BOOK REVIEW: The Vigilante's Bride

The Vigilante's Bride

by: Yvonne Harris

Emily McCarty has found herself in quite a predicament. Aldersgate Home For Girls in Chicago where she grew up has decided they needed her room to house 6 new girls. Miss Beecham, the director, made the decision that she would be transported out west in reply to a Chicago Daily Tribune ad for a bride. Much to her discontentment the arrangements were already made, the school already received the money; everything was taken care of. Unfortunately, the only thing Emily knew was his name and that he lived in Montana.

When Luke Sullivan decided to rob the stagecoach little did he know a pretty redhead would be on board. His plans were to even up a score with a man, reclaiming the money that was stolen from his pa years ago. But there was no way he could leave Miss McCarty to wed his enemy. He considered it rescuing her, taking her on horseback to New Hope Foundling and Orphan Asylum for shelter.

What does Miss McCarty consider it? Does she turn Luke in to the sheriff for kidnapping? Will she stay on at New Hope or will she marry Bartholomew Axel, a man old enough to be her grandpa? Now that Luke Sullivan has found his way back home will he lose the chip on his shoulder and find his way back to God? All these answers can be found in The Vigilante’s Bride.

MY THOUGHTS: This is one of the first books I have read that I would consider a western. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a very easy read; I had a hard time putting it down. I wanted to see what was going to happen next. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good romance with a few twists.

I received this book free from Bethany House a division of Baker Publishing Group as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

until next time... nel

Here It Is - Random Dozen...

It is Random Dozen Time once again. If you would like to join us hop over to Linda's corner at 2nd Cup of Coffee and grab the questions, then jump back over and link up. It is a great way to meet new people and make great blogging buddies.

HERE WE GO:

1. Do you believe, somewhere deep inside, that blonds do indeed have more fun? That they are "dumber" than brunettes or redheads? Be honest!

Not a chance, hair color has nothing to do with either one, having more fun or being dumb. It depends on the person. I have to confess though I have laughed at a blond joke or two.

2. Which animal would you most like to observe in its wild habitat?

I think it would be cool to see a lion in it's natural habitat. The lion is so massive and powerful. Even though he is big, he is so light on his feet, I love the way they carry themselves. King of the Jungle!

3. This week the U.N. announced that Dr. Mazlan Othman has been appointed the official "Alien Ambassador," should any extraterrestrials contact us. Have you, or has anyone you know, ever seen a UFO?

Nope do not know of anyone who has and I have never seen anything. Honestly I do not believe in extraterrestrials. And I have a real problem when I think of how much is being spent on stuff like this and we have homeless hungry people in the United States! Sad!

4. Name your favorite Hitchcock film.

The only thing I can think of without looking it up is "The Birds." I can remember watching it when I was a young kid and it scared me to death. For a long time I would not have anything to do with our parakeet. But yet every time it came on, I wanted to watch it. lol.

5. Would you rather spend time at the library, the mall, a craft store or home?

This is a hard one for me. Of course I like being at home, but I could spend hours in a craft store, same at a library. So how about if I run by the craft store and spend a few hours, then drop by the library, and then spend the rest of the day at home, looking over my craft supplies I bought, and the books I checked out. (No there is a run-on sentence for you!)

6. Which Disney princess is your favorite? (Or Disney character, if you are a guy)

I love Cinderella. She never really felt sorry for herself, she dealt with what ever her step sisters through her way. And in the end she found true love...

7. What kind of art is your favorite?

Art covers a lot of areas. My absolute favorite is photography. I enjoy photography, love capturing what God has given us through my lens. Just to put this in perspective we were gone 2 nights and 3 days last week and I took about 445 pictures. Yeah, what can I say, except good thing I have a digital! I also love oil paintings. Something I would love to try my hand at.

8. How do you feel about viral videos, that is, videos made by amateurs that end up on Youtube receiving thousands of hits?

