suspense. I thought the spiritual aspect of the book was blended into the story line nicely and I was glad to see the characters' growth and maturation through the book. 

"A Love Song for Kayla" was originally published as "A Valentine for Kayla"

"A Love Song for Kayla" is available in paperback:

• Paperback: 258 pages
• Publisher: Sweet Rose Press (February 1, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0998431508
• ISBN-13: 978-0998431505

and in Kindle edition:

• File Size: 1799 KB
• Print Length: 141 pages
• Publisher: Sweet Rose Press (February 1, 2017)
• Publication Date: February 1, 2017
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
• Language: English
• ASIN: B01N3AHIAW

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received.

Wax Museum

Emily's class had a lesson to research a person of historical significance. They made a board about the person and then dressed up as that person. They had to do a presentation which was "activated" by someone pressing their "play button". Emily chose George Washington.

William listening to Emily's best friend as "Amelia Earhart"

Book Review: "NIV Investigator's Holy Bible"

"NIV Investigator's Holy Bible" is geared for children ages 6-10. It is all done in shades of blue and orange. The words are blue and the headings are orange. I was impressed with how many special features this Bible contained. I think that this Bible truly will help kids investigate God's Word. The special features are "The Evidence" (Introduce the book, tell what kind of book it is, who wrote it, & what happens), "Break through!" (tells about special words, why a character does something, cultural differnces, & etc), "The Witnesses" (tells the meaning of Bible characters' names), "The Scene" (tells about where an event took place), "Check the Facts" (short quiz about the book), "Case Closed" (summary of the book, how to apply it, etc), Cross References, "Table of Weights and Measures", "Index to Features" (lists all of the other special features to make it easy to find them), a fairly large Concordance, and 8 maps (blue toned). Scattered throughout the pages are little pictures of a little bird doing different things. I really liked this Bible and all that it offers. I think this Bible would be a great asset to help children to learn about the Bible.

"NIV Investigator's Bible" is available in hardcover:

• Age Range: 6 - 10 years
• Grade Level: 1 - 5
• Hardcover: 1792 pages
• Publisher: Zonderkidz (February 7, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310758769
• ISBN-13: 978-0310758761
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 2 x 8.7 inches

I got a free copy of this Bible. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received.

Winter

A few weeks ago, we had several warmer than normal days and rain. It even got up to 55 one day! So most of the snow melted, only to be replaced the next day after I took the pictures. It is currently raining, so we may lose some of the snow again.

Jan 17:

Pool in the ditch

Jan 25:

Feb 5:

Temperature Blanket - Week 5

Some people mark where the new months start in their temperature blankets.  I decided not to do anything since I already have enough things going on in my blanket! 😉

This week's highs:

Jan 29: 27 Snow from 10:00 am - noon
Jan 30: 25 Snow from 8:00 pm - midnight
Jan 31: 30 Snow from midnight - 6:00 pm
Feb 1: 36
Feb 2: 22
Feb 3: 21
Feb 4: 28

Using my temperature scale, I had the following results for the month of January:

 < 9 :   0
10-14: 2
15-19: 2
20-24: 1
25-29: 4
30-34: 7
35-39: 11
40-44: 2
45-49: 1
50-54: 0
55-59: 1
(9 colors)

Using the more common scale, I would have ended up with:

 <  22: 5
23-32: 9
33-43: 15
44-53: 1
54-66: 1
(5 colors)

Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway: "Two Suitors for Anna" by Molly Jebber

About the Book

Book: Two Suitors for Anna

Author: Molly Jebber

Genre: Amish Historical Romance

Release Date: January 31, 2017

In 1903 Ohio, a young Amish woman must choose between the life she has long planned for and a new, very different future…

Since Anna Plank moved to Berlin, Ohio, with her widowed mamm and two schweschders, she’s found a real sense of belonging. As soon as her beloved Noah Schwartz proposes, they’ll begin a new chapter here together. But Noah has a surprise for Anna: once they’re married, he wants them to travel and live in other communities. Anna, who loves her home and her job at the quilt shop, is distraught when he takes her hesitation as rejection—and leaves.

