Still Life - Book Review

Romantic Suspense's Rising Star Continues to Win Fans

Blacklisted in the photography business over a controversial shot, 

Avery Tate answered an ad for a crime scene photographer. 

She expected to be laughed at, 

but crime scene analyst Parker Mitchell hired her outright--

and changed her life. 

But six months ago, when her feelings for Parker became too strong, 

she left his employ to sort out her heart. 

Now, for the first time, 

Avery is facing the world that rejected her 

to attend the gallery opening of a photography exhibit 

and support her best friend, who modeled for the show. 

But the only image of her friend is a chilling photo of her posing as if dead--

and the photographer insists he didn't take the shot. 

Worse, her friend can't be found. 

She immediately calls Parker for help. 

As Avery, Parker, and his friends in law enforcement dig into the mystery, 

they find themselves face-to-face with a relentless and deadly threat.

My Thoughts

If you enjoy romantic suspense novels

than this book is for you.

First of all, I must applaud Dani Pettrey's work once again.

Every book that I have read by her has piqued my interest,

kept me on my toes, and left me wanting more.

She is truly a phenomenal and talented author.

Still Life is the second book in the Chesapeake Valor series

and with it came the reuniting of the characters from the first book Cold Shot.

I would recommend reading this series in order

since the characters and some situations are brought into both stories

which appear will carry on into the next book.

Besides, the first book was just as good so it won't be hard to start at the beginning.

You can read my review for Cold Shot by clicking here.

Avery is the main female character in Still Life

and I must say that I simply loved her!

She has quite the past--

a past filled with pain, sin, and heartache,

but at nineteen-years-old she comes to know the Lord as her Savior,

and from that day forward she is a new creation in Jesus Christ.

The author did a beautiful job of reminding the readers through Avery's character

that God loves us and no sin is too great for Him to forgive.

Oh, the blessed forgiveness that He offers - what a gift!

On several occasions Avery struggled with her past because of the situation she was in,

but she was always reminded that she was indeed a new creation in Christ

and nothing could change that. . .absolutely nothing!

Avery just might be one of my favorite characters from the many, many books that I have read.

And Parker. . .

oh, what a delight he was!

He is strong, kind, compassionate, and ever so understanding

with Avery and the situation with her missing friend.

He is certainly a man of valor.

Still Life was another book that kept me up late at night turning the pages 

in hopes of finding out the ending of the story

and of course when it came to end I wanted to start it all over again.

While the suspense may have been lacking a teeny tiny bit,

it was till very good and well-written.

The characters alone kept me intrigued

as the author has a way of bring them to life.

And the romance in this book is simply precious.

It was not overdone nor was it nonexistent. . .

it was the perfect happy medium.

I would not recommend this book to young/teen readers,

but rather to older and married women.

Still Life is easily a 4 star read.

 ** I was given a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers for an honest review.

All thoughts are my own. No other compensation was received. **

About the Author

Dani Pettrey is the bestselling author of the Alaskan Courage series 

and winner of the 2014 Daphne du Maurier award for Inspirational Novel, 

the 2014 Christian Retailing's Best Award for Suspense, 

and the 2013 Holt Medallion for First Novel. 

She and her husband reside in the D.C. Metro area. 

She can be found online at www.danipettrey.com.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Tomorrow, dear friends, 

is the first day for the Tea Cup and Mug Exchange registration!

See you then!

Blessed Assurance

Beware of  despairing about yourself.

You are commanded to put your trust in God,

and not in yourself.

- St. Augustine -

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! 

O what a foretaste of glory divine! 

Heir of salvation, purchase of God, 

born of his Spirit, washed in his blood. 

Perfect submission, perfect delight, 

visions of rapture now burst on my sight; 

angels descending bring from above 

echoes of mercy, whispers of love. 

Perfect submission, all is at rest; 

I in my Savior am happy and blest, 

watching and waiting, looking above, 

filled with his goodness, lost in his love. 

Chorus:

This is my story, this is my song, 

praising my Savior all the day long; 

this is my story, this is my song, 

praising my Savior all the day long. 

- Fanny J. Crosby -

 Behold, God is my salvation; 

I will trust, and not be afraid: 

for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; 

he also is become my salvation.

- Isaiah 12:2 -

 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, 

that we are the children of God:

And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; 

if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

- Romans 8:16 -17 -

 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, 

that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

- Romans 15:13 -

Looking for that blessed hope, 

and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, 

and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

- Titus 2:13-14 -

The Scriptures teach that we can know with absolute confidence

that we have the life of God within us.

