Irish Meadows by Susan Anne Mason

ABOUT THE BOOK:
At Irish Meadows horse farm, sisters Brianna and Colleen struggle to reconcile their own dreams with their father's demanding marriage expectations.

MY THOUGHTS:
This book didn't have as much of the 'Irish' element that I was expecting, though the religious aspect of Catholicism and works definitely fit that genre.

I enjoyed the overall theme of love beneath your station, thus familial tension, and the beautiful horse farm setting, but I was surprised that I didn't really like Brianna by the end of the book. Colleen really showed a changed attitude from beginning to end, but Brianna just got more and more shrewish. True, she admits that herself in the book and works on mending her relationships, but instead of endearing herself to me, I only found her less and less likeable as the pages turned. It's too bad, because I felt her and Gil's story was the main draw of the book.

Although good, Irish Meadows didn't make 'great' for me and doesn't fit a top favorite for the books I've read so far this year.

Thank you to Susan and Bethany House through NetGalley for sending me a copy to read and review!

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**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

The Flower Brides: A Collection by Grace Livingston Hill

The Flower Brides is a collection that tells about three different woman: Marigold wants to fit in with 'in' crowd; Diana struggles when her father marries her manipulative, wicked cousin; and Camilla accepts the help of a handsome stranger for her sick mother.

Though some may think GLH's books are dated, the lessons are timeless and biblical. Each moral conundrum that the main character faces is presented with truth from God's Word. The salvation message is almost always woven throughout her books, as well as clear verses on Christian living.

I enjoy almost every GLH book I read...and, though each 'flower bride' was engaging and entertaining, I liked Camilla's story best!

Thank you to Barbour Books through NetGalley for sending me a copy to read and review!

Did you find my review helpful? Please rate it on Amazon and Christianbook.



**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer

ABOUT THE BOOK:
A teacher on the run. A tracker in pursuit. Can Charlotte and Stone learn to trust each other before they both lose what they hold most dear?

MY THOUGHTS:
Karen delivered, once again, a perfect blend of romance and drama with Charlotte and Stone's story. Stone, like all of her heroes, is rugged, handsome, and full of honor and integrity. Neither does her heroine disappoint. Charlotte is strong and brave in the face of obstacles and danger, but willingly surrenders her heart when protection – and ultimately love – is offered.

I loved 'Dead-Eye Dan' and 'Hammer Rockwell.' Dan and Stone's offense to these characters added a light touch of humor to the story. And the children were easy to love. The reader couldn't help but want them to find understanding, loving homes.

Karen's books are ones I always close with satisfaction and recommend – and I do so again with A Worthy Pursuit!

Thank you to Karen and Bethany House through NetGalley for sending me a copy to read and review!

Did you find my review helpful? Please rate it on Amazon and Christianbook.



**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Best Ever Honey Whole Wheat Bread!

I have been making this bread for over 3 years...and have been meaning to blog about it for just about that long! It took several months to gradually adjust a recipe I found until I was satisfied with the results: a soft, light-tasting, no-white-flour, all whole wheat bread.

I have found that I prefer this bread to have a short stay in the freezer before cutting, seems to tenderize the crust even more. As this is the only bread we now eat (no more store stuff!), the freezer time isn't a problem. I make a batch or two a week, always being sure to have a loaf or two or more in the freezer!

Because I make this bread so often, I mix up the flour and gluten beforehand and place in quart bags. This helps evenly distribute the gluten throughout the flour – if you don't, you can end up with gluey glops in your bread. Ick. This also cuts down my preparation time (I've got my recipe memorized), and I can quickly grab a bag and put a batch together in my bread machine in the morning.

And, this bread really must have the gluten. Gluten helps keep whole wheat bread soft and tender. Make this bread without, and you'll notice the difference!!

BEST EVER HONEY WHOLE WHEAT BREAD

In bread machine place:
1-1/3 cups warm milk
½ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons canola (or olive) oil
1/3 cup honey
1 egg, lightly beaten

Thoroughly combine and add:
3-3/4 cups whole wheat flour (I've used every brand and found that Gold Medal has the best results!)
3 tablespoons gluten (find this in the baking aisle – I use Bob's Red Mill)

Make a small well in flour and place:
1-1/4 teaspoons yeast

Choose your bread machine's dough setting. When cycle is complete, turn dough out onto a greased or floured surface (I use a cookie sheet lightly sprayed with cooking spray – keeps my countertop clean, too)! Divide dough in half. Press one half into a rough rectangle (see pictures) and roll tightly towards you. Pinch and turn ends under. Place dough in greased loaf pan. Repeat with other half of dough.

Cover bread with cloth and let rise in a warm place until edges just begin to round the edge of the pan (this can take anywhere from 1-3 hours, depending on the temperature and humidity of your house, the season, etc).

Once dough has risen, you can brush the top with a light egg wash (1 egg, beaten with 1 tsp of water), if desired (I don't even bother with this step anymore)! Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 25 minutes. Let cool in pan for 15 minutes before turning out onto a rack to cool completely.

When cool, package and freeze...or slice and eat.

Best whole wheat toast and sandwich bread...ever!! Ever.

**DISCLOSURE: Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**