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The Will of Wisteria By Denise Hildreth / Thomas Nelson When wealthy Edward Wilcott dies, his children have to “earn” their inheritance. Attorney Elizabeth must work pro bono for a year; plastic surgeon Jeffrey must find a less superficial practice; Mary Catherine has to stay in one place and teach; and Will is to build homes for the poor. Will they defy Wilcott’s wishes—or end up rich? 320 pages, softcover from Nelson.

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Kelly’s Review:

This book was recommended to me at my favorite local Christian bookstore and I picked it up based on that recommendation. I am so glad I did. There is no way I can review it properly enough to do it justice, but I’ll try.

In a word: WOW!!! The Will of Wisteria was an incredible read. This was a book that captivated me and I didn’t want to put it down nor was I ready for it to end. One of the best novels I’ve read!!

The basic storylines for this novel revolve around the children of a deceased billionaire in Charleston, South Carolina. Their father’s will left them with strict instructions to work for one year’s time without pay in order to earn their inheritance. The book entails each sibling’s decision and direction along the course of that year. The storylines are magnificently unfolded and the character development is outstanding. Hildreth didn’t lean at all towards any cliches and perfectly played out each character’s journey artfully and true to character along the way.

This was a novel that left an imprint on my heart. So many lessons are contained within these pages. I found myself drawn in and not wanting to let go. I wanted to read more, learn more and know more. I am now a huge fan of Denise Hildreth and will be reading more of her novels in the very near future. I recommend this book wholeheartedly and enthusastically to each and everyone!

For Better or For Worse By Diann Hunt / Thomas Nelson She’s a wedding coordinator. He’s a divorce attorney. She begins marriages. He ends them. How could these two possibly find common ground?Wendy Hartline is finally starting to settle into the single life. After a difficult season of grief following her husband’s death, she’s taken over the family business of coordinating memorable weddings. Life has become . . . comfortable.Then the charming and incredibly frustrating Marco Amorini opens a legal practice–specializing in divorces–right next to her wedding chapel and stirs up everything.

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Kelly’s Review:

Simply stated, this novel is a great read. It has so many wonderful elements that combine to make it an excellent read from start to finish. This novel contains humor, drama, romance and also life lessons. I enjoyed it tremendously!

For Better or For Worse is a novel in which the main character, Wendy, is a widowed wedding coordinator whose life and family are in the midst of turmoil and chaos. Adding to this is the introduction of Marco Amorini, a divorce attorney, into Wendy’s life. Things are never quite what they seem and this novel reveals that many times over through the use of humor and family situations.

I loved Diann Hunt’s writing style in this novel. I immediately felt a connection to Wendy and felt that I could relate to her right from the start of the novel. The way Hunt skillfully blended together all the elements of this novel kept the storylines flowing seemlessly from page to page. There was never a time when I felt the storylines were mundane or dragging at all - I was engaged in the novel from beginning to end. And, honestly, I was left wanting more. That is one sign of a great novel for me.

I have become a fan of Diann Hunt and look forward to reading more from her soon. I recommend this novel without reservation. A+!!

The Note By Angela Hunt / Thomas Nelson En route from LaGuardia Airport to Tampa International, Flight 848 bursts into flames and crashes into Tampa Bay. All 261 passengers and crew are killed. For one week, newspaper columnist Peyton MacGruder and her fellow reporters cover one of the worst air disasters in years with overwhelming and numbed emotions.Then a woman Peyton has never met gives her a plastic bag that has washed up behind her house. The bag contains a note, almost certainly from the doomed flight, with a simple yet wrenching message: T- I love you. All is forgiven. -Dad

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Kelly’s Review

The Note is an extremely well-written novel that deals with forgiveness, compassion and redemption. It opens with a plane crash that kills everyone on board. A newspaper columnist by the name of Peyton Macgruder is given a note that has washed up on shore that is presumably from one of the passengers that was on the plane. The note simply reads “T - I love you. All is forgiven. - Dad” Peyton uses her newspaper column to track down the rightful recipient of this note.

This novel takes us through Peyton’s professional and personal quest to find the person for whom the note was intended. The story takes some twists and turns that are unexpected and keeps the reading interesting. We also learn more about the character of Peyton and what motivates and also hinders her. Her character development in this novel is especially moving.

This was a great read. It is a novel that brings to light many lessons we could all learn from each day. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. Recommended reading!!

Our church’s second VBS session is going this week. This time Macey is attending and I am the Crew Leader for her class. It’s so much fun!!

I have some book reviews and posts to catch up on and I will do that soon. But, for now I’m going to go enjoy some quiet time.

