Category:

The first winner didn't contact me within the 2 week period so I have chosen a new one.

The NEW winner of the Quilted Heart inspired Earrings by MontanaMade by Jasmine is...

Kelly Ballenger
Entry #43

Congratulations Kelly! Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog!

Please email me your mailing address at telltalebookreviews(at)gmail(dot)com,
just replace the (at) with an @ and the (dot) with a . and I will get your earrings out to you.

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Book Review - The Quilted Heart by Mona Hodgson

1/26/2014

3 Comments

Genre:
Historical

The Quilted Heart
(Omnibus)
by Mona Hodgson

-From the back cover-

Bending Toward The Sun
Dedicated to her education and to helping her father in his general store, Emilie Heinrich is convinced she doesn't have time for love. But when a childhood friend returns to St. Charles, Missouri, after serving in the Civil War, his smile and charm capture Emilie's heart. Will she be forced to choose between honoring her father and a future with a husband and family of her own?

Ripples Along The Shore
Change is brewing in St. Charles. A group of brave souls are preparing to head west on the Boone's Lick Wagon Train, led by the mysterious and handsome Garrett Cowlishaw, who served as a Confederate soldier in the war that killed Caroline's husband. Despite her dislike for him, Caroline is tempted to join the wagon train and start fresh somewhere new, but when Mr. Cowlishaw forbids her – a single woman – to travel with them, will one man's prejudice destroy Caroline's hope for the future? Or will the ripples of God's love bring the answer she needs?

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This Book earned a 4 Bark rating.

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Mona Hodgson

Visit Mona's Website
HERE

Dandelions On The Wind
They are hodge-podge family at best, and when Mrs. Brantenberg's son-in-law returns after years away fighting, they are even more so. Each person on the farm has their own struggles with forgiveness and moving forward in life.

The characters in this story are varied and interesting but I have to admit that my favorite is Gabi, she could win anyone's heart.

This story is a wonderful start to this novella collection. Sometimes the reader just liked to take a break and read a quiet, sweet, story that uplifts the heart and encourages a person.

Bending Toward The Sun
I think in many ways this is the story I identified with the most. Some of the circumstances in my own life have a loose similarity to Emilie's.

There is much in this story about honoring one's parents, both of the main characters do so in spite of the fact that they disagree.

One of the things I enjoyed most about this novella was the love of family, through multiple generations, that is woven throughout the story.

Ripples Along The Shore
This story was a little different from the others, Caroline is in a little bit different season of life than her quilting circle friends Maren and Emilie. Still young, but now a widow, Caroline lives with her sister and troubled brother-in-law.

Romance isn't a huge feature in this story and I enjoyed how that allowed the family relationships to be in the forefront. It was wonderful seeing how much Caroline loves her sister and her nieces, she will put up with a lot for their sakes.

I also liked getting to know Caroline and watching her first steps out of grief and into independence.

Overall
I started this book with the double interest of another Mona Hodgson story and learning more about the pasts of some of the characters I had read about in Prairie Song. The Quilted Heart didn't disappoint at all.

An important aspect of this book that encompasses all three novellas is the value of friendship. The quilting circle is headed by Mrs. Brantenberg, a widow and grandmother, and is populated with women and older girls over various ages and stages in life. They share their burdens and triumphs equally with each stitch. Prayer is done together, wisdom and practical advice are dispensed with Biblical words.

Full of quilt patterns, old proverbs, sage Biblical advice, and romance, this book is a must read for anyone that loves Mona Hodgson, quilts, or Historical Fiction in general!

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives The Quilted Heart by Mona Hodgson a 4 Bark rating.

Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook Press (January 21, 2014)
ISBN-10: 0307731146
ISBN-13: 978-0307731142

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Winner!

1/24/2014

And the winner of the Quilted Heart inspired Earrings by MontanaMade by Jasmine is...

Rhonda Lovell
Entry #3

Congratulations Rhonda Lovell! Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog!

Please email me your mailing address at telltalebookreviews(at)gmail(dot)com,
just replace the (at) with an @ and the (dot) with a . and I will get your earrings out to you.

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The Quilted Heart 3-Day Countdown January 20th

1/20/2014

In anticipation of the upcoming release of The Quilted Heart we will feature a different post each day from January 19-21st with all things related to the book, you never know what neat things we will dig up to share with you.

Countdown Day 2
Recipes

Each woman in The Quilted Heart has their own unique heritage, family, and story. I have carefully chosen the recipes to be what each woman MIGHT have made or eaten. Hopefully these recipes will inspire you to try a little something and take you deeper the worlds of Maren, Emilie, and Caroline.

In Dandelions On The Wind Maren is a sweet young Danish woman living on a farm with German family. The farm happens to feature an apple orchard, Mrs. Brantenberg might have taught Maren a similar recipe to take advantage of that bounty.

