Old-Fashioned On Purpose A Homesteading Manifesto by Jill Winger

Today is National Retro Day! It seems like a great day to share about Old-Fashioned on Purpose by Jill Winger

Do you can, garden, make bread, or try to cultivate a simpler life? OR What are you reading? We have been trying to cultivate simpler for many years. We have earth boxes, raised beds, grow herbs, tomatoes and peppers. We try to cook with whole ingredients, but, it is hard to keep motivated.

I was thrilled to be able to read Old-Fashioned on Purpose: A Homesteading Manifesto by Jill Winger.  This book has been updated and just came out in paperback!

I feel like I am always seeking simpler. Reading Old-Fashioned on Purpose by Jill Winger is a good way to get there. I enjoyed reading the author's journey and how she outlines step by step how to change your life. She has recipes, advise on how to escape excess, and a list of important skills to build in your life. Old Fashioned on Purpose is an interesting, a wonderful resource, and is filled with wisdom. I highly recommend Old Fashioned on Purpose. 

 I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a positive review.

Blurb: As our society races toward progress, we’ve left something important behind. We are more connected than ever before, yet we’re still feeling unfulfilled. In Old-Fashioned on Purpose, Winger shows how simplifying our lives and adopting retro skills such as gardening and handiwork can be the key to creating the happy and healthy life we’re yearning for. Inside these pages, readers will learn:
How to find joy in the kitchen (even if you hate to cook)
Proven strategies for growing your own groceries
The surprising stress-relievers that can be found in your backyard
How to craft a more grounded routine and save money in the process.
You don’t have to live on a farm to cultivate a simpler life. This inspiring and practical book offers a powerful new sense of purpose, with plenty of tomatoes, chickens, and bread making along the way.

A link to Jill's website.   

Extreme Romancing in Idaho by Bonnie Jo Pierson

 

Extreme Romancing in Idaho by Bonnie Jo Pierson is book number two in the Clear Springs Romance series was a great romantic comedy. Angie Johnson is a NICU nurse who has grown up on a farm in Idaho. She is trying desperately to work her job, marry a man before her father passes, and keep up with their farm. She starts trying to date Daniel Smoot a man who is ready to settle down and is into extreme sports. The only problem is she is not into extreme sports, she needs help to understand them, and she is afraid of heights. Remington James the third has been given the task to buy Angie’s farm, but can he help her on the farm, help her understand extreme sports, and make her like him?

This was a delightful closed-door romance. Angie was trying so hard to keep it all going in her life, and I enjoyed watching her grow, change, and develop as a character. I appreciated the banter, chemistry, and romance in the story. There were so many funny scenes and small-town joy. I valued the deeper themes of family, doing what you love, and self-sacrifice. This was a beautiful inspiring story.

I highly recommend Extreme Romancing in Idaho by Bonnie Jo Pierson. The banter, chemistry, humor and deeper themes will bring you joy. I look forward to more books in this series.

I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a positive review.

Gifted with a short attention span, Bonnie wants to experience and do as much as she can. Using the great powers of YouTube she’s taught herself how to knit, crochet, paint with oils, acrylics, and watercolors, coach volleyball, play the piano and cello, ride a motorcycle, renovate a house, sing, sew, raise livestock, bake, and most importantly how to write. With a degree in biology, she’s a lover of all things science, especially in the microscopic world. She and her Navy veteran husband have four children and spent several years bouncing around to various locations in the United States. Now she’s made her home in small-town Idaho, where she’s attempting to resurrect her great-grandparents one hundred year-old farm

Heart of the Glenn by Jennifer Deibel

 Heart of the Glen by Jennifer Deibel is a beautiful historical novel set in 1912 in Ballybofey, Country Donegal.  Saoirse Fagan was on her way to start a new job at Drumboe Castle, but finds the job no longer exists due to the lord of the house passing away.  With no where to go she begins walking until Aileen McCready picks her up and brings her home.  Aileen’s brother, Owen McCready, is an amazing weaver who keeps to himself and does not really want another mouth to feed in his home. But what if he needs Saoirse as much as she may need him? 

Saoirse and Owen had a sweet friendship, good chemistry, and it was lovely to watch them change and grow as characters.  This story is written beautifully and the faith piece is so powerful.

 The setting of Ireland in the early 1900’s was very interesting as the author made the time period come alive.  Learning about weaving was fascinating!   The themes of found family, trusting the Lord, and community were woven in so beautifully. 