Peace,
Kelly

Today is our oldest daughter Macey’s birthday. She turned five today and it was such an all around amazing day. The weather was terrific and we just had the best day celebrating Macey. Mickey went out bright and early this morning to Dunkin Donuts and got some donuts for us and a coffee for me. We put a candle in a donut for Macey at breakfast this morning. Macey chose her favorite breakfast which is scrambled eggs and cheese grits. My friend Renee and her two kids had invited us to go to the movies with them, so Macey and I went to see “Alvin & the Chipmunks” this morning and had a great time. We came home, had lunch and had some downtime before her party. Then our whole family went to Bounce U for Macey’s party. Even though it’s a holiday week and busy for travel, we still had a nice gathering of Macey’s friends at the party. It was SO much fun!! After the party, we came home for a bit and then went out to Moe’s with our friends Daniel, Shannon and Eden. Macey loves Moe’s and had gotten an email for a free birthday meal, so we cashed that in tonight. We came home, got the girls bathed and watched a bit of “Enchanted” on dvd which was one of Macey’s gifts. The girls are now in bed. When Macey said her prayers tonight, she was thankful for her birthday which was so sweet. It really was a wonderful day all around.

Five years ago, God entrusted Macey to Mickey and me. Our dream of becoming parents had come true. She was simply the most beautiful baby girl either of us had ever seen. We were head over heels in love with her right from the start. It’s hard to believe that it’s been five years since our sunshine girl was born. These five year have been nothing short of amazingly blessed. We are so very grateful for Macey, Mariana and the awesome joy of parenthood.

I got blog-tagged again. This time by Wife and Mommy. So, here goes…

Favorite food?
If I had to pick ONE style of food to call my favorite I would say Southern Home-Style. I could make a meal of fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, butter beans and biscuits. All homemade, of course. For dessert, I would probably pick pecan pie. I don’t have just one favorite food, but Southern food is comforting to my very soul.

Quirks about you?
I can’t stand having water on my face. I am constantly drying my face off if there is water on it like when swimming. Something about water being on my face makes me crazy.

I have to have covers on me to sleep. Preferably more than just a sheet. So, when it’s hot that’s tricky, but I manage.

I rearrange eggs in the carton so that the carton is “balanced” when I remove eggs from it.

How would the person who loves you most describe you in ten words or less?

I am going to ask Mickey this later and edit my post with his answer.

Any regrets in life?
You know, there are things in my life that I wish now that I had not done. But, I am blessed to know that all is forgiven. I hate to have regrets because I got to where I am today by going down the roads of yesterday. I think it’s better to learn the lessons and move forward in a positive direction than to remain hung up on regrets.

Favorite Charity/ Cause?
Lighthouse Family Retreat
The Lighthouse is incredible. I haven’t been on a retreat in a few years, but it will always be near and dear to my heart and I hope to go on another one some day.

Something you can’t get enough of?
Family time

Worst job you’ve ever had?
I worked at McD’s for a very short time my senior year in high school. It was awful. I had $10 stolen from my purse my first night on the job. It was just not a good experience at all.

What job would you pay NOT to have?
I don’t know. If God called me to any job, I believe He’d equip me for it.

If you could be a fly on the wall, where?
I always say I’d like to be a fly on the wall at preschool so I could watch the girls without them seeing me. I love watching them interact with others and it would be so cool to have that opportunity for extended times.

Favorite Bible verse right now?
Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails ~ Proverbs 19:21

Guilty Pleasure?
Frappucinos from Sbux. Although today I got an iced coffee because it was free. Gotta love free.

Got any confessions?
I have accomplished almost nothing today and I don’t feel that badly about it.

If you HAD to spend $1,000 on YOURSELF, how would you spend it?
I’d update my wardrobe, for starters. I’d also get a massage, faci and pedicure. And, I’d take my husband on a fabulous overnight date night.

Favorite thing about your house?
We just love our house. We love that it has a basement/play room, a study, a family room and a nice big kitchen.

Least favorite thing about your house?
Well, the back yard is coming along, but could still use some major work.

One thing you are bad at?
I am really bad at staying ahead of housework. Or even keeping up remotely.

One thing you’re good at?
I am good at cooking.

If you could change something about your circumstances, what?
I would love to have our home be in another school district. Our elementary school is great which is nice, but our high school zone is not desirable, really. But, we have a few years yet to think about that.

Who would you like to meet someday?
Mark and Katharyn Richt

Who is your real life hero?
Mickey because he is the best husband and family provider I could ever imagine. He does so much for our family and works so hard for us. He’s amazing!!

What is the hardest part of your job?
Keeping the kids from being bored and keeping us from being in the poorhouse.

When are you most relaxed?
When things are in order at home.

What stresses you out?
Big messes which seem to be everywhere

So, if you are reading this and you have a blog…consider yourself TAGGED!!!

Per a report from ESPN, UGA mascot UGA VI passed away on Saturday, June 28, 2008 from heart failure. The Bulldawg Nation will mourn the loss of this beloved Dawg.