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; 

that ye may know that ye have eternal life, 

and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

1 John 5:13 -

This confidence is not based on inner feelings or outer signs.

Rather, this assurance is founded upon the promises 

of a faithful God and His inspired Word.

It depends not on the amount of our faith

but on the object of our faith - Christ Himself.

- Kenneth W. Osbeck -

My dear friends,

if you have accepted Christ as your personal Savior,

live with the absolute conviction and triumphant faith

that the apostle Paul had when he exclaimed-

"...for I know whom I have believed."

Have a blessed and joyous Lord's Day!

{{ hugs }}

Eye Glasses Case Sewing Project and The Book Winners!

When reading, 

we don't fall in love with the characters appearance.

We fall in love with their words,

their thoughts, and their hearts.

- Unknown -

Hello, lovely friends and readers,

and happy Wednesday to you!

As promised, I will be announcing the three winners 

for the book giveaways today.

You will find who the blessed winners are at the end of this post.

Also, I wanted to give you a heads up that the 

10th Tea Cup and Mug Exchange

will begin. . . .next week!

Yes, that's right, next week!

Registration will being on Wednesday, March 1st

and will close on Wednesday, March 8th

so that means we have 7 days to sign up.

At the end of this post you will find a button that I have created for the exchange

which you are welcome to take and put on your blog

so that others won't miss the opportunity of joining the fun.

The fall exchange had close to 200 participants

so I'm looking forward to another full and fun exchange.

If you want to read more about this event please click here.

And now let us get on with this post.

Today I have a fun and easy little project for you, dear friends.

Make this sweet glasses case to hold your reading glasses or sun glasses.

You will need:

fabric

fusible fleece

embellishments {optional}

sewing machine and all that good stuff

First of all you need to cut one outer piece of fabric

that is 8 1/2-inches x 7 1/2-inches.

If you want to make a case like the one I am showing you

with two contrasting pieces of fabric than you need to cut one piece

that is 8 1/2-inches x 5 1/2-inches 

and the smaller strip needs to be 8 1/2-inches x 2 1/2-inches.

The lining will be 8 1/2-inches x 8-inches

so the length is 1/2-inch longer.

This is so we can have a little bit of lining 

peeking out at the top edge.

Okey dokey. . .

pin the smaller strip to the bottom of the outer fabric

and sew together with a 1/4-inch seam allowance.

{if you are using one solid piece of fabric than simply skip this step}

Press the seam open with a hot iron.

Iron a piece of light-weight fusible fleece 

onto the backside of the outer fabric.

With right sides together

pin the lining to the top edge of the outer fabric

and sew with a 1/4-inch seam allowance.

Press the seam open with a hot iron.

This is what your case should now look like.

Now simply fold the case in half

{make sure the seams match when folded}

and pin into place.

Sew along the open edges with a 1/4-inch seam allowance

and make sure you leave an opening in the lining

so that you can pull your case right side out.

And don't forget to backstitch at both sides of the opening.

Pull the case right side out

and push the corners out with a dull but pointy object.

Sew up the small opening.

When you push the lining into the case

you will have just a wee bit of extra fabric 

which is what will give you the top edge that shows.

Now press your case with a hot iron

and you are good to go.

Then have fun embellishing the case 

with fabric flowers or other sweet little things.

For this case I used a matching fabric flower

along with a shabby rose and a lovely metal bead.

Using the same fabric

I once again added a matching fabric flower,

but this one has a pretty tulle center

along with a sweet sparkly bead.

And here are a few other designs. . .

If a book is well written,

I always find it too short.

- Jane Austen -

You can never get a cup of tea large enough

or a book long enough to suit me.

- C. S. Lewis -

And of course I had to make one 

that was extra sweet and feminine.

If you don't see the book you want on the self,
write it.

- Beverly Cleary -

If you aren't into sewing or simply don't have time

you can find some cases available in my Etsy shop.

Now let's find out who won some books!

The winner of  Dawn at Emberwilde by Sarah E. Ladd

and Whispers in the Reading Room by Shelley Gray

is. . . Daniela

The winner of If I Run by Terri Blackstock

and Mermaid Moon by Colleen Coble

is. . . Gram

The winner of A Reluctant Bride, An Unbroken Heart,

and A Love Made New by Kathleen Fuller

is. . . Ginny

Congratulations, lovely ladies!

Your books will soon be making their way to your homes.

Happy reading!

Many thanks to all of you who joined the giveaways.

You know I would LOVE to give each and every one of you a book or two.

Finally. . .

Here is the button for the 10th Tea Cup and Mug Exchange.

