{Favorite Reads of 2012}

In place of my usual Music Monday post, I'm going to share my top ten favorite reads from 2012.  I also want to give a shout-out to my friend, Amber, at Seasons of Humility for giving me the idea to post my favorites.  You can read her top 10 list here -- She has a great blog!  Check it out!

The links to my reviews are posted under each book cover.  Thanks for taking a peek, and I pray that you all have a very Happy New Year!

#10 With Every Letter

#9 Submerged

#8 By the Light of the Silvery Moon

#7 When the Smoke Clears

#6 A Lasting Impression

#5 Promise Me This

#4 The Help

#3 A Love Surrendered

#2 Love's Reckoning

#1 Beneath a Southern Sky

So, do we share any favorites?

A Sweet Treat: {Faux Pecan Pie} by Christy Jordan's Southern Plate

Photo Credit: Cristy Jordan's Southern Plate

I've been wanting to make a Pecan Pie for the longest time, but pecans are expensive . . . so, penny pincher that I am . . . no pecan pie has been made.  I was thrilled to find this recipe by Christy Jordan!  She uses pretzels in place of pecans, and from what I understand, some people can't tell the difference.  I'm planning on making this delicious pie for Christmas, and I can't wait!

Christy Jordan's Faux Pecan Pie

Ingredients

Filling
• 4 Eggs
• 1-1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup plus 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 3/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Deep Dish Pie Shell, unbaked
Topping
• 1-1/2 cups crushed pretzels
• 3 T butter, melted
• 2 T sugar
• 
  

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. For Filling:Place first five ingredients in large mixing bowl and mix with wire whisk until well combined.
3. Pour into pie shell.
4. Combine all topping ingredients in medium bowl and stir well with a spoon to coat pretzels.
5. Sprinkle topping evenly over pie.
6. Bake in 350 oven for 1 hour, covering with foil after 30 minutes to prevent over browning.
7. Allow to cool completely before serving. Can be made a day or two ahead of time and stored in refrigerator.
Copyright 2011, Christy Jordan All rights reserved.

 

Do you love pecan pie?  Do you have your Christmas dessert planned yet?  Do you say "pee-can" or "puh-con"?  I say "pee-can."  ;-)

Music Monday: {How Great Thou Art} by Carrie Underwood + Jesus is the Greatest Gift of All!

**This is from the archives, and I thought I'd share it again for those that missed it.**

Praying that you all have a Merry Christmas!  Love & Blessings, Michelle

Many of you know that I'm a fairly "new" Christian.  I didn't come to know the Lord until the summer of 2006, at the age of 34, when I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior.  I was so lost and not knowing my purpose, but my eyes have been opened to the greatest gift of all!  I often wonder, why did I have to be lost for so long, but I am so thankful that He never stopped seeking me.  I am so thankful to have been found by the lover of my soul . . . my God.

From Karla Dornacher's Blog

I feel hesitant to admit this, but many years ago when we would celebrate Christmas, there was no focus on Christ.  I vaguely remember saying to the kids something like, "Christmas is about Jesus' birth, but that's not the reason we celebrate it."  Those aren't the exact words,  but that's the basic gist of it.  Admitting that has me in tears.  I cry out to Him, please forgive me, Lord.  I'm so sorry.  I didn't know.

I can remember singing all of the Christmas songs as a non-believer, and truly not having a clue as to what they meant.  I can't help but think how sad that is.  But now, it's an entirely different story.  I know what it all means, and I can shout it from the rooftops!  I now know the true meaning of Christmas -- celebrating the birth of my Redeemer, my Lord, and my Savior -- not just at Christmastime, but everyday.  WOW!  The magnitude of it has me completely undone.

I had originally planned to share a Christmas song today, but this one seems to be very fitting any day of the year.  It's what I say to Him everyday -- How Great Thou Art!  Lord, How Great Thou Art!  Enjoy and be blessed!  Love, Michelle

{A Quote to Inspire You} by D.L. Moody

Revell Blog Tour: {Nowhere But Up: The Story of Justin Bieber's Mom} by Pattie Mallette (with A.J. Gregory)

About the Book:
From the Inside Flap
"When you hit rock bottom, you have nowhere to go but up."