Heart of the Glen by Jennifer Deibel is a wonderful story of faith, perseverance, and has sweet romance.  It was a joy to read!  It was my pleasure to visit Ireland and I look forward to the author’s upcoming books.  I highly recommend. 

I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a positive review. 

I’m Jennifer, but most people call me Jen. Just please don’t call me Jenny. As a wife, mom, full-time public-school teacher, and author, I’m right in the trenches alongside you as I work, serve the Lord, and love my family. I’ve just been blessed to get to do some of it in the west of Ireland and Vienna, Austria. However, after a decade of life overseas, we have settled back in America–in sunny Arizona!

I currently teach middle school English, and when I’m not working on school things, I’m spending time with my incredible family–my husband Seth and our 3 awesome kids–and writing.

There’s just something so intimate and uplifting about a good story, isn’t there? I write stories that explore home through the lens of faith, family, and culture–with the beauty and depth of Ireland coloring much of it. And all of my books aim to bring you all the charm of an Irish village, the beauty of the Emerald Isle, and the hope and encouragement of faith.

Not only do I write books, but I’m also honored to have been a monthly contributor at The Better Mom and have posts shared at (in)courage, Djibouti Jones, Tricia Goyer, Unveiled Wife, Intentional by Grace, and more.

Celebrity Crush by Christy Swift

Celebrity Crush by Christy Swift is dreamy romance !  Emmy Ellison has written a book on about her celebrity crush, but without his name.  She gets to meet him, help him with some PR, and try not fall in love.  

This was a delightful book for me.  Emmy is a wonderful character that I enjoyed getting to know.  Her life has had some twists and turns, but she is positive and trying to make the best of it.  It was fun to visit the world of Hollywood, and travel there with an author.  The story had great humor, banter, and a happily ever after that made me smile.  It was fun to think about what would happen if you met your celebrity crush and were immersed in their world.   The author does a good job of helping you to feel like you are attending those interesting Hollywood parties.  

I enjoyed the humor, setting, and romance.  I appreciated that the story was closed door, full of chemistry and great romance.   A great read that you will enjoy.  I highly recommend Celebrity Crush by Christy Swift

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

Christy Swift writes smexy romcoms and is a sci-fi fangirl who loves it all, from Star Trek to Firefly to the MCU. She daylights as an award-winning freelance writer, editor, and social media content provider with a focus on medical writing and conservation. Christy has lived in many places including Spain, Mexico, Canada, and all over Florida. In her free time, you can find her on or near the ocean, in front of the TV, or playing the nerdiest board game you've ever heard of with her husband, kids, and friends. To learn more, visit ChristySwift.com.

When Alec Met Evie by Jenny Proctor

 When Alec Met Evie by Jenny Proctor is a fantastic clean hockey romance. This is part of the Appies Series, but you do not need to have read the other books to enjoy the story. Evie is moving to North Carolina with her four-month-old daughter as a single mom.  Her best friend connects her with her older brother, Alec, in case she needs anything. Evie had a crush on Alec back in the day. What does today hold? 

I adored this story! Alec and Evie had great chemistry, a sweet friendship, and were so likeable.  What a joy to read about two people working hard to make a relationship work. The story wonderfully wove together both of their lives and the secondary characters added greatly to the story.  The setting of North Carolina, hanging out with the Appies Hockey team, and sweet baby Juno contributed to making this a story that will stay with me. I may have to buy a Appies hockey jersey soon.

This is a well written hockey romance with characters that I loved and engaged with! I highly recommend When Alec Met Evie by Jenny Proctor.

PS I feel like I have been missing out since this is my first book by Jenny Proctor. I will remedy that.  

I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a positive review.

.Jenny Proctor is an award-winning author of more than twenty romantic comedies and an Amazon bestseller.

She began her career in publishing in 2013; her writing has been a constant since then and is now her full-time focus, but in the past, she spent several years as the owner and managing editor of Midnight Owl Editors and as the chair of the Storymakers Conference.

Wired for relationships, Jenny loves public speaking, teaching, and building lasting connections. Jenny was born in the mountains of Western North Carolina, a place she considers one of the loveliest on earth. She loves to hike with her family and spend time outdoors, but she also adores lounging around her home, reading great books or watching great movies and, when she’s lucky, eating delicious food she doesn’t have to prepare herself.