Simply copy the code and paste it onto your sidebar.

<div align="center">
<a href="http://theenchantingrose.blogspot.com/p/tea-cup-exchange.html" rel="nofollow" title="The Enchanting Rose"><img src="http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k98/kekepania525/exchange10_zps0hcmvdft.jpg" alt="The Enchanting Rose" style="border: none; height: auto; width: 200px;" /></a></div>

Happy hugs to you, friends!

I will leave you with this precious photo of Hanny. . .
she is sure to put a smile on your face :)

Presidents Day Sale at Rose Petal Blessings

Good Monday morning!

I am just popping in to let you know that I am offering you,

sweet and wonderful friends of mine,

25% off your order of $20.00 or more

at Rose Petal Blessings. . .

today only!

Please take advantage of this coupon, dear ones.

For those of you who live in the USA

you can also enjoy free shipping.

This offer expires at midnight tonight.

Below you will find several new handmade items

that I just listed in my shop.

Tote bags and zippered pouches

Tea related goodies

Pocket Cards for birthdays and Mother's Day

Tea Bag Wallets for any occasion

Lavender Sachets

Fabric Envelopes with a sachet and tag tucked inside.

A perfect little gift for someone special.

And you will also find ALL of the Valentine's Day goodies

and a few other handmade items have been marked down by 20% - 30%.

I would love for you to stop by 

Rose Petal Blessings

Happy Monday to you, friends!

I will "see" you on Wednesday.

Beyond The Sunset

The ability to see "beyond the sunset" 

- to anticipate the glories of God's tomorrow -

enables a Christian to live joyfully and victoriously 

in any of life's circumstances.

- Kenneth W. Osbeck -

Beyond the sunset,

O blissful morning,

When with our Saviour

Heav'n is begun.

Earth's toiling ended,

O glorious dawning;

Beyond the sunset

When day is done.

Beyond the sunset,

No clouds will gather,

No storms will threaten,

No fears annoy;

O day of gladness,

O day unending,

Beyond the sunset,

Eternal Joy.

Beyond the sunset,

A hand will guide me

To God, the Father,

Whom I adore;

His glorious presence,

His words of welcome,

Will be my portion

On that fair shore.

Beyond the sunset,

O glad reunion,

With our dear loved ones

Who've gone before;

In that fair homeland

We'll know no parting,

Beyond the sunset

For evermore!

- Virgil P. Brock -

Virgil P. Brock told how he wrote this favorite hymn about heaven. . .

This song was born during a conversation at the dinner table, one evening in 1936, 

after watching a very unusual sunset at Winona Lake, Indiana,

with a blind guest, my cousin Horace Burr, and his wife, Grace.

A large area of the water appeared ablaze with the glory of God,

yet there were threatening storm clouds gathering overhead.

Our blind guest excitedly remarked that he had never seen a more beautiful sunset.

"People are always amazed when you talk about seeing," I told him.

"I can see," Horace replied.

"I see through other people's eyes, and I think I often see more;

I see beyond the sunset."

The phrase "beyond the sunset" 

and the striking inflection of his voice struck me so forcibly

I began singing the first few measures.

"That's beautiful!" his wife interrupted.

"Please go to the piano and sing it."

We went to the piano nearby and completed the first verse.

Before the evening meal was finished, all four stanzas had been written

and we sang the entire song together.

 In my Father's house are many mansions: 

if it were not so, I would have told you. 

I go to prepare a place for you.

And if I go and prepare a place for you, 

I will come again, 

and receive you unto myself; 

that where I am, there ye may be also.

- John 14:2-3 -

 For our conversation is in heaven; 

from whence also we look for the Saviour, 

the Lord Jesus Christ:

Who shall change our vile body, 

that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, 

according to the working whereby he is able 

even to subdue all things unto himself.

- Philippians 3:20-21 -

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; 

and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, 

neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

- Revelation 21:4 -

Think of stepping on shore and finding it Heaven!

Of taking hold of a hand and finding it God's,

Of breathing new air, and finding it celestial air,

Of feeling invigorated, and finding it immortality,

Of passing from storm and tempest to an unbroken calm,

Of waking up, and finding it Home!

- Unknown -

Have a most beautiful and blessed Lord's Day, friends!

An Uncommon Protector - Book Review

Overwhelmed by the responsibilities of running a ranch on her own, 

Laurel Tracey decides to hire a convict—

a man who’s just scary enough to take care of squatters 

and just desperate enough to agree to a one year post.

The years following the war have been hard on Laurel Tracey. 

