Book Review - Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin

 I loved Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin.  I've read extensively about WWII in both non-fiction and fiction, but this is the first novel I've read set in Paris.  The author did an excellent job of transporting me to WWII France.  The main characters are both engaging and interesting, and both Paul and Lucie grow and develop throughout the story.  The historical details are good, the faith undertones are well done, and the whole story is well-crafted.  There is depth to this story, and many facets of living (and resisting) under Nazi influence are explored.  There is plenty of suspense, romance, and emotion in this one!  Be sure to set aside time for this book; you won't want to put it down.  Although it is the second book in a collection, it is a stand-alone novel.  (Now I have to get the first one!)  I highly recommend this book.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher, Revell, for the purpose of writing a review, but all opinions are my own.

Book Review - Malicious Intent by Lynn H. Blackburn

 

I really enjoyed this one!  I've read some of Blackburn's books before, and this one did not disappoint.  Malicious Intent has plenty of suspense and a fast-moving plot line.  There is a lot of action.  Main characters Gil and Ivy are both well-drawn, and I enjoyed the slow revealing of their backstory as well as their relationship's development in the present.  Readers of Lynn Blackburn's other novels will recognize some characters from previous books, but this is a stand-alone novel.  It was easy to become enveloped in the world Blackburn created, and I finished this book quickly because I didn't want to put it down.  It's a well-written suspense story with a sweet romance included. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Revell, for the purpose of writing a review, but all opinions are my own.  

February Harvest Totals

 Eggs - 146

As you may have noticed, the chickens have been picking up their laying lately.  It's really nice to have a steady stream of eggs again, and it should continue to get better.  Right now, we are getting about 6-7 a day.

I started some seedlings in the sunroom on heated seed mats.  Some are now sprouting!

The Latest Project

Nathaniel got a shed to keep the kids' bikes, scooters, and miscellaneous.  It took most of the weekend to assemble.  Malachi helped a bunch, and Elijah and Pilot put in a few hours, too.  Unfortunately, Elijah got a scrape from some old chicken wire and had to get a tetanus shot, but in the end, we have a new shed:

I am happy to have a new shed, but I am even happier that Nathaniel and Malachi were able to work together for several hours over two days.  

 

Also, yesterday Lydia signed the book and got a youth Bible to prepare for her confirmation next spring.  And lastly, a cute picture:

 

New "Toy"

 

I told Nathaniel that I was thinking about renting a chipper, since we have so many branches around here, and I really want some mulch.  Last year, we bought 18 yards of mulch.  I have no idea how many branches you need to chip to get that kind of volume, but I suppose we will be finding out.  Nathaniel got on facebook marketplace and bought a gently used chipper, so I think this coming weekend, I will be making some mulch.

Currently

 We've finally gotten everyone healthy (for now).  Today, Pilot got to compete in a TaeKwonDo tournament. 

It was a lot of fun to watch, and I got to enjoy it.  There's not enough room there for all of us to watch (I had to stand for 2 hours behind people in a crowded area), so Nathaniel stayed home with everyone else.  

Recently, Emry and Gyunay ran across some of Malachi's old video game drawings:

(This picture is sideways.)  They have enjoyed them, and they started making some of their own.

Gyunay likes to read to Panther.  Panther doesn't seem too into it, but Gyunay doesn't seem to mind!

January Harvest Total

 109 eggs