In Nowhere but Up, Pattie Mallette shares for the first time in detail about the pain and abandonment she experienced as a child, the sexual abuse she suffered for years, the severe depression she wrestled with as a teen, the deep struggles she faced as a single mom, and the faith she's learned to cling to through dark times. With raw honesty, she spills the truth about a lifetime of moments that were punctuated by pain yet permeated with grace--and the journey that's brought her to where she is today. 

From the Back Cover
It's not just teen moms who struggle or need to find hope. Whether you're a single mom, an addict, or a victim of abuse . . . whether you're on the verge of bankruptcy or the brink of divorce . . . whether you're in a dysfunctional family or the product of a broken home . . . whether you battle depression or struggle with anxiety . . . whether you live in fear or hide in shame . . . whether you've been abandoned, rejected, or ignored--there is hope.

It doesn't matter where you find yourself today--how broken, hurting, wounded, or ashamed you are. If God can help me find my way up, I promise, He can do the same for you.

*****
You may know her only as Justin Bieber's mom, but Pattie Mallette has an incredible life story of her own. Her story will inspire you to believe that everything broken can be made whole again, that there are no lost causes, and that even in the darkest of places, there is hope.

My Star Rating: 5 Stars

My Review:
I found this memoir to be very well written, and not just a story of, "look at what happened to me."  There's a purpose here, and it's to show that there is hope.  God can take our brokenness and turn it into something beautiful.  He redeems, restores, and makes things new.  It's beautiful to read how God worked in Pattie Mallette's life, and so inspiring -- a truly remarkable story, by a truly remarkable woman.

Pattie's voice is easy to read, and it took no time at all to get through the book.  She's honest, sincere, and puts herself in a vulnerable place sharing intimate details of her life.  It was like sitting with a friend, talking over coffee.  There were times when I smiled from ear to ear, and other times when I couldn't help but shed a tear.  I also enjoyed the family photos that were included, and found myself turning to them several times as I read the book.

Pattie's story is one that needs to be heard, and I'm thankful she shared it.  Though no one's experience is ever identical, I'm sure there are many people who can relate to Pattie's life journey in some way.  It's inspiring and encouraging to think of her story having a positive impact on someone's life.

God's love, redemption, and grace are truly amazing, and Pattie Mallette's story is a perfect testimony to that.  It's a story worth reading, and I highly recommend it!

**Thank you to Revell for providing me with a free copy of this book, in exchange for my honest opinion.**

**Available from booksellers September 2012.**

Julie Lessman Blog Tour: {A Light in the Window: An Irish Christmas Love Story}

About the Book: 
One Woman. Two Men.
One stirs her pulse and the other her faith.
But who will win her heart?

Marceline Murphy is a gentle beauty with a well-founded aversion to rogues. But when two of Boston's most notorious pursue her, she encounters a tug-of-war of the heart she isn’t expecting. Sam O’Rourke is the childhood hero she’s pined for, the brother of her best friend and a member of the large, boisterous family to which she longs to be a part. So when his best friend Patrick O’Connor joins in pursuit of her affections, the choice seems all too clear. Sam is from a family of faith and Patrick is not, two rogues whose wild ways clash head-on with Marcy’s—both in her faith and in her heart. 


My Star Rating: 5 Stars

My Review:
Oh, how I do love a Julie Lessman novel, and A Light in the Window is certainly no exception!  I've read every single one of Julie's novels, and it's been such a wonderful journey!  With A Light in the Window being the prequel to The Daughters of Boston series and the Winds of Change series, it's a fantastic place to start if you haven't yet met the O'Connors.  And needless to say, there's absolutely nothing wrong with reading it after you've read the other two series (in order, of course!).

A Light in the Window is inspirational Christian fiction at its finest, and overflows with drama, angst, love, and passion.  It's a beautiful Christmas love story, as well as a story of redemption.  I love how it shows the overwhelming power that God has to change a life . . . it's incredible and amazing, to say the least.  The story is well written with fantastic attention to detail in characters and setting, and like I've said in other reviews -- Julie Lessman writes some of the best dialogue I've ever read!  The characters are endearing, the story is heartwarming, and while I could go on and on, I can sum up my thoughts on this book in three words . . . I LOVED IT!  If you're a Julie Lessman fan, I have no doubt that you'll love it, too!  And if you're new to Julie's work, what are you waiting for?  Pick this one up for your e-reader; you'll be so glad that you did!

*With thanks to the author for providing me with an e-copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

Purchase your E-Book copy here at Amazon.com.
 
Don't miss Julie's Contest!!