Apfelkuchen (Apple Cake)

Recipe makes 1 9x13-inch cake

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 1/8 cups warm milk
1/4 cup white sugar
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
6 tablespoons butter, softened
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
3 large apples - peeled, cored, and sliced

1 cup white sugar
3/4 cup sifted all-purpose flour
2 ounces candied lemon peel, chopped (optional)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 pinch salt
1/2 cup butter

Directions

Grease the bottom and sides of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Beat 2 1/4 cup flour, milk, 1/4 cup sugar, yeast, 6 tablespoons butter, vanilla extract, and 1 pinch salt in a large bowl with an electric mixer on high until dough is smooth, about 5 minutes; spread into baking dish and press dough up the sides. Press apple slices into dough.
Mix 1 cup sugar, 3/4 cup flour, candied lemon peel, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1 pinch salt in a bowl. Cut in 1/2 cup butter with a knife or pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs; sprinkle over apples. Allow dough to rise for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Bake in preheated oven until golden brown, about 35 minutes.

In Bending Toward The Sun Emilie is a pretty young German girl living with her father, the storekeeper. The young man she falls in love with is of Irish descent and I can imagine Emilie deciding to try her hand at some Irish dishes while dreaming of a happily-ever-after.

Colcannon

Recipe makes 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

1 pound cabbage
1 pound potatoes
2 leeks
1 cup milk

salt and pepper to taste
1 pinch ground mace
1/2 cup butter

Directions

In a large saucepan, boil cabbage until tender; remove and chop or blend well. Set aside and keep warm. Boil potatoes until tender. Remove from heat and drain.
Chop leeks, green parts as well as white, and simmer them in just enough milk to cover, until they are soft.
Season and mash potatoes well. Stir in cooked leeks and milk. Blend in the kale or cabbage and heat until the whole is a pale green fluff. Make a well in the center and pour in the melted butter. Mix well.

In Ripples Along The Shore Caroline a lovely young widow living with her sister and brother-in-law. Missouri is known for it's Pecan orchards and with things slowly piecing back together after the war Caroline may made one of the South's most famous desserts for her family.

Pecan Pie

Recipe makes 1 - 9 inch pie

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups white sugar
1/4 cup dark corn syrup
1/4 cup butter
1 tablespoon cold water
2 teaspoons cornstarch

3 eggs
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups chopped pecans
1 (9 inch) unbaked pie shell

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, butter, water, and cornstarch. Bring to a full boil, and remove from heat.
In a large bowl, beat eggs until frothy. Gradually beat in cooked syrup mixture. Stir in salt, vanilla, and pecans. Pour into pie shell.
Bake in preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until filling is set.

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Sources:
Apfelkuchen
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Apfelkuchen-Apple-Cake/Detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24
Colcannon
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Colcannon/Detail.aspx?evt19=1
Pecan Pie
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Pecan-Pie/Detail.aspx?evt19=1

The Quilted Heart

Dandelions On The Wind
When Maren Jensen took a job at Elsa Brantenberg's St. Charles, Missouri, farm, she never expected to call the place her home. As she grows to love Mrs. Brantenberg and her granddaughter, Gabi, Maren is transformed from a lonely mail-order bride-without-a-groom to a beloved member of the Brantenberg household. But when Gabi's father, Rutherford “Wooly” Wainwright, returns to the farm unexpectedly, everything changes for Maren, and she feels compelled to find another job. Are her choices in obedience to God, or is she running from His plan?

Bending Toward The Sun
Dedicated to her education and to helping her father in his general store, Emilie Heinrich is convinced she doesn't have time for love. But when a childhood friend returns to St. Charles, Missouri, after serving in the Civil War, his smile and charm capture Emilie's heart. Will she be forced to choose between honoring her father and a future with a husband and family of her own?

Ripples Along The Shore
Change is brewing in St. Charles. A group of brave souls are preparing to head west on the Boone's Lick Wagon Train, led by the mysterious and handsome Garrett Cowlishaw, who served as a Confederate soldier in the war that killed Caroline's husband. Despite her dislike for him, Caroline is tempted to join the wagon train and start fresh somewhere new, but when Mr. Cowlishaw forbids her – a single woman – to travel with them, will one man's prejudice destroy Caroline's hope for the future? Or will the ripples of God's love bring the answer she needs?

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The Quilted Heart 3-Day Countdown January 19th

1/19/2014

3 Comments

Countdown Day 1
Civil War Quilts

1861 Mary Rockhold Teter's Stars and Stripes Quilt

Leading up to the American Civil War, quilts were made to raise funds to support the abolitionist movement then during the war, quilts were made to raise funds for the war effort and to give warmth and comfort to soldiers. The patterns were much like those made mid-century but the purpose was different. Quilts connected to the abolitionist movement and the Civil War were made for a cause, many

Abolition and the role of quilts
Even before 1830, abolitionists were working hard to end slavery. One way they did this was to hold grand fairs to raise both awareness and money for the abolitionist cause. Quilts were one of many craft pieces sold at these fairs. These quilts were usually fine quilts often with beautiful appliqué. Women sometimes put anti-slavery poems and sayings on the quilts they made for fairs as well as for friends and family. The goal was to show the terrible plight of the slaves.

Some abolitionists were active in the Underground Railroad helping runaway slaves get to safety. There are stories that certain quilts were used as signals to help the slaves in their flight to freedom.

