Friday, December 29, 2023

Calling on the Matchmaker

 

Calling on the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund was a fun historical romance fiction. Ms. Hedlund has a way of writing a unique story that is entertaining.

Set in the 1800's, Fiona Shanahan is determined to enter the convent where she has been doing charity work. Her parents are against it and want her to marry first before her siblings. After several failed matches, she agrees to a final match. If this one fails, she will be free to become a nun.

Widower Riley Rafferty is known for his heroic rescues. Although he has no plans on remarrying, he falls hard for Fiona during their first encounter. 

Fiona and Riley are running from their past. Both are struggling with tragedies they experienced in their past. But their attraction to one another is strong and there is some sizzling chemistry between them. So when matchmaker Bellamy McKenna is brought in, he devices ways to help them come together. 

For a Christian romance there is a lot of sexual tension between the characters. As some may be sensitive about this, I wanted to make you aware as it is a little more descriptive than I usually read in a Christian romance novel. 

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Let's have breakfast

Our eat in kitchen is very spacious and although not as formal as the dining room, we still enjoy setting a Christmas table.



 I found these dishes at Walmart several years ago. I still enjoy their happy sayings.


                                             Vintage Charm Party

Monday, December 25, 2023

Merry Christmas


 

"I thank God for Christmas. Would that it would last all year. For on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, all the world is a better place, and men and women are more loveable. Love itself seeps into every heart, and miracles happen...". ~ Peter Marshall

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 
John 3:16-17

Sunday, December 24, 2023

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Coming in for a landing

 

                                                     Skywatch Friday   

                                                     My Corner of the World

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Christmas on the Porch

 Living in Florida affords the luxury of wonderful weather. Enjoying the warm and sunny days, I opened the doors to the porch and set a Christmas table.



 The tool box arrangement was inspired by a post from the amazing Rosemary and Thyme when she shared a Christmas Home Tour.


I hope this Christmas season is a joyous one for each and every one of you.

                                              Vintage Charm Party

Monday, December 18, 2023

Gods amazing Snow Crystals



When it snows, it is fun to know more about it. So when I came across this information, I thought how wonderful to learn more about the perfection and beauty of God's creation -
SNOW

Please take a few minutes and check out these websites.

A Snow Crystal Primer
Wilson Bentley - The Snowflake Man

You can also watch an amazing Youtube video about Bentley.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAnb4oMXJtU

The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of His hands
~ Psalm 19:1

Thursday, December 14, 2023

The Bayshore

 Bayshore Boulevard (locally known as the Bayshore) is the longest continuous sidewalk in the United States. Located south of downtown Tampa, it is 4.5 miles long. 



With a view of Harbor Island, there is a bike lane, benches and workout stations along the way.

Tampa General Hospital is just across the bridge on Davis Island. 

Bayshore Blvd. is also the harbor for the Gasparilla boat.

                                                    Skywatch Friday   

                                                     My Corner of the World

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Afternoon tea

If you had a guest coming for tea, how would you set a Christmas theme table?

I love the Red china.  It makes for a festive table any time of the year.








Come, sit a spell, and enjoy a cup of tea with me.

There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.  ~Henry James

                                                  Vintage Charm Party

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Breathtaking

 On the evening of Thanksgiving, the most beautiful sunset laid down and gave us a beautiful show.



                                                    Skywatch Friday   

                                                     My Corner of the World


Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Christmas tables

 enjoy using my Christmas dishes.  They are so versatile and can quickly change the mood of the table.  This one is light and airy.  Perfect for a breakfast or casual tea.










For a more formal affair, I set the table with my Nikko china.


The hutch gets dressed too!