CLICK HERE FOR CONTEST RULES AND DETAILS

Music Monday: {Gold} by Britt Nicole

Hey, Britt Nicole fans!  Have you seen her new video?  It just released last week!  I know this type of music isn't everyone's "cup of tea," but I love how her mainstream sound has the power to attract people (especially younger people) to hearing songs with a positive message, and songs that are rooted in God's love.  This particular song has been "remixed" for Top 40 radio, and I think that's pretty awesome and amazing!  The possibility of this leading someone to Christ is definitely there, and that can never be a bad thing!

From Britt's website . . .
With her career continuing to flourish over the last few years, Britt has made a point of maintaining a close connection to her beloved supporters. “After shows I always go and hang out with my fans, talk to them and get to know them,” she says. “I try to take as much time as I can with them, people really want to share their stories.” Noting that her fans “know they can be honest with me because I’m honest with them,” Britt points out that those stories also play a key part in helping to shape songs like “Gold.” “A lot of girls come up to me with their heads down, and I can just tell that they’re feeling broken,” she says. “I love that they can come into the show feeling one way, and then leave feeling like there’s hope.”

To foster that feeling of hope on a grander scale, Britt has extended the self-esteem-raising sentiment behind “Gold” to the song’s powerful video. Featuring a cast of characters dealing with issues common among today’s teens (such as eating disorders and self-mutilation), the “Gold” video aims to uplift and inspire. While many have made the connection of “Gold” as an anti-bullying theme, Britt is intent on not focusing on the bullies. “There are probably always going to be people who feel the need to hurt someone else because of their own insecurity,” acknowledges Britt. “But the message of ‘Gold’ is to remind those kids that are struggling that no matter what they have been told they are worth so much more than the words of another. Once you know that, no one can ever steal your shine,” she says of the intent behind “Gold.”

I hope you enjoy the song.  Be blessed.

Friday Funny: {Tim Hawkins on Hand Raising}

Hi there, and Happy Friday!  I hope you all are doing well, and that you're in the mood for a Friday Funny!  :D

Any special plans for the weekend?  We'll be decorating the tree, going to the dentist, going to church, and having a birthday party for my daughter's 16th birthday on Sunday -- so lots of variety for me this weekend!  I have a feeling it's going to fly by too quickly, but hopefully I'll be able to squeeze some downtime in there for reading and relaxing (and for replying to recent comments that have been left here on the blog).  I look forward to chatting with you!  Hope you have a fantastic weekend!  : )

Sweet Blessings, Michelle

Music Monday: {Bethlehem Skies} by Dara Maclean

Dara Maclean has a beautiful, new Christmas album available called Bethlehem Skies.  Needless to say, it's beautiful, and I just can't go without sharing it here.  If you love great music, I wouldn't hesitate on picking this one up!

This is what Dara has to say about the album on her website . . .
"It's such a special project to me. The title track was written with and features my friend, the amazing, endearing, hysterical and ridiculously talented Dave Barnes. This song nearly poured out and begged to be written. When we stumbled upon the line "All of this with me in mind... Under Bethlehem Skies". We were both wrecked in the best of ways and thankful for such a special, worship like, song writing experience. Even more exciting though, was thought of getting to share a message of hope in attempting to capture even the smallest glimpse of the heart of God for His children. To think, even before time began, He had a plan in place and us in mind. Now "Nothing can separate us from His love..."
-Romans 8:38-39

Also, it's the first look into a live project called "Ocean Way Sessions", which was a remarkable and life changing day of making music at the famous and historical "Ocean Way Studios" in Nashville. Everything was live, incredible musicians sat around me and played and I just sang and what happened happened, just like in the old days of music making. All these things combined, in addition to some surprises and you have a musical experience I hope, that wraps you up, takes you on a journey and reminds you of all things home and the reason we really celebrate Christmas."

Praying that you have a fantastic Monday, and that this song will bless you.  Enjoy!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hi Friends!  Just wanted to let you all know that I'm taking a little blogging break this week (not that I post a lot . . . but you know what I mean).  ;-)

I pray that you all have a blessed week, and a beautiful time with your families and loved ones.  Enjoy and be blessed!