Daniel Bontrager’s arrival adds to Anna’s confusion. Since taking over his late brother’s farm, the handsome roofer has offered friendship and gentle attentions. Yet the pull of first love is strong and deep, especially when Noah returns. Through each revelation, Anna must search her faith for guidance, knowing she is choosing not just a husband, but a life to nurture and to share…

Praise for Molly Jebber’s Change of Heart

“Endearing characters and a delightful story make this a keeper for fans of Amish romance.” –Emma Miller
 
“This is a wonderfully written historical romance with Amish and Englisch characters who are loveable and considerate of others. The storyline is believable and heartwarming. Jebber is a talented author.” –RT Book Reviews

My Thoughts

"Two Suitors for Anna" is the third book in "A Keepsake Pocket Quilt Novel" series. It can be read as a standalone, but when they brought up Becca, I did feel like I'd missed something, but it wasn't super important to this book's story line, just made me realize there were other books in the series. I think the idea of a pocket quilt is wonderful and precious to the recipient. I was happy that Anna and Daniel sought God and His will in their decisions. I liked Daniel and his personality, but I didn't like how Anna seemed to "mother" her sisters at times. I noticed it more at the beginning of the book. I think it would be fun to have Leah's and Beth's stories. I also want to know who Noah ends up with. There were a couple of things that made me pause in the book. First, April is an "Englischer" but says her husband went to "work for a friend's daed" which she wouldn't have said since she isn't Amish. Also, at one point in the book, Cotton becomes a male dog for a page before returning to being a female. I don't think I've read any books by Molly Jebber before and look forward to reading more.

About the Author

Molly Jebber’s books have been featured in Publisher’s Weekly, USA Today’s HEA, and Romantic Times has given them a near excellent rating. She’s on RWA’s Honor Roll. She’s a speaker for Women’s Christian Connection, and she offers presentations on writing, publishing, Amish lifestyle and traditions. She has received widespread media coverage, including live interviews, across the United States for her books and speaking engagements.

She’s just signed a new contract for four more Amish books! She loves interacting with her readers. She loves God, her husband, family and friends. She has a hard time saying no to cupcakes, swimming, nine holes of golf, and walks on the beach. Coconut, oatmeal, and onions, on the other hand, are not hard to say no to!

Guest Post from Molly Jebber

What prompted Two Suitors for Anna?

Have you had to choose between two men you love? Or maybe a friend?  I gave Anna this dilemma and added to her turmoil by throwing in a bundle of twists and turns to the story.

Noah proposes to Anna, and he takes her rejection as hesitation and leaves town. Daniel moves to Berlin and offers her friendship which is blossoming into something more, when Noah returns and asks her forgiveness and another chance. I hope you enjoy it!

Blog Stops

January 31: cherylbbookblog

January 31: Giveaway Lady

January 31: Bibliophile Reviews

February 1: A Greater Yes

February 1: Blossoms and Blessings

February 2: Lane Hill House

February 2: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS

February 3: Just Commonly

February 3: Moments Dipped in Ink

February 4: Jeanette’s Thoughts

February 4: Bigreadersite

February 5: Quiet Quilter

February 6: Ashley’s Bookshelf

February 7: Book Bites, Bee Stings, and Butterfly Kisses

February 7: Pause for Tales

February 8: Splashes of Joy

February 8: Connie’s History Classroom

February 8: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

February 9: Christian Bookaholic

February 9: Eat, Read, Teach Blog

February 10: Singing Librarian Books

February 10: inklings and notions

February 11: Carpe Diem

February 11: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner

February 12: Donna’s BookShelf

February 12: A Simple Life, really?!

February 13: autism mom

February 14: A Holland Reads

February 14: Through the Open Window

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Molly is giving away a Kindle Fire HD. Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/af95

"Two Suitors for Anna" is available in mass market paperback:

• Series: A Keepsake Pocket Quilt Novel (Book 3)
• Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Zebra (January 31, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1420137654
• ISBN-13: 978-1420137651
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 0.8 x 6.8 inches

and in Kindle edition:

• File Size: 1055 KB
• Print Length: 319 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1420137654
• Publisher: Zebra (January 31, 2017)
• Publication Date: January 31, 2017
• Sold by: Penguin Random House Publisher Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B01FBZXPDM

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received.