The World of Downton Abbey

The World of Downton Abbey by Jessica Fellowes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love the PBS series Downton Abbey? Season 3 has just ended and I'm entering late playing catch up with Season 1 and 2 on DVDs, trying to piece the relationships together. The World of Downton Abby by Jessica Fellowes has helped tremendously - I have such a great interest in English Country Homes anyway and this book is a treasure giving insight into the characters, the setting and time period, and the real Highclere Castle. Did you know the great house sits within a 1,000 acre estate in Berkshire and since 1679 has been home to the Earls of Carnavon? The turreted castle in an envelope built around a Georgian house, which contains the medieval monastery that first occupied the site. Although the beautiful setting wows me, it's the characters that make the show. Actors and actresses, producer and directors are quoted as per their thoughts on the filming of the series. Great book if you want to explore the world of Downton Abbey.

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The Choice

The Choice by Robert Whitlow
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1974 - Sandy Lincoln, honors student, had thought she was right on track for college next fall. She and her boyfriend, Brad, were going to attend the same college - he on a football scholarship and Sandy would try out for the cheerleading squad. But then, the nausea started and a visit to their family doctor confirmed that Sandy was pregnant. Sandy has several choices, and she narrows it down to living with her Aunt Linda in Atlanta and attending a high school there until she gives birth and chooses the prospective parents to raise her child. Fast forward 30+ years, Sandy is now a high school English teacher in the same hometown school she attended. When one of the students that she tutored in English becomes pregnant and seems to be railroaded into thinking there is only one option, Sandy steps in.

An inspirational book of hard choices and decisions...

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The Duck Commander Family: How Faith, Family, and Ducks Built a Dynasty

The Duck Commander Family: How Faith, Family, and Ducks Built a Dynasty by Willie Robertson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

For fans of DD (Duck Dynasty), a reality tv show, this is the perfect book to get the scoop on the Duck Commander family. Told from the perspective of Willie and his wife Korie, you'll find out more on the #QuackPack - Phil and Kay, Alan, Jase, and Jep, and our favorite Uncle Si. You'll find out how DD's roots got started, where Willie and his wife met, how Korie's growing up years differed so much from his, how Korie's father factors so much into the business as well, and much, much more. Willie even includes a few recipes of his own. Personally, I can't wait until Season 3 begins.

http://www.duckcommander.com/

http://www.aetv.com/duck-dynasty/

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A Season of Angels

A Season of Angels by Thomas Kinkade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another sweet Christmas novel about Angel Island from the team of Thomas Kinkade and Katherine Spencer - widow and now 90 year old Adele Morgan has come to the island to mend the estrangement between her son Joe, living in Cape Light and younger son, Kevin. Many years before, when Kevin was a desperate alcoholic, Adele's late husband gave him their thriving business in hopes of giving him a purpose in life. But, since the business had really been promised to Joe, it created a terrible, unforgiving chasm between the brothers. Adele has promised herself, before she passes from this life, to do anything to bring them both back together. Even with the help of her grandchildren, Molly and Sam, a miracle by Christmas - if even her lifetime - seems impossible. Also staying at the lovely, old Angel Inn is grad student Jonathan Butler, eager to write his dissertation paper on disproving the existence of the legendary visit of angels to the island during the 1600s,. While doing his research at the Cape Light Historical Society at Lilac Hill, he meets waitress/undergrad student Tess Wyler who also works as a docent and helps Jonathan find the needed information. As Adele and Jonathan remain longer than intended at the Angel Inn, the island seems to work its divine presence upon them.

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The Wedding Dress

The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When Charlotte, owner of a classy, contemporary bridal boutique, finds a vintage bridal gown in an old, locked trunk bought from an estate sale, she can't get over the amazing quality and new look to the dress. Charlotte doesn't even consider using the dress for her own upcoming wedding, but she does question the history and secrets of the lovely satin gown. As she searches for past owners, Charlotte's own fading love story pales comparison and she yearns for a true and lasting love of her own.

The story is told from many viewpoints, but only 4 beautiful women will wear the gown.. for now...

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Cross Roads

Cross Roads by Wm. Paul Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Anthony Spencer - cruel egotistical businessman, selfish pitiful loner - the words to describe "Tony" aren't pretty. In his quest to reach the top and hide his failures, Tony spurns any attempts of love and friendship - he trusts no one and no one trusts him. When a brain hemorrhage drops Tony in ICU and a coma claims him - he finds himself in an amazing, surreal world where he finds the Trinity, but in different forms. As Tony examines the man he was, he slowly realizes that even he can be redeemed...

Has it really been 5 years? Young's follow-up to bestseller,The Shack, is a very deep, moving novel worth rereading...perfect for those who doubt God's unending love for humanity..

Note: Wm. Paul Young was born a Canadian and raised among a Stone Age tribe by his missionary parents in the highlands of former New Guinea. He suffered great loss as a child and young adult and now enjoys the "wastefulness of grace" with his family in the Pacific Northwest.

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