Book Review: To Love and Cherish

To Love and Cherish is book number two in the Bridal Veil Island series by Christian authors Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller.  When I requested to review this book, I did not realize it was actually the second in a series I was unfamiliar with, however it was a good stand alone book.

What I loved: I did like the setting (close to turn of the 19th century and primarily in Bridal Veil Island, a fictional island near a real to life place called Jekyll Island off the coast of Georgia, I believe).  I did like most of the characters and felt they were relatively well developed, with the exception of a few.

What I didn't like so much:  Overall, I thought that the plot dragged.  I felt like it started all right and then took a very long time to get around to the end, which wrapped up quickly. Almost as if the middle was just "filling" to try to cover more pages? I don't know but that's how it felt. Overall it was not a bad read in the least, but I just had trouble getting through the entire middle basically.

I would give this book approximately 3/5 stars.

Thanks to Bethany House for sending me a free copy of this book in order to procure my review. Please note that all opinions expressed are honest and are my own.  I borrowed the book image from Amazon.com as I didn't have another to borrow, hence the "click to Look Inside," sorry! And credits to Amazon. 

It's . . . Winnie! The Christmas Puppy

Warning: the following post is overflowing with photos! LOL 

Here we go . . . . long awaited and promised snapshots of my Christmas puppy!  Isn't she a doll? :-) 

This top photo was a day or two after I actually got her.  Looking at her now, I can see how much she has grown and matured compared to this pic!  Her little snout has also gotten a bit longer.  But she was (is) sooooo cute! Nine weeks old here. 

Another pic from nine weeks . . . . just hanging out.

I have since discovered that soon as I leave the couch or recliner, if there are any pillows or blankets nearby she will take them over in a matter of seconds! This just happened to be the first time she did and promptly fell asleep in the lap of luxury, around nine weeks old. ;-) 

This was one of those photos where I asked her to pose and held up my camera and she did! She loves posing for her mommy! LOL  Around ten weeks old here. 

 Also around ten weeks old, close to eleven, taking her first big walk around Forest Park in St. Louis, MO when my dear husband (pictured walking her here) and I visited family for my sister in law's graduation from graduate school!  She loved going on the walk and meeting people and dogs!

Here she is wearing her very first sweater, the one I got her for Christmas that soon was too small for her. But she sure looked cute! 

Another posed photo courtesy of Winnie Shih Poo! Isn't that just the cutest teddy bear face ever?!? Around eleven or twelve weeks old here. 

Same day I think as the last one.  She discovered she could jump onto the back of our couch and perch there much more like a cat than a puppy!  She worries me when she does that but there's no stopping her!  She loves to do it every time her daddy gets up to go to another room, watching for his return! ;-) 

"Aren't I cute?!?"  Posing with one of her Christmas presents from her grandma, a stuffed puppy. She's photogenic! LOL About 12 weeks old. 

Another snapshot when I asked her to "sit" and she promptly obliged! She's smart: she learned sit within about 10 minutes of training at only 9 weeks old and learned how to fetch shortly thereafter! About twelve weeks here. 

Her softer side . . . . snuggling contentedly with her mommy. ;-)  I just love that face!  About 12-13 weeks old here. 

And finally, peeking out from under our couch when I called for her! "What?!? Did you find my new secret hiding place already?!?"  hahaha About 13 weeks old here.

- - - - - - - - - - - - 

She is now about 16 weeks old. Time flies! She looks much the same as this last snapshot, except of course matured and a little bigger! She's still my sweet puppy. She learns pretty quickly, now I just need to figure out how to get her to STOP nipping and biting! ;-)  She is mostly black but has 3/4 white tipped paws, and a tiny little white tip to her tail that curls over her back in the cutest fashion, and a bit of white on her throat called "tuxedo" markings! 

Hopefully all the pics added a smile and a bright spot to your day!  It's Friday, so I figured we could start the weekend out right!!  Have a good one, friends! 

Happy New Year 2013!

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. 

Psalms 90:12

Happy New Year 2013 friends!  Yet again, as I think I've mentioned before, I'm shocked it's already 2013.  It's the commencement of another year.  

Our Christmas was a nice one. We were blessed to see some extended family prior to Christmas and then were invited to spend Christmas day with good friends who treat us as if we were their family. Good food, fun company, happy memories!  Of course my husband and I exchanged gifts and were pleased with what we gave each other.  My biggest present was a Christmas puppy. That's right!  I asked for one.  And I got her.  She is adorable! If I can figure out how to transfer photos from my iPhone to my blog, I might just get to post a photo or several of her!  

So as far as Christmas goes, that was a new thing for me, to be given a puppy per my request as my biggest Christmas present!  Otherwise I was fortunate to receive several books, namely the entire Giver series by Lois Lowry (amazing! So excited to read 3 and 4, as I have not yet!), and several from my dear long-time friend, Heather (Mrs Southern Bride).  I also received two movies I've wanted for a long time, Alice in Wonderland (the newest version starring Johnny Depp) and The Help based on a best-selling recent novel that I deeply appreciated and enjoyed!  I received a few other knick knacks as well including a few very cute ornaments to use on our tree next year, in bright colors! 

Christmas break flew by.  I was excited to have approximately 3 weeks altogether.  My classes start up again this coming Monday!  It's hard to fathom. I truly wish my break would last longer, yet at the same time, I am excited for what this new semester of classes has in store. 

2013.  I hope and pray this year holds many blessings, dreams come true, and peace, love and hope rekindled for us all!  May we make the most of our days, "number" them as the scripture says above, for they do scurry away so very quickly!