A Table by the Window ~A Book Review

I received a review copy from the publisher, but my opinions are my own. 

I loved this book!  It was the best of food and romance.  I loved Etta's spunk! She is a food writer, chef and maybe even a restaurateur.  Her life has been completely defined by food.  Her French mother and Italian father run a thriving restaurant, and most of her family is in the industry in one form or another.  In this season of life she is just trying to learn who she is, what she wants, and who she wants to do it with.  Meanwhile, she is trying to find out who the picture of the handsome man is hidden in her grandmother's things, especially since he looks like an older version of her brother! 
Read the book, cook the recipes, have fun!  This is a fun read and the given recipes help bring the book to life.

A Sensible Arrangement ~ a book review

Tracie Peterson is a prolific writer.  She has written so many books, that I can barely keep up with reading them all.  Even with all the books to chose from I have yet to have chosen one of hers that I don't like.  This book was no different.  If you are a Peterson fan you may recognize some of the characters in this book, particularly the main character Marty.  Even if you've never read Peterson before you will immediately fall in love and be ready to go.
Marty is a widow and is still dealing with the death of her husband when the book opens.  She decides to answer an ad for a "lonestar" bride that will have her moving from her ranch out to Colorado.  Can she and Jake make this "sensible arrangement" work?  Can she take her place in society and make Jake look good for the community?  You will have to read to find out!  Do it, now!  You won't regret it.  You can find it here.

Miss Brenda and the Loveladies

Miss Brenda's changed life and the lives who changed around her will amaze and humble you.  Brenda Spahn was living life and doing well. She was married with 3 grown children, a teenager and a preschooler when her whole world turned upside down.  She ran a tax prep business (with several well performing offices) with many of her family members when she was accused of tax evasion.  You'll have to read her story to find out exactly what happened, but I will tell you it changed the direction of her life.

After her brush with the law she felt called to prison ministry, and she jumped right in.  She started working with prisoners from a work release center.  She visited, preached, and got to know the women there.  They, in turn, inspired her to start a "whole way" house to help newly released prisoners return to life.  Her work and the way she wrote about humanized these ex-convicts, and made me think long and hard about judgements I may have made in the past.  Pick up the book, it's a groom read, and inspiring.

You can check out Mrs. Brenda and the Loveladies by Brenda Spahn and Irene Zutell on amazon.