| A Simply Enchanted Life

Updated Site:

Monday, February 9, 2015

Dear friends, I have upgraded my site. The URL is still the same but there is a new feed. Please follow s over to

http://www.asimplyenchantedlife.com/

Or follow our new feed http://www.asimplyenchantedlife.com/feed/

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When Mercy Rains by Kim Vogel Sawyer| A powerful tale of redemption

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

When Mercy Rains by Kim Vogel Sawyer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
★: Didn't Like it
★★: It was Ok
★★★: Liked it
★★★★: Really liked it
★★★★★: It was amazing

Suggested Age:14+ Genre:Amish/Mennonite Fiction, Christian Fiction

First off, I want to say that this book cover is gorgeous! I love it so much! The colors are inviting and it just pulled me right in and made me want to read the book. I’m SO glad that this cover caught my attention because it’s one of the best books that I’ve read in a long while! I was happily reading along when all of a sudden I was thrown for a complete loop. I thought I had the whole thing figured out and then was blindsided when things turned out differently than I thought. I’m very rarely surprised by books so this was very pleasant for me. I cannot wait to read the next installment!

Note: I let my thirteen year old read this but not all parents will feel comfortable with topics involving teen pregnancy/unwed mother. Teen pregnancy is not glorified in any way, in fact, you see the shame that this young girl felt and the embarrassment. As always, I suggest that you use your own discretion in regards to this matter.

My Week in Review 1/11/15-1/18/15

Sunday, January 18, 2015

Arie singing at the piano

Who’s crazy enough to read another week in review? If you choose to do so—I'm sorry, you get to hear my rambling on my week which was just as chaotic as the last.

Kahlan chilling out with her favorite Lalaloopsy

Okay, first up was our Monday which of course started at our music lessons. Nothing particularly report worth but I decided to mention it because I found out that my daughter is ready to move up to a new piano book! She’s only been taking lessons for four months so I’m happy and proud of her! Nothing makes a mama happier than to see her little ones excel at something they love!

Tuesday I had my seven year old to the doctor. With Kahlan and Arie’s problems with their legs, their gait and etc, I wanted to get my seven year old looked at. Kahlan has already been diagnosed with hypermobility and low and behold I find out my seven year old is also effected. Of course this isn’t a surprise to me as I’m starting to suspect a connective tissue disorder but I was completely sideswiped with the news that her left foot is flat and that she’s going to need to see a podiatrist very soon…great. I’m just ready for answers. We need them. I am starting to read up a lot on EDS and a lot of the stuff just makes sense. Of course I’m not relying on google to diagnose us but I just hope that we find some answers soon!

To Everything a Season by Lauraine Snelling

To Everything a Season by Lauraine Snelling

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

★: Didn't Like it
★★: It was Ok
★★★: Liked it
★★★★: Really liked it
★★★★★: It was amazing

Suggested Age:14+ Genre:Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

I really tried to love this book. I did. This book just wasn’t for me. I felt that it dragged on and on and I just couldn’t connect with the characters. I have tried to read this for the last twelve weeks and I’ve just decided that I’m not going to make it through. I felt like the book jumped right into a story without introducing me to the characters. I was completely lost. This says it is the first in a series but I didn’t know anyone. I had no connection to anyone and there also wasn’t a glossary of terms so I had no idea what a Tas was. It wasn’t the only word used but it’s the only one I can recall at this point. I just know I had zero clue of what it was. I’m assuming it’s a family relation but I was—lost.

I’ve loved other books by this author so after I research this series out to figure out if there’s a better starting point—I’ll probably come back to this at some point. The cover is gorgeous enough to make me want to revisit when I’ve worked out my confusion.

Amy Clipston's Bakery Bunch!

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Amish Fiction. One just has to look through my blog posts to see that I read and review a good deal of it.

I was SO excited when I sent in my application for and was chosen to be on Amy Clipston’s Street Team, The Bakery Bunch. Another really cool thing is that shortly after I was accepted, my family and I got to meet Ms. Amy at a book signing! Of course, that’s another post but I couldn’t help but fangirl for just a minute.

Anyway, I wanted to show off some of the gifts that Miss Amy sent to us and how we’re putting them to use.

So, follow us on our day and see how we spread our love for the Bakery Bunch!

The Bargain Bin 1/12/2015-1/19/2015

Monday, January 12, 2015

Enjoy these bargains on Christian ebooks for a limited time from

Amazon! They are currently free or greatly reduced! I will try to add freebies throughout the week! Feel free to share your own finds in the comments below!