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NKJV

{A Quote to Inspire You}

{Scripture} Colossians 2:7

Photo Credit: Good Morning Girls Timeline Photo (Facebook)

Music Monday: {What Love Looks Like: The Ocean Way Sessions} Dara Maclean Live

I'm so happy to share a NEW Dara Maclean video with you today!  In two words . . . simply beautiful!  Dara's voice is amazing, and the following quote from her website speaks perfectly to why I love her music so much . . . 

"Few artists combine musical depth and the uplifting realities of a life in Christ as well as Dara Maclean. Hers is a joyful mix of pop idioms and eternal truths, danceable beats and the good news.

"I love making music you can move and groove to," she says, "but at the same time, as Christian artists we have a responsibility to speak the truth of the finished work of Christ in love."

A singer of incredible grace, power and control as well as a gifted songwriter, Dara has put together with Dove Award-winning producer Ian Eskelin a debut CD, You Got My Attention, as fresh and vibrant as any in recent years. Just 25, she has forged a sound rooted in the ’70s Motown, funk and soul her parents loved and filtered through a thoroughly contemporary urban pop lens."

I hope you enjoy the video.  Have a beautiful day, and be blessed!

Dara released the first in a series of five videos today from “Dara Maclean Live: The Ocean Way Sessions.” The videos were filmed at Nashville’s famous Ocean Way Studios as she recorded a rare session with the entire band in the room together playing live.

Music Monday: {Go, Tell It On The Mountain} by Francesca Battistelli

Alright, alright, I know it's a little early for Christmas music, but I want to get this recommendation out to you in time for you to enjoy it throughout the Christmas season.  I was a little hesitant to buy a Christmas CD on October 31st, but I did, and I've really been enjoying this one!  Every song is WONDERFUL!  I love it, and if you're a fan of Christmas music and Francesca Battistelli, I think you're going to love it to!

Go, Tell it on the Mountain is one of my FAVORITES, so that's the one I'll be sharing with you today.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.  Happy Monday, and be blessed!  : )



Francesca Battistelli's 11-track album, Christmas, produced by Ian Eskelin, is comprised of both classics and some newly-penned Christmas tunes. The traditional songs include:  

1. The Christmas Song

2. Heaven Everywhere

3. Christmas Is

4. What Child Is This? (First Noel Prelude)

5. Marshmallow World

6. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

7. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

8. You're Here

9. Joy To The World

10. Christmas Dreams

11. Go, Tell It On The Mountain

{Friday Share Day} Digital Scrapbooking

Hi there!  Happy Friday!  I thought I'd mix things up a little bit here, and share one of my digital scrapbook pages.  You know, it's kind of like when you were in school, and you got to bring something to share on Fridays.  ;-)

From time to time, I plan on sharing some random things here on Fridays.  That's the plan anyway, and I hope I can be somewhat consistent with it.  And I hope it's a feature you enjoy here.  :-)

Scrapbooking is one of my favorite things to do (next to reading), and I started paper scrapping when my youngest daughter was a baby . . . so almost 15 years ago.  I used to be pretty good at keeping up with my scrapbooks, but over the years, I got further and further behind.  About a year ago, MyMemories contacted me and asked if I'd like to try their product, and post a review and giveaway here on my blog.  Some of you may remember it.  Since then, I've been making lots of pages, and really enjoying it!  It's so fun and easy . . . even for a computer illiterate like me!

If you're interested in checking it out, you can visit the MyMemories website for more information.  And if you think you want to jump in to the digital scrapbooking world, you can receive $10 off the price of the software, by using code STMMMS74342.

So how about you? Are you a paper scrapper? A digital scrapper? Or someone who would like to get started?  How do you preserve your family's memories?

Hope you all have a fantastic Friday and a wonderful weekend!  Thanks so much for stopping by, and be blessed!  :-)

A Sweet Treat: {Monster Cookies} by the Pioneer Woman

Photo Credit: The Pioneer Woman

As much as I wish I was the kind of girl who made up her own baking recipes, and that I was oozing with creative baking talent . . . alas, I am not.  But . . . I'm a pretty good recipe follower, and I love to share when I've found a good one.  And this, my friends, is one tasty cookie!  It's called the Monster Cookie, and I discovered the recipe one Saturday morning while watching Ree cook up a batch of these on her Food Network show. 