Both her brother and her father died in battle, 

and her mother passed away shortly after receiving word of their demise. 

Laurel has been trying to run her two hundred acre ranch as best she can.

When she discovers that squatters have settled in her north pasture 

and have no intention of leaving, 

Laurel decides to use the last of her money to free a prisoner from the local jail. 

If she agrees to offer him room and board for one year, 

he will have to work for her to pay off his debt.

Former soldier Thomas Baker knows he’s in trouble 

when he finds himself jailed because he couldn’t pay a few fines. 

Laurel’s offer might be his only ticket out. 

Though she’s everything he ever dreamed of in a woman,

sweet and tender-hearted, yet strong,

he’s determined to remain detached, work hard on her behalf, 

and count the days until he’s free again.

But when cattle start dying and Laurel’s life is threatened, 

Thomas realizes more than just his freedom is on the line. 

Laurel needs someone to believe in her and protect her property. 

And it isn’t long before Laurel realizes that Thomas Baker is far more than just a former soldier. 

He’s a trustworthy hero, and he needs more than just his freedom—

he needs her love and care too.

My Thoughts

An Uncommon Protector is one of those books 

that is just plain and simple enjoyable.

The author brings in just the right amount of romance, suspense, and humor

to make it a book that the reader looks forward to picking up.

I thought Laurel was simply lovely both inside and out.

Her kindness, generosity, and desire to work hard for her beloved ranch

shines through and you can't help but appreciate her selfless character.

The same could be said about Thomas.

While he has lived on the streets and had a rough life he has a heart of gold.

He is a man that is willing to go the extra mile 

to make sure those around him are protected and taken care of.

Laurel and Thomas fit perfectly together

and while the romance was a tad predictable

it was still heartwarming and ever so sweet.

I must say the suspense lacked a little

since I was able to identify the men behind the attacks early on in the book.

Yes, there was a time or two that I wondered what would happen

and who might possibly get caught in the cross hairs,

but there definitely could have been a little more "umph" to the suspense.

As for the Christian aspect in the book

I found it to be light.

I enjoyed the fact that the characters gave thanks to God

for all things even during times of difficulty and hardship.

An Uncommon Protector is the second book in the series

and can easily be read alone.

The author does bring in a few characters from the first book

A Loyal Heart, but it's not difficult to follow along.

You can find my review for the first book here.

Like I said in the beginning,

An Uncommon Protector is an enjoyable read-

it's not too deep and it's not shallow.

I am happily giving this book 4 stars.

 ** I was given a complimentary copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers.

All thoughts are my own and no other compensation was received. **

About the Author

Shelley Shepard Gray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, 

a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, 

and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. 

She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, 

bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail.  

Find Shelley on her website:

 www.shelleyshepardgray.com

* * * * * * *

While we're on the subject of books. . .
don't miss out on the three giveaways that I'm hosting.
You have the chance to win a set of books, my friends.
Click here to read more about it and to enter your name.
The winner will be announced this coming Wednesday.

Books, Books, and More Books - 3 Giveaways!

Reading gives us someplace to go

when we have to stay where we are.

Today I have a delightful giveaway for you, my friends.

Well, it's more like three giveaways.

I have several books that are duplicates so I thought 

I would happily share them with my lovely readers.

I have broken them up into three sets

so there will be three winners.

I have read all of these books and written reviews on each one.

If you click on the titles you can read my thoughts :)

Now let me show you what is up for the taking.

First up. . .

Dawn at Emberwilde by Sarah E. Ladd

and

Whispers in the Reading Room by Shelley Gray.

The next group of books are two wonderful suspense novels.

If I Run by Terri Blackstock

and

Mermaid Moon by Colleen Coble

And the third and final set is an Amish series

written by Kathleen Fuller.

A Reluctant Bride

An Unbroken Heart

A Love Made New

These three giveaways are open to everyone from around the world.

To enter for a chance to win one of these sets please:

1. 

Be a follower of The Enchanting Rose through email, 

Facebook, GFC+, Bloglovin', or Pinterest.

2.

Simply leave a comment below telling me what you enjoy reading.

Feel free to share a favorite book or author too.

I will announce the lovely winners on

February 22 which is next Wednesday.

Some books you read. 

Some books you enjoy. 

But some books just swallow you up, 

heart and soul.

- Joanne Harris -

Happy reading, sweet friends!

* * * * * * * *

All Valentine's Day goodies and a few other handmade delights are
ON SALE at Rose Petal Blessings.
You will find items marked down by 20%, 25%, and even 30%.
Stop by the shop and see if anything catches you eye :)

{{ hugs }}