My Week in Review 1/04/14-1/11/15

Sunday, January 11, 2015

First off...HAPPY NEW YEAR! Secondly, I’m a slacker, there…I said it. Last year I started a blog series called, “My Week in Review,” and I had such an amazing response to it. Life got crazy and I found myself slacking. You know those moments in life where you sit down at your computer to catch everyone up and you were so busy that you feel overwhelmed even trying to form the words to describe your week? That was pretty much my life last year.

Life is still busy. In ways I wish I could say that things had slowed to a more reasonable pace and that the whirlwind I live in had slowed to a breeze rather than a raging gale. Unfortunately, that just isn’t the case and life is busier than ever.

I can’t even begin to hope to catch everyone up on everything that has gone on in the last year so I’ll just pick right back up in reviewing my weeks.

Amy Clipston Giveaway! Last day to enter!

Saturday, January 10, 2015

https://www.facebook.com/AmyClipstonBooks/photos/a.407892445823.192231.33955140823/10152543766880824/?type=1&theater

This is a giveaway by Amy Clipston and is not being given away on this blog. Please click the picture to the left or click here.

TWO WINNERS will receive the following:

An Amish Cradle;
ARC of Miles From Nowhere;
Amish 2015 calendar;a luggage tag;
a grocery bag;
a pen; and bookmarks.
a potholder purchased in Bird-in-Hand, PA;

This contest will end tomorrow evening, Sunday, January 11. The winners will be announced Sunday night.

This contest is in no way sponsored by Facebook.

2014 Top Ten Read & Best Book Cover

Sunday, January 4, 2015

In no particular order. These are the top ten books I have read this year

The Butterfly and the Violin|A Mother's Secret|Christmas at Rose Hill Farm

A Love Undone|Where Treetops Glisten|Children of the Eclipse|The Daughter of Highland Hall


The Queen's Handmaid\|A Miracle of Hope\|Seasons of Tomorrow

My choice for the best book cover of 2014 goes to Tracy Higley's The Queen's Handmaid!

Fire Up the Romance this Holiday with @RobinLeeHatcher’s “Love Without End” Kindle Fire Giveaway!

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Fire up the romance this holiday with Robin Lee Hatcher's latest offering in the King's Meadow Romance series, Love Without End. For two single parents with bruised hearts, it’ll take more than a little courage to get back on the horse when it comes to love.

Celebrate love rising from the ashes of tragedy with Robin by entering her Kindle Fire giveaway.

One grand prize winner will receive:

A Kindle Fire
Love Without End and the rest of the King's Meadow Romance series from Robin Lee Hatcher

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 14th. Winner will be announced December 15th on Robin's blog.

{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

Review of Sheerluck Holmes and the Case of the Missing Friend by Karen Poth

Sheerluck Holmes and the Case of the Missing Friend by Karen Poth

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
★: Didn't Like it
★★: It was Ok
★★★: Liked it
★★★★: Really liked it
★★★★★: It was amazing

Suggested Age:4-8 Genre:Children's Fiction

This was a very cute little book with a great moral. My four, seven and nine year old all enjoyed reading this book. As usual, the Veggie Tales stories always make a great effort to teach the children a lesson a valuable lesson. The colorful illustrations kept the attention of my four year old. She especially loved the “moustache.”

I would happily review any Veggie Tale book from Zondervan in the future. Per personal preferences, I would rather see King James references given, even in children’s books. Thus, I feel it is important to note this for other parents. Otherwise, this was a great read for the little ones!

View all my reviews

The Christmas Cat by Melody Carlson

Friday, December 12, 2014

The Christmas Cat by Melody Carlson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

★: Didn't Like it
★★: It was Ok
★★★: Liked it
★★★★: Really liked it
★★★★★: It was amazing

Suggested Age:12+ Genre:Christmas, Christian Fiction

I LOVED this book so so much. Now, I’m not what someone could accuse of being a crazy cat lady. I do own some cats but I’m far from being the lady who buys cat sweaters and cat jewelry and cat plates. Having said that—this book nearly made me feel like one of those types.

I laughed so hard while reading and I fell in love with Harry from the very start. I don’t see how anyone could dislike this book. Melody Carlson does a great job with writing light comedic romance. She’s quickly becoming a favorite author for those types of contemporary novels because her characters come off so vibrant and real.

If you’re looking for a cute story to read during the holidays (or any other day) this is a really good one.