Photo Credit: The Pioneer Woman

I followed the recipe to a tee (minus the pecans and I used unsalted butter), and I have to admit, I was a little leery about putting in 2 teaspoons of salt.  It seemed like it would be too much for my taste, and I was right.  That being said, the only adjustment I would make is to cut the salt down to 1 teaspoon, instead of 2.  And depending on whether you'd like a soft cookie, or a crisp cookie, just adjust your baking time accordingly.  My personal preference is a softer cookie, so I just didn't let them get too golden brown.  You probably already knew that, but I just thought I'd mention it.  ;-)

Instructions from the Pioneer Woman's Website

• 2 sticks (1/2 Pound) Butter (salted) Softened
• 1/2 cup White Sugar
• 1-1/2 cup Brown Sugar, Packed
• 2 whole Large Eggs
• 1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract
• 1-1/2 cup All-purpose Flour
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 2 teaspoons Kosher Salt
• 1-1/2 cup Oats (either Quick Or Regular)
• 1/2 cup M & M's (more To Taste)
• 1/2 cup Pecans, Chopped (more To Taste)
• 3/4 cups Chocolate Chips (milk Or Semi-sweet)
• 1/2 cup Peanut Butter Chips
• 2-1/4 cups Rice Krispies

Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Cream butter with sugars until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla and beat.
Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. Add to mixing bowl and mix till combined. After that, add in remaining ingredients in whatever quantity you prefer. Add more nuts if you'd like, or more M & M's, more peanut butter chips or chocolate chips.
Add Rice Crispies at the very end, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix!
Use a cookie scoop to scoop balls of dough onto a cookie sheet. Bake until golden brown, then allow to cool on a rack.
Serve with glasses of cold milk.

{A Quote to Inspire You} by Rick Warren

Music Monday: {Come to Me} by Jamie Grace

Love this song and video from Jamie Grace!  Such a catchy tune, with an awesome message!  They did an amazing job on the video, too -- love the old, rustic, vintage feel to it.

Thank you, Lord, for the peace, hope, and rest that comes from only You!

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.  
^{Matthew 11:28-30 NIV} 

Enjoy and be blessed!

Revell Blog Tour: {A Love Surrendered} by Julie Lessman

About the Book:
Orphaned in Iowa, Annie Kennedy moves to Boston to stay with her spinster aunt. She longs for romance to fill the void left by her parents' death. But when she falls hard for Steven O'Connor, the man who broke an engagement to her sister, Annie is worried. Will he break her heart too when he discovers who she really is?

With heart-pounding romance, intense family drama, and emotional twists and turns, A Love Surrendered is everything Julie Lessman's many fans have been waiting for.

My Star Rating: 5 Stars

My Review:
Oh, where to begin!  There's so much to love about the latest installment by Julie Lessman!  A Love Surrendered has so many beautiful facets, and I loved them all!  From the unique setting of the Ocean Pier Dancing Pavilion, the dynamic characters, the heartwarming family connections, and some of the best dialogue I've ever read . . . A Love Surrendered has all the makings of a novel that will sweep you away to another time and place!

As with all of Julie's books, the writing is top notch!  No matter where the story takes you, you can't help but be pulled into the scene, where your senses are sure to be awakened.  You'll be surrounded by the sights, sounds, and feelings of angst, humor, passion, and love . . . and it's a beautiful thing, indeed!  Like good coffee or chocolate, a Julie Lessman novel is a sweet treat to be savored!  I'm so grateful that Mrs. Lessman continues to write stories that touch the heart on so many levels! 

And rest assured this story is not one dimensional -- not only do we get to experience the burgeoning love of Annie and Steven, we get to peek into the lives of our favorite characters from past books in the O'Connor family saga.  It's all woven together perfectly, and includes the trademark Passion with a Purpose, that readers have grown to love from Julie Lessman's novels.  It's that spiritual thread that is always so well done, and never an afterthought.  Not only am I entertained, I'm able to walk away from the novel having gleaned something through the beautiful messages of faith and God's love.

Since each book builds on the previous book, you'll want to be sure to start with the Daughters of Boston series, followed by The Winds of Change series. This is definitely a series that you need to read in order to get the full effect, and I highly recommend both series!  It's Christian Historical fiction with drama, passion, and romance that you won't want to miss!

**Available October 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.**

**Thank you to Revell for a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.**

{Friday Funny}

I saw this on Facebook, and I laughed out loud . . . for awhile!  As a matter of fact, I'm still laughing.  But hey, what can I say, I'm easily amused!  I hope you get a kick out of this as much as I did.  Have a fantastic Friday, and a wonderful weekend!  : )