I remember being at the game in 1999 while UGA VI took the helm from his daddy, UGA V. It was a very cool day to be at a UGA game, to say the least. UGA V was a great dog and VI followed right in his paw-prints. He was a fine dawg, indeed.

RIP, UGA. Surely Heaven is air conditioned and has ice packs, just like your Dawg House. You’ll be missed.

I wanted to post and share two of my favorite summertime desserts. Both of these feature a lemonade theme because, really, what says summer more than lemonade, right?

Lemonade Layer Cake
from Cooking Light

Ingredients
Cake:
1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
6 tablespoons butter, softened
1 tablespoon grated lemon rind
3 tablespoons thawed lemonade concentrate
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 large egg whites
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/4 cups fat-free buttermilk
Cooking spray

Frosting:
2 tablespoons butter, softened
2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
2 teaspoons thawed lemonade concentrate
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 ounces 1/3-less-fat cream cheese
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°.
To prepare cake, place first 5 ingredients in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended (about 5 minutes). Add eggs and egg whites, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda; stir well with a whisk. Add flour mixture and buttermilk alternately to sugar mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture; beat well after each addition.

Pour batter into 2 (9-inch) round cake pans coated with cooking spray; sharply tap pans once on counter to remove air bubbles. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes on a wire rack; remove from pans. Cool completely on wire rack.

To prepare frosting, place 2 tablespoons butter and the next 4 ingredients (2 tablespoons butter through cream cheese) in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at high speed until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, and beat at low speed just until blended (do not overbeat). Chill 1 hour.

Place 1 cake layer on a plate; spread with 1/2 cup frosting. Top with remaining cake layer. Spread remaining frosting over top and sides of cake. Store cake loosely covered in the refrigerator.

Yield: 16 servings (serving size: 1 slice)

Nutritional Information
CALORIES 322(28% from fat); FAT 9.9g (sat 5.9g,mono 2.9g,poly 0.5g); IRON 1mg; CHOLESTEROL 53mg; CALCIUM 60mg; CARBOHYDRATE 54.1g; SODIUM 293mg; PROTEIN 5g; FIBER 0.5g

Cooking Light, APRIL 2002

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Lemonade Pie

2 ready made graham cracker pie crusts
1 can frozen lemonade
1 regular size tub frozen whipped topping
1 can condensed milk

Mix lemonade, whipped topping and condensed milk together until well blended. Pour into two graham cracker pie crusts. Cover and put in freezer for at least 6 hours. Serve cold.

ENJOY!

Healing Stones, Sullivan Crisp Series #1 By Nancy Rue & Stephen Arterburn / Thomas Nelson When Demetria Costanas finally confronts a fellow professor to tell him that their affair is over, it’s more than the relationship that’s finished. After a photo is delivered to the university president and her husband, she may lose her career and marriage, too! Will sorting things out with Christian counselor Sullivan Crisp help? 400 pages, softcover from Nelson.

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Kelly’s Review:

Healing Stones is one of those novels that drew me in from the very beginning and never let go. The character depth in this novel connects them to reality and gives powerful insight into their lives, faith and struggles. The turmoil and strife for resolution that the main character, Demitria, faces is intense and believable. The back stories and sub plots are also powerful and intriguing. I didn’t want this book to end. The lessons contained were so true for all of  us - even those who will never face the exact same challenges in life. The reminders of God’s infinite grace, love and forgiveness are interwoven beautifully throughout the novel.

I’m glad to know that this is a series. I wasn’t ready for this one to end and I am eager to read more. I recommend this book as a great read!!

Today Papa and MiMi (aka: my Dad and Stepmom) took Mickey, the girls and I to the Georgia Aquarium. For Mickey, Macey and me, this was a second visit and for Mariana it was a first. Mickey and I took Macey for the first time back in February (I believe) of 2006 before Mariana was born that May. We’ve been wanting to go back, but haven’t seemed to find the time. Papa and MiMi offered us this chance today and we had a fantastic family outing at the Aquarium. The crowd was pretty big, but it was still a whole lot of fun. There is just something so amazing about seeing all those fish - especially the whale sharks and the beluga whales! The girls were both in awe!!

We started out our visit to the Aquarium by going to the The 4D Theater and Deepo’s Undersea 3D Wondershow which was fantastic!! Mariana wouldn’t wear her 3-D glasses, but the rest of us did and it was quite a show!! Macey didn’t quite seem to know what to make of it at first, but she loved it! We then went to the rest of the exhibits. One of the first things that caught the girls’ attention was the exhibit of jellies. Those are so cool even though I always dislike seeing them when we’re at the beach. I think my favorite part was going through the tunnel with the whale sharks and other fish swimming over us the whole time. Like I said, the whole experience was wonderful!!

After the Aquarium, we went out to dinner at Willy’s which was super delicious!! It was just a great afternoon and evening to spend with family. Thank you, Papa & Mimi, for a wonderful time!!