Bread Machine Pizza Dough

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

This recipe started out with one I'd found online and morphed into my own recipe. I kept tweaking it until I found exactly the taste that I wanted.

You can find the original recipe at www.momontimeout.com/2012/02/bread-machine-pizza-dough-recipe/

The original recipe is quite good but I feel that each family have their own unique needs, desires and tastes and thus, I set out to adapt this for my own family. The recipe below is how I make it! Differences are that I've added spices, Himalayan salt, cheese and substitute stevia for the sugar.

Ingredients

2 c all purpose flour

1 TBSP butter, softened

1/4 TSP Stevia (or 1 TBSP Sugar)
1 tsp yeast
1 tsp salt *I use Himalayan Salt*
1/2 c plus 2 TBSP warm water
1/6 c. Shredded Cheese (See notes below)

1/4 tsp Italian Seasoning

Doubled (for 2 pizzas):
4 c flour
2 TBSP butter, softened
1/2 TSP Stevia (or 2TBSP sugar)
2 tsp yeast
2 tsp salt *I use Himalayan Salt*
1 1/3 c water (105-110 degrees)

1/3 c. Shredded Cheese (See notes below)

1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

Review of Christmas at Rose Hill Farm: An Amish Love Story by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Monday, November 24, 2014

Christmas at Rose Hill Farm: An Amish Love Story by Suzanne Woods Fisher

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
★: Didn't Like it
★★: It was Ok
★★★: Liked it
★★★★: Really liked it
★★★★★: It was amazing

Suggested Age:12+ Genre:Christmas Fiction, Christian Fiction, Amish Fiction

This is definitely one of the best Christmas books that I’ve read. T Suzanne Woods Fisher really knows her Bible and is one of the most spiritually minded authors that I’ve found in this genre. I was very touched that she researched her angel character to be as accurate as she could and that she provided scriptures and insight into that research at the end of the book. This is a book that I would suggest to anyone. I was very touched. If you're looking for more holiday suggestions, be sure to check out our Suggested Holiday Reading List.

Note: I have deemed this book as appropriate for teens but in full disclosure of the ARC edition (which may be different in the published edition) there is an instance of the bishops and the mother talking to the young lady who is to be married about the things to expect after she is married. It is non-descriptive and would be a non-issue for me in regards to my teen. As always, I suggest that parents to use their own discretion.

2014 Suggested Holiday Reading List

A Christmas Carol|Christmas at Rose Hill Farm|Where Treetops Glisten|Naomi's Gift|The Christmas Cat

This is our 2014 Suggested Holiday Reading List. As reviews are posted for each of the following books, this post will be updated to link to each review so...keep an eye out! Also, feel free to share your holiday favorites in the comments below!

'Trading Secrets' by Melody Carlson

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Trading Secrets by Melody Carlson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
★: Didn't Like it
★★: It was Ok
★★★: Liked it
★★★★: Really liked it
★★★★★: It was amazing

Suggested Age:13+ Genre:Young Adult, Amish fiction

This book was hysterical. I wasn’t sure if I would like it because I often find YA books to be lacking in depth and story. Of course, there are always exceptions and this happened to be one of them.

My daughter read this first and she kept telling me all of the really funny parts in the books. I mean, how many Amish books do you read that talk about the, “hot Amish guy.” I really got a chuckle out of that.

This book does involve an Amish family but it isn’t really what I would consider to be Amish fiction. It’s more on the Englisher’s side of an Amish encounter.

Note: I deemed this appropriate for ages 13+ as always, parental discretion is encouraged. There’s a couple “hotties” thrown around and mention of underwear but nothing that I deem to be super risqué or inappropriate for teens.

Micah has been writing to her Amish penpal for years. The problem is, Zach thinks she’s a boy and she’s never bothered to correct him!

When Micah has a chance to spend some time on Zach’s farm, it really never occurs to her to just tell him the truth. She’s too afraid of losing their friendship. So, she masquerades as a boy—until she realizes that they’re going to make her room with him!

There were a lot of hysterical situations involving this little deception and I really enjoyed this quick and quirky read.

I do think there should be a little follow up book. I would like to see how things end up for adult Micah and Zach. Overall, I gave this book a solid four stars. Pretty quick and clean read for a young lady.
View all my reviews|Excerpt

Amazon|CBD|Barnes&Noble

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus.

She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.

Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.

I received Trading Secrets as a complimentary gift in exchange for an honest review from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. My comments and opinions are my own.