As long as the videos are in good taste and do not go against God's Word, I have no problem with them.

9. Where do you buy your jeans?

I have not bought any jeans in awhile. I think it was Wal-Mart or it might of been JC Penneys.

10. Tell me about your first automobile accident.

Oh wow, my first accident, I was 25, Janice was 7 weeks old. I had just gone back to work after having her. Thank God my mom was keeping her for us while I worked. At that time I was still driving my truck. It was a nice looking ride, had quiet a bit of chrome with a roll bar in the back. Anyways, I was pulling onto a road at a bad intersection, I looked both ways and proceeded to pull out. About that time a vehicle came flying over the hill and hit me on the passenger side right behind the door. Totalled my truck, it could not be driven, knocked a hole in the gas tank. Everyone said as hard as he hit me, I was lucky it did not catch on fire. I was taken by ambulance to the hospital. Ended up with a concussion and a broke wrist. I was in a cast that started around my fingers and hand, all the way up to my elbow for six weeks. I was glad it was not my right hand but still it was hard having a baby at home. I could not pick her up or change her diaper. I would have to place a pillow on my arm then her dad would carefully place her in my arms. I have to say he did step up and was very good about helping and taking care of Janice during this time. It was a very long 6 weeks, she cried a lot and so did I!

11. Have you ever been honest when you knew you would benefit more if you would be dishonest?

Oh I am sure, cannot think of any specific situations right at the moment.

12. If you were appointed "Ambassador to Aliens," what would you show and tell first about life on Earth? What would be the most difficult thing to explain?

I think I would want to share Jesus with them. And it would probably the hardest thing to make them understand.

Well There You Go Folks...

Wow, Talk about random! Thanks Lid for hosting this fun meme. It is always fun learning more about blogging buddies.



PLEASE NOTE: I will be announcing a giveaway the end of next week. I will be celebrating 2 years of blogging. Who would of thunk it? It amazes me all of the wonderful people I have met online, and I would like to show my appreciation. Make sure you check back for the details and join in the fun!


until next time... nel

Doesn't Get Much Better Than This...

Last week we took a few days and celebrated our 4th anniversary. We had a wonderful time just kicking around without a schedule, without computers, without television, without telephone or cell reception, talk about quiet. Sometimes, I think we need that. We need to look at our surroundings and enjoy the blessings the Lord has given us, and each other!

“Be still, and know that I am God:” Psalm 46:10a

Countless times we have driven Hwy 7 between Missouri and Arkansas always passing through Harrison and Jasper. I love little towns and the squares around the courthouses. We decided that is what we would do this year, a little exploring.

The square at Harrison was interesting. A lot of old buildings, I love the architecture of the old buildings. A lot of them are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Much to my enjoyment they had flags everywhere on the courthouse square. Just something about our American Flag! There were beautiful hanging plant baskets surrounding the square.

Following a day in Harrison we retreated to our cabin late afternoon. We stayed at a wonderful cabin in the woods, literally in the woods. There was no TV reception, so we had to rely on movies. It had everything you wanted or needed, just missing the hot tub…lol.

The cabin was very comfy and homey. We enjoyed steaks, salad, baked potato and rolls, along with Sangria. You can’t get much better than that.

Wednesday morning we arose early and drove over to the Boxley Valley Area. I was so excited we did get there early enough to catch a small herd of elk in the field. We spent the day exploring and hiking. We had such a good time.

Then that evening we went into Jasper and looked around a little. Jasper is a quaint little town. Time stops in Jasper or maybe I should say you feel like you step back in time. We had planned on eating at the Bar-b-que place but there was a note on the door, closed due to family health emergency. We stopped in a little treasure shop and the owner told us yes the owner’s brother was sick and he lived out of town. Small towns, I love them! She recommended Ozark Café and what a treat it was. You could tell it was the local meeting place.



