Book Review-The Spice King

The Spice King is a historical fiction novel, and is book one in the Hope and Glory series written by Elizabeth Camden.
Summary: Gray Delacroix works hard to ensure his family’s legacy and if that means traveling the globe to bring home exotic spices, or negotiating the best deal at any cost, he is willing to do it.
When family circumstances force him home however, he realizes he has neglected his own family for far too long. Is he too late, or will he be able to mend broken fences with his brother and sister?
Annabelle Larkin is completely out of her element. Moving from Kansas to the big city to help her sister, and trying to save the family farm are tough tasks, but she will do her best not to let her family down. And if that means facing down stubborn Mr. Delacroix to do it, she is determined to make it happen.
Will Gray and Annabelle be able to help their families survive tragedy and scandal? And, will they be able to live with their own choices when it becomes obvious there is a traitor in their midst?
My Thoughts: I know I have raved about Elizabeth Camden books in the past, and……this is no exception. I absolutely love historical fiction, and in my opinion, Ms. Camden delivers the best in this arena.
I loved the story, the history, the quirky characters, and the fabulous writing. This book is truly worth reading, and I highly recommend it!
Also, there is a bit of a cliffhanger, so I am anxiously awaiting the next book to find out what happens next!
I would like to thank Bethany House for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for my review. Thank you!
*This book will be released on September 3, 2019.

Wednesday Words

pin found here

Birthday Cake Layout

Another layout today-I am on a roll!
This layout came out a little busy, but I think it works because the photos are also busy, and it kind of all goes together. 🙂

Supplies: Patterned Paper: Maggie Holmes, Shimelle; Letter Stickers: American Crafts

Book Review-A Perfect Silhouette

A Perfect Silhouette was written by Judith Miller, and is set in the mid-1800s.
Summary: With a major scandal in her family’s recent past, Mellie Blanchard leaves her home behind, and takes a job at a mill in New Hampshire.
Not accustomed to manual labor, and shunned by the workers who disapprove of her fancy belongings, Mellie makes the best of her situation-if only for the money it will bring for her family back home.
Will Mellie be able to support her family? And what of the handsome stranger that quickly becomes more than a friend? Will she be able to handle more secrets when the truth is finally revealed?
My Thoughts: This book was a wonderful read. I thoroughly enjoyed the unique storyline, and could really feel for the characters as they dealt with some very tricky situations in their lives. It was also extremely interesting to read about the techniques the mills employed back then.
The story is well-written, interesting, and was a very quick read for me. I really liked it, and it is definitely worth the read.
I would like to thank Bethany House for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my review. Thank you!

Pinterest Thursday-Foaming Hand Soap

Here is another natural household recipe I tried this summer:

pin found here
OK, this recipe smells as good as it sounds.
The recipe doesn’t make a ton, but as it is perishable and is only meant to last 1-2 weeks, that works just fine.
I did end up making a quadruple recipe and splitting it between three mason jar glasses with pumps attached. I used these pumps here from Amazon, and mason jars from WalMart.
I am really happy with how this turned out, and as everyone in the family likes it, I will continue to make it for our bathrooms going forward.