Book Review: One for the Blackbird, One for the Crow by Olivia Hawker

In 1876 on the Dakota prairie, two women are forced to combine households in order to survive when one husband is killed and the other jailed. Only one major obstacle exists between them: Nettie Mae’s husband was killed by Cara’s husband when stumbling upon an adulterous affair between the man and his Cara. Told byContinue reading “Book Review: One for the Blackbird, One for the Crow by Olivia Hawker”

Book Review: Love and Other Consolation Prizes by Jamie Ford

This book was included as part of the Advent Box presented by Once Upon a Book Club in 2019. Set in 1962, Ernest Young splits his narrative between the present and 1902 he was brought to Seattle as a young boy. Coming from China during a time of famine, completely alone and eventually auctioned toContinue reading “Book Review: Love and Other Consolation Prizes by Jamie Ford”

(Severe) Sepsis and (Soulful) Sentiments

“Jesus, if this is my time, I’m ready. You’ve blessed me with years beyond cancer and expected death. You’ve given me family that loves me, friends that care about me, and experiences of travel that have been so dear to my heart. I do not have regrets, and I feel that I have done theContinue reading “(Severe) Sepsis and (Soulful) Sentiments”

Dreyer’s English by Benjamin Dreyer

Sent in a care package from a dear friend of mine, this book was an unexpected joy to read. A painless look at the grammar and word use that is guaranteed to leave you with newfound appreciation of the English language as well as a repertoire of inside jokes shared only with Dreyer and otherContinue reading “Dreyer’s English by Benjamin Dreyer”

Book Review: Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss

Recommended by a friend, I found this book fascinating and a wonderful near-scientific report of social psychology and human interaction. Former top FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss gives up his secrets and lets us into the world of understanding how to identify what you want – then get it. Applicable for every relationship and decisionContinue reading “Book Review: Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss”

Book Review: The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell

One of my all-time favorite books! Suspenseful but without the paranormal elements that so often taint thrillers. This story follows three narratives, all siblings, as they piece together the true history of their childhood. Growing up in a home with a cult leader and parents that were later found dead, the confusion of control andContinue reading “Book Review: The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell”

A Bag Made For Crutches

Crutches, Walkers, Canes all share a few things in common: bags carried on them flop and bang against them, swing wildly impacting balance, and break just about anything. Enter the Advantage Crutch Bag. A bit steep in price, but a design and durability that has proven resilient enough to handle my gorilla capabilities. It allowsContinue reading “A Bag Made For Crutches”

Book Review: The Fall and Redemption of Shadowmere by Matt Bohlman

Bohlman lays out a parable that is brief, to the point, and filled with mysteries and treasures of God’s love. The commentary he provides for more than half of the book is designed to allow the reader an opportunity to fully digest the principles that are laid out within the story. What was the crossContinue reading “Book Review: The Fall and Redemption of Shadowmere by Matt Bohlman”

A Smidgen of a Hopeful ‘Maybe’

Many of you have seen my recent video where I share about my friend Kara. She sent me a package of left shoes, and in the second box stuffed some purses, self care items, and books she was finished with. It touched me so deeply and made me feel loved and cared for. The thingContinue reading “A Smidgen of a Hopeful ‘Maybe’”

Book Review: Today We Go Home by Kelli Estes

In this fantastic demonstration of female strength and dedication, Larkin returns from Afghanistan with severe PTSD and depression after losing her best friend. Charged with clearing out her friend’s storage, she finds a diary from a soldier in the civil war. What makes this soldier unusual, however, is the fact that she was forced toContinue reading “Book Review: Today We Go Home by Kelli Estes”