The hamburgers were wonderful. The following morning we returned for breakfast. Needless to say I learned real quick that small towns do not always know how to make omelets. It had a very good flavor, but the mushrooms and onions were fried then just wrapped in a flat egg. I think I should have ordered the biscuits and gravy; they even had chocolate gravy listed. I was impressed!

Following breakfast we had to stop at Emma’s Museum of Junk. They close on Wednesdays so we had missed it the day before. It was a very interesting place. A lot of very old things in there, and everything had a price tag.
After our stop in Jasper we headed North toward home. We stopped at Pruitt along the Buffalo River and took some pictures. It is a pretty area.
We also stopped at Rock-a-way Beach in Missouri and learned it was part of Lake Taneycomo. We chatted with a lady there and found out it was a very good place to catch trout. Hmmmm and only 45 minutes from our house, sounds promising to me.
We ended the night with an Alan Jackson concert. And what a concert it was!

Oh wait that wasn’t the end; we stopped for pie at one of our favorite restaurants. Nothing like Coconut Cream and he had Apple Pie al a mode. What a finish to a wonderful Anniversary Celebration…

As I have mentioned before, I never thought that I would be celebrating a fourth anniversary at 53 years old, but the Lord knew. He knows what is best for us and I thank Him every day!

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

until next time… nel

BOOK REVIEW: Love's First Bloom

Delia Parr has written a wonderful book of fiction combining mystery and a touch of romance set in the 1830’s.

Ruth Livingstone’s life is about to change drastically when her father, the Reverend, places a young child in her arms and makes arrangements for them to flee to New Jersey under the name Ruth Malloy, the widow.

Will Ruth ever find out the truth of who the child Lily really is? Will she ever understand the charges brought against her father? Will she be able to keep her and Lily’s identity a secret even from the reporters? Will she ever learn to trust again? Will she ever find love? Find the answers to all these questions and a lot more in this wonderful story of God’s love.

This was an intriguing book; I did not want to put it down. It kept me wondering what would happen next. Delia Parr has a way of placing you right there watching from the sideline. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good book of mystery, romance and faith. I am looking forward to reading more of Delia Parr’s books.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House a division of Baker Publishing Group as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

until next time... nel

Random Dozen Time...

It's Random Dozen Time. I didn't want to miss again so I am answering these questions at 1:00 in the morning, so sorry if they do not make sense. I am post-dating this so it will post tomorrow... hope it works. However I will not be able to link up... sorry! We will not have computer service until Friday when we return home.
If you would like to join in just go over by Lid at 2nd Cup of Coffee and link up so everyone can enjoy your answers. It is a great way to meet new friends and blogging buddies! Thanks Lid!

So Here We Go:

1. Have you, or has someone close to you, ever won an award for anything?

I have won a couple of awards for years of service where I had worked, nothing noteworthy. My hubby won several awards from his previous job where he worked for the Federal Railroad Administration with Hazmat.

2. Who is the nearest relative to you who has served in the US Military?

My dad served in the Army in Germany during WWII. And my brother Tom was in the Army during Viet Nam.

3. Share something that stirs the patriotic spirit in you.

All it takes is seeing the American Flag. If I have a camera I cannot pass one by without getting a picture. Just something about the flag!

4. Where are you in the birth order in your family? Do you think your "placement" made a difference in your personality?

Oh yeah definitely made a difference. I am the youngest and the only girl, can we say spoiled!

5. Name one trait you hope you carry that was evidenced in your parents or grandparents.

Always do your best in whatever you do, and be proud of it! (not boastful proud but knowing that you did your best)

6. If female, do you prefer wearing a skirt or pants? If male, shirt and tie or polo?

Last time I looked I was female so...I prefer slacks, I do like my jean skirt, but slacks are more comfy, and at this stage in my life I am all about comfort!

7. Approximately how many times do you wake during the night? What do you do to go back to sleep?

Usually once, early morning, potty break. What do I do... close my eyes! Sleeping is not a problem for me.

