A Simply Enchanted Life

A Stitch and a Prayer by Eva Gibson

My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Suggested Age: 14+
Genre: Christian, Historical Fiction

You know, I just couldn't get into this book. I tried, I really did.

The main character, Florence—oi, that woman came off so needy and whiny.

I literally read all of her dialogue in a pouty, baby voice. I understand that she was pregnant, alone, and dealing with a medical condition but she came off more like a young child.

The constant stuttering to denote moments of weakness happened far too often for my liking as well.

I honestly thought this book would have a bit of pioneer spirit. I just didn’t find it in this book. I wish I could have enjoyed it—it just wasn’t my cup of tea.


The year is 1899 and Florence has married her love, Will and together they are settling in a newly built cottage.

Florence is plagued with a medical condition—one that is alluded to throughout the story but I can’t recall what actually happened to her. It seems that the details surrounding her illness are swept under the rug.

Shortly after her marriage, Florence finds out that she is pregnant. However, after a threatened miscarriage—life for her is pretty stressful. This was one thing I could understand a bit. I can imagine that if a woman had a threatened miscarriage in those days—it’d be a very difficult, “wait and see,” situation for the expecting mother.

Then, Will leaves for reasons that Florence can’t begin to understand. However, he has promised to return before the birth of their baby. This results in quite a bit of whining from Florence. I mean, in truth, I’d be whiny and needy if my husband up and left me as well but—it wasn’t very pleasant to read.

Overall, I think that the book could be enjoyable if you’re not bothered by needy characters. As it is a character trait that grates on my nerves—this just wasn’t the book for me.
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Don’t miss this month’s Quilts of Love book, A Stitch and a Prayer, by Eva Gibson. A quilt becomes a labor of love for a lonely wife mysteriously separated from her young husband.



Celebrate May's release by entering to win a Kindle HDX and RSVP for the Quilts of Love "Quilting Bee" Facebook party with the Quilts of Love authors.



One winner will receive:

• A Kindle HDX
• A Promise in Pieces by Emily Wierenga
• A Stitch and a Prayer by Eva Gibson
• Rival Hearts by Tara Randel

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 17th. Winner will be announced at the "Quilting Bee" Facebook party with Emily Wierenga, Loree Lough, and Tara Randel. RSVP for an evening of book chat, quilting tips and tricks, prizes, and more!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

Eva Gibson is the author of twenty books, including The Gift of Forgiveness and The Three Marys. She currently teaches "writing your life story" classes for Portland Community College and is an active member of Oregon Christian Writers. She has lived most of her life on the family farm in Wilsonville, Oregon, which is the setting for A Stitch and a Prayer.


I received this book free from the publisher through a fantastic program called Litfuse Publicity. I was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts and opinions I have expressed are my own. To view other reviews and learn more about the blog tour for 'A Stitch and a Prayer' please visit the Litfuse group by clicking here

Rachel by Jill Eileen Smith

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Suggested Age: 17+
Genre: Christian, Historical Fiction

This cover is gorgeous and made me want to pick up the book. I wasn’t disappointed.

You know, I’ve often judged Jacob—how could he have really loved Rachel and still taken additional wives.

You’d think after the trickery and guilt that he surely felt every single time that he had to be with Leah would have deterred him from taking additional wives.

This story helped me stop looking at Jacob as a creep and actually helped me understand the possible dynamics of his and Rachel’s relationship. I almost began to feel sorry for him. I think I connected with this couple in a way that I hadn’t in the past.

This book takes us through the entire relationship between Rachel, Jacob, Leah and that of their handmaidens which were given to Jacob as wives.

From the horrible betrayal that Rachel felt when Leah stole her betrothed. To the depths of Rachel’s despair when she was unable to bear children and the anguish and jealousy she must have had to endure when Jacob spent time with her…

I became so invested in their lives that I often felt weary with Jacob, jealous with Rachel and sad with Leah. I could identify with all of the broken pieces of these people—they were so human and brought to life in a way that resonated deep within mind and heart.

I urge you to pick up this book and take a journey along with this family as Jacob wrestles with God and learns to find His will. If you’ve ever thought that you have too many troubles and problems to be used by God, think again. This tale will waken your eyes to the turmoil and the dysfunction in the lives of people who still became great.
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Jill Eileen Smith is the author of the Wives of the Patriarchs series featuring Sarai, Rebekah, and upcoming Rachel, (Releases 2-1-14) as well as, the bestselling author of Michal, Abigail, and Bathsheba, all part of The Wives of King David series published by Revell (Baker Publishing Group.)

Her writing has taken her from the Bible to Israel and she loves learning how women lived in Old Testament times. When she isn't writing she can be found hanging out with family and friends, reading, bike-riding, testing new restaurants with her husband, or snuggling one of two adorable kitties. She lives with her family in southeast Michigan.


I received this book free from the publisher through Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own