A warm Christmas tale of God's steadfast love:Review of Quilted by Christmas by JODIE BAILEY

Monday, November 10, 2014

Quilted by Christmas: Quilts of Love Series by Jodie Bailey

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
★: Didn't Like it
★★: It was Ok
★★★: Liked it
★★★★: Really liked it
★★★★★: It was amazing

Suggested Age:13+ Genre:Christmas Fiction, Christian Fiction

Goodness, these Quilts of Love books are hit or miss for me. This one fell somewhere in the middle for me. Now, I do have to say that I really loved Jemma. She was spunky and hilarious but I just didn’t connect with the other characters. You know, I also just didn’t like that the main character hid something so big from her significant other and he was able to just get over it. I just thought it was a very rotten thing. I understand why she made such a decision but it doesn’t mean that I think it was okay.

Overall, the book was okay but Taryn’s deception for me just killed it. I know everyone makes mistakes but I felt that she committed one of the ultimate betrayals. The book is a quick read that I feel a lot of other folks would enjoy. I personally could not connect with Taryn. I chose to still give the book a three because of Jemma. She was truly the redeeming character of this book. While she also was guilty of her own deception, it was just really hard not to enjoy her spunk.

Note: I have deemed this book as appropriate for teens but in full disclosure, there is an instance of an unwed mother. While I feel that it is not written inappropriately, I do know that some of my reader-friends would not want their teens to read about such a circumstance. I will leave that to reader discretion but I found it to be of a non-issue. The pregnancy was not praised in any way and it was written appropriately.

Shakespeare meets Amish! Review of Becoming Bea by Leslie Gould

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Becoming Bea by Leslie Gould

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
★: Didn't Like it
★★: It was Ok
★★★: Liked it
★★★★: Really liked it
★★★★★: It was amazing

Suggested Age:13+ Genre:Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

Becoming Bea is probably my favorite out of the Courtshipsof Lancaster County series. I think this author has really found her voice. Don’t get me wrong…all of the books have been really good but I just think each book has been better than the last! This series of books are all Amish renditions of Shakespeare—very loosely based. They are written in first person perspective which I usually don’t enjoy as much but this author does it really well!

Note: I have deemed that this book is appropriate for teens. While there’s a minor altercation between Bea and another character becomes a bit violent with her, it is hardly described and the scene is cut short. As always, I urge parental discretion but in my humble opinion, this book is suitable for teen girls ages thirteen and up.

A Love Undone: An Amish Novel of Shattered Dreams and God's Unfailing Grace

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

A Love Undone: An Amish Novel of Shattered Dreams and God's Unfailing Grace by Cindy Woodsmall

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
★: Didn't Like it
★★: It was Ok
★★★: Liked it
★★★★: Really liked it
★★★★★: It was amazing

Suggested Age:13+
Genre: Amish Fiction, Christian Fiction

Oh goodness! Next to the Sisters of the Quilt series, this is now my new favorite by Cindy Woodsmall! These characters are the kind that could so easily rip your heart out of your chest and stomp on it a few times. They’re really THAT real. Not saying that happens in this book—just that they have that ability if they wanted. I got so caught up into this story. I just can’t gush about it enough!

BECOMING BEA By @LeslieJeanGould | Kindle Giveaway and Facebook Party!

Monday, November 3, 2014

Leslie Gould is back with the latest book, Becoming Bea, in her Shakespeare-inspired series, The Courtships of Lancaster County. Don't miss the other books in the series, Courting Cate (retelling of The Taming of the Shrew), Adoring Addie (inspired by Romeo and Juliet), and Minding Molly (inspired by A Midsummer Night’s Dream).

Leslie is celebrating the series with a Kindle giveaway and a Facebook party on November 11th.

One grand prize winner will receive:

A Kindle Fire
One copy each of the entire The Courtships of Lancaster County series: Courting Cate, Adoring Addie, Minding Molly, and Becoming Bea.

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 11/11. Winner will be announced at Leslie's 11/11 Becoming Bea Facebook author chat party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Leslie and Amish fiction fans, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!

{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 11th!

Monday, February 9, 2015

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Sunday, January 18, 2015

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Monday, January 12, 2015

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Saturday, January 10, 2015

Sunday, January 4, 2015

In no particular order. These are the top ten books I have read this year

My choice for the best book cover of 2014 goes to Tracy Higley's The Queen's Handmaid!

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Friday, December 12, 2014

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Ingredients

Monday, November 24, 2014

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Monday, November 10, 2014

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Monday, November 3, 2014

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 11th!

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