8. Share a favorite movie quote.

"Make My Day..."

9. What is your favorite Fall candle scent?

Pumpkin Pie

10. What is one Fall activity you're looking forward to?

Making Thanksgiving Dinner for my daughter and her family.

11. Tell us about a pleasant surprise that happened to you recently.

My hubby brought me home a boquet of flowers a couple weeks ago. I love those just becauses. Those are always a nice surprise.

12. What was it like when you first met your in-laws-to-be?

We are at the stage in life where there were no in-laws to meet. Just kids and he did meet my mom. But meeting the kids was a little tense because of the age difference between us. I think they thought I was a gold digger or something. lol Things are better now.

That's All Folks ! ! !

Hope all of you have a wonderful week and we will see you Friday!

until next time... nel

Time To Sing Again...

This next Thursday is our Anniversary. It will be four years for us. I never would have dreamed that at 53 years old I would be celebrating a 4th Anniversary. I Thank God every day for placing Stan in my life. He is my friend, my lover, my soul mate and someone whom I have come to depend on. He is the person whom I want to spend the rest of my life with, enjoying every minute of it. This song was sung at our wedding, and it has been on my heart the last few days.



Thank you Jesus for always being here!

If you would like to join us hop over to Amy's at Signs, Miracles and Wonders and link up. It is a great way to meet some new blogging friends and listen to some wonderful music.

until next time... nel

Now I Lay Me...

WooHoo! It’s time for Flashback Friday. I am a little late posting but at least it is still Friday. I am in one of those times in my life where I feel like I am sitting still, can’t get it together, but life just keeps on passing me by.

If you would like to join in this fun meme stop over by Linda’s corner at Mocha With Linda. She has the complete prompt listed there to get you started and then you can return and link up so we can all enjoy your memories. It’s a great way to meet new friends and some great blogging buddies! This week we are remembering BEDTIME!

Sooooo Here we go:

I cannot remember a set bedtime when I was growing up, maybe that is why I am such a night owl now. That is my story and I am sticking to it! We were usually in bed by 10 or 10:30. In my teen years I stayed up later. The only thing I really remember is bedtime did not matter as long as you got up in the morning when the alarm went off. And believe me you hit the floor when it went off, no hitting the snooze button, or else you would hear Dad’s speech about punctuality and not sleeping your life away!

I always had a room of my own, still have the quilt my grandma made me and also the remnants of a blanket I always slept with. I am planning on making a Teddy Bear out of the quilt and let it clutch the blanket.

I can remember early teen years mom and dad had a Shetland sheepdog also known as a Sheltie named Cricket. She was their dog or so they thought. She had a dog bed beside their bed and she would always go to it when they went to bed. She would wait until they were asleep snoring, then she would come padding down the hallway to my room. I would always leave my door ajar, and she would come in and hop up and sleep on the end of my bed. She did this every night until I moved away. She was a good dog.

I don’t remember any special rituals except when I was in grade school I would always recite the following prayer:
Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
Bless the bed that I lay on.
All four corners round about
When I get in and when I get out.

I really am not sure where that came from considering we did not attend church, but I do remember saying it.

When my daughter was in pre-school she had an 8:30 bedtime, grade school it was 9:00, then high school it was up to her as long as she got up in the morning. Anytime during school if she was hard to get up she had to go to bed 30 minutes earlier that night.

It worked pretty well. When she was young we always went through the routine, read a book, usually one, say prayers, tucked in and then goodnight hugs and kisses.

I have a confession with Janice 99% of the time it was only one book, however the other night when I put Eden Jade to bed we read 4 books. They were short ones! Something about those grandbabies!

We now always sleep with a fan on, not sure if it is the air circulating or the noise.

Glad I stopped by and joined the flashback this week but more important I am glad you stopped by!

until next time… nel

BOOK REVIEW: OUT LIVE YOUR LIFE

Out Live Your Life
You Were Made To Make A Difference
By: Max Lucado

In Out Live Your Life, Max Lucado reminds us we are one of a kind. There is no one else like us we are unique and different. Life passes us by so quickly, before we know it, it will be gone. And will we have made a difference? Have we let God use us?

Max was faced with the following question that caused him to evaluate his life and share the message of this book. “When your grandchildren discover you lived during a day in which 1.75 billion people were poor and 1 billion were hungry, how will they judge your response?”

In this book Max examines the events found in the first twelve chapters of Acts. Through these stories he reminds us Jesus still uses common folk just like you and me for His work. He also reminds us that God never sends us where He hasn’t already been.

The following is a quote from the end of the book: “None of us can help everyone. But all of us can help someone. And when we help them, we serve Jesus. Who would want to miss a chance to do that?”

My Thoughts: I totally enjoyed this book. It reaches in and grabs your heart and reminds you what is important. He reminds us that God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. The one thing we are striving to hear, “Well done thy good and faithful servant, Enter in.” I love the way Max parallels stories from the book of Acts with today’s events, making them easy to understand. This book can change your life if you let it! Take a chance, you will not be sorry!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the

BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html>: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

And We're Watching...

It’s Flashback Friday once again. This week we are remembering TV’s and TV shows. To get the exact prompt stop by Linda’s at Mocha With Linda. After you finish your post make sure you stop back by Linda’s and link up so all of us can enjoy your memories. It is a great way to meet new blogging buddies. I would like to extend a special thanks to Linda for hosting this fun meme.

And here are my memories for the week:

As long as I remember we always had a television. I can’t remember watching the black and white when I was little, but it was there. It was a big black square thing that was ugly. It sat upon a table that the top twisted.

I remember when we got the colored television. It was a long console model with a radio and phonograph in it. Mom was so proud of it, for several years pictures were always taken in front of it. We still were on the farm, so it was probably 1961 or so.

Through my growing up years I can only remember one TV in our home. And we watched whatever Dad wanted to. You could set your clock by Bonanza, Wrestling and Roller Derby. He never missed them. I always watched Bonanza with him, which was a special time the two of us enjoyed. But I might also mention I had a huge crush on Little Joe!

I remember growing up with The Walton’s, Little House On The Prairie, Here Comes The Brides and Then Came Bronson in my teen years.
And of course The Partridge Family, The Brady Bunch and The Monkees.
We did not have a lot of rules when it came to the TV, but we all new if you watching and Dad entered the room, you got out of his chair and asked him what he wanted to watch. And if you were out of the room the TV better be off. The TV was never on when we were eating.

I do not really have any specific memories from childhood. When my ex and I married back in 1982 we took $89 of the money we received and bought a small 13 inch black and white TV at Service Merchandise. We watched it for years until we finally got a used colored one, then we used it as an extra. Sad thing is the marriage ended after 18 years but the TV is still going strong at 28 years. Maybe I need to Ebay it…lolol.
Memories you gotta love ‘em!

Just wanted to say what a good time we are having in Arkansas. Nothing like spending time with grandkids and of course their parents. Headed home middle of next week. I will have limited internet service while here, so please forgive me for not commenting or reading your posts. I will try to catch up when I get home.

until next time… nel

Remembering the Movies...

That’s right, it is Flashback Friday time. Linda over at Mocha with Linda has the prompt listed, after you write about your memories remember to link back up so we can all enjoy them. It is a great way to meet new people and make some wonderful friends.

This week we are remembering movies that were popular as we were growing up, and our memories about watching them.

I must of really been deprived, lol. I do not remember ever going to the show with my family growing up.

I remember I was allowed to go one time with friends, two of them were cousins, and we watched Billy Jack. I think it was around 1971 or 72. During that time in my life I was very influenced by Viet Nam and what was going on in the world around us. Here is a clip from the show and the theme song One Tin Soldier.

Then the only other one I remember was in like 1977 after I had graduated we went and seen You Light Up My Life. Loved that show, still have the album soundtrack. Remember those? Here is a clip from the movie.

Didi Conn played in the movie but she did not actually sing it. Kacey Cisyk sang it. They were even lip singing back then. Then Debby Boone sang it and it really became popular.

I usually always waited until the movies were out on VHS or TV. I have been to the show more since I have married Stan than I had been my entire life. It is actually a little on the sad side, I have never seen Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland, Wizard of Oz and the list goes on and on. Just wasn’t something we did.

until next time… nel

Random Dozen Time...

I am so glad to be back home and blogging again, at least until this Friday. Arkansas bound for a few days. This is my first week back at the RANDOM DOZEN. We missed you Lid! Glad you are back. If you would like to join us hop over to Linda’s place at 2nd Cup of Coffee. You can get the prompts there, and then after you post your answers Link back up with Lid so we can all enjoy them. It is a great way to get to know people and make new friends.

So here we go:

1. What insect are you most afraid of? Feel free to post a picture.

I think a brown recluse spider. I was bitten by one of those years ago, and it made me very sick. I ran fever and had to have antibiotics. I was lucky or so the doc said. It bit me on the side of my stomach and because of the fatty layer there it spread outwards instead of deep. So it did not rot out like they usually do. But I had a huge red area about 10 inches in diameter. So see being skinny is not always the best! lol


2. What is the greenest/most organic thing about you or that you do?

I do not rate to high in this area. I do always turn off the lights and television or music when I leave a room. Does that count? Oh oh… I turn in my ink cartridges at Staples so they do not end up in the landfill. Well let’s be honest part of the reason is I receive credit for them. Ok, so I could use some improvement in the green area.

3. Tell me about a recurring dream that haunts you.

I actually cannot think of one. I usually cannot remember my dreams.

4. Have you ever missed a flight? What were the circumstances?

Nope can’t say that I have. Could be cause I have only flown twice in my life. I know… deprived!

5. What do you consider your best feature?

I think my sense of humor and being able to talk to everyone or anyone. I never meet a stranger. I have always believed: There are no strangers here, only friends we have not met.

6. What was the last concert you went to?

My hubby and I went to a gospel concert put on by the Christian radio station here in Springfield. It was really good. The Hoppers, Gold City, & Second Generation, we really had a good time. Ask me again the end of September… we are going to see Alan Jackson and I am so excited!

7. Describe the most embarrassing church moment you ever experienced.

Gosh I have thought on this all day and have not come up with anything yet. And I am sure when I was Youth Leader there were numerous times. Guess I am having a brain fart... sorry!

8. Are you a whistler, hummer or singer?

I can’t whistle at all, hum a little, so I guess I am a singer. I always have a song in my head.

9. George Washington Carver said, "I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in." What is God saying to you through nature today, or this very minute?

Kind of strange, I do feel like the Lord has been speaking to me lately. I feel like He has been saying all you have to do is trust Me. I give you beautiful canvases of My artwork and all I want you to do is share them with people. I have given you the ability to see the beauty in all that I have done; now you need to do your part.

10. On September 1, 1752, the Liberty Bell arrived in Philadelphia. What memorable event will take place in your life on September 1, 2010?

Well I don’t think I have a bell coming or anything so the most memorable event in my life on September 1, 2010 will be getting out of bed. lolol

11. Taco Bell or the Liberty Bell? (You must choose.)

Liberty Bell, I am not a big Taco Bell fan. I prefer Taco Villa that was close to my hometown. It was the best!

12. Do you believe men and women can have purely platonic friendships?

I think it depends on the man and the woman, but yes most definitely. I have several male friends that are my buds. We have talked each other through some tough times in our lives. They are very special friends!


Well wasn’t that fun! I hope everyone has a wonderful week. Not sure if I will have time to post or not next week. But I will catch up on reading when I return.

until next time… nel