1860-1865 Matilda Whisler's Whig Rose Appliqued Quilt

1860-1864 Martha Loud's Parlor Throw

For the troops
Women on both sides were very active in raising money for the war effort and making quilts and other bed coverings for soldiers.

In the North, quilts were still made for fairs but now these fairs earned money to support needs that came about because of the war. In the South lovely quilts called "gunboat" quilts were made to pay for much-needed gunboats.

It wasn't long before it was obvious that soldiers on both sides would need blankets and quilts for warmth. In the North, women either made quilts or remade quilts from bed coverings. Since the cots were narrow two bedspreads could be made into three quilts for soldiers. The United States Sanitary Commission was in charge of collecting distributing them.

1860-1865 Celia Corwin's Economy Pieced Quilt

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_quilting

1861 Mary Rockhold Teter's Stars and Stripes Quilt
http://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_556337

1860-1865 Celia Corwin's Economy Pieced Quilt
http://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_645598

1863 Susannah Pullen's Civil War Quilt
http://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_556322

1860-1865 Matilda Whisler's Whig Rose Appliqued Quilt
http://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_556343

1860-1864 Martha Loud's Parlor Throw
http://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_556337

In the South, it was more difficult because cotton was grown in the south but manufactured into fabric in the north. Before long, fabric was almost impossible to obtain so women had to spin and weave before they could sew a bed covering together. Needless to say most of the quilts made for soldiers on either side were made with practical patterns and fabric and due to heavy use, very few have survived to this day.

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1863 Susannah Pullen's Civil War Quilt

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Book Review - Two Brides Too Many by Mona Hodgson

12/25/2013

Genre:
Historical Romance

Two Brides Too Many
The Sinclair Sisters Of Cripple Creek book 1
by Mona Hodgson

-From the back cover-

Kat and Nell Sinclair are headed west – away from the manicured lawns of Maine to the boisterous, booming mining town of Cripple Creek, Colorado, to start new lives for themselves as mail-order brides.
Aboard the train, romantic Nell carries a photo of her intended close to her heart and imagines an exciting and love-filled future, while her pragmatic sister, Kat, resigns herself to marriage as a duty, not a delight.
But when the ladies disembark at the train depot, neither fiancé Patrick Maloney nor Judson Archer awaits them with open arms. The well-bred Sinclair sisters find themselves unexpectedly alone in the wild, frontier town – a place where fire threatens to reduce the buildings to rubble, the working women strut the streets, rogues will gamble for the shoes on one's feet, and God's grace is found among the most unlikely of folks.

Two Sisters.
Two missing misters.
A Shocking welcome to the wild west that
leaves both Kat and Nell Sinclair questioning
their dreams and the hope for true love.

A gorgeous cover that goes well with this fun and excellent read!

I have only read one other book by Mona Hodgson, and though I really enjoyed it, it was a bit of a serious read. While Two Brides Too Many has some serious moments it also has some real lighthearted comedy. This is one book that I would love to see made into a movie, too bad Doris Day couldn't star in it.

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This Book earned a 4.5 Bark rating.

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Mona Hodgson

Visit Mona's Website
HERE

This was one of the few historical fiction books that was fun, entertaining, and I just enjoyed reading. The sisters are almost opposites and in some ways reminded me of the Dashwood sisters from Sense & Sensibility. They take care of and love each other but they also have their differences.
Their love interests match each girl perfectly even though a time or two you begin to wonder if they will finally get together.
The cast of supporting characters is varied and fascinating, from old Boney Hughes, to little Rosita, to Hattie the landlady.

One of the main themes, at least that came across to me, is that we don't know what we are capable of until we have to do it. Both sisters, at the request of their father, leave their home and family to become mail-order brides. They face a world they know nothing of, a world of shysters, gamblers, prostitutes, and thieves. When the men they are supposed to marry don't show Kat and Nell must both figure out what do and keep themselves afloat. During and after a fire that nearly destroys the town both girls do what they can including saving a child from a burning building and nursing the injured.

Not a terribly thick book, Two Brides Too Many is the perfect choice for a quiet day of reading or when you just need a good lighthearted story to give your mind a break.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Two Brides Too Many by Mona Hodgson a 4.5 Bark rating.

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Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook Press; 1 edition (May 4, 2010)
ISBN-10: 0307458903
ISBN-13: 978-0307458902
ASIN: B006J44LRY

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1 Year Blogoversary Party with GIVEAWAYS!

12/7/2013

23 Comments

UPDATE:
The winners are...
JUDY BURGI (Love Finds You In Glacier Bay, Alaska)
DIANA MONTGOMERY (A Talent For Trouble)
SUSAN MARIE (Made To Last ARC)
BETTI MACE (Winner's Choice of any Vannetta Chapman book)
DEBRA DAWN SMITH (City Of The Dead)
CINDI ALTMAN (Signed Bookmark by Camy Tang)
JALYNN PATTERSON (Signed Bookmark by Camy Tang)
.

Welcome to Tell Tale Book Reviews' Birthday party!
It is our 1 year Blogoversary!

December 7th 2013
our first review was posted December 10th, 2012

And what kind of Birthday party would it be without presents?

Scroll down and check out the great books we will be giving away to 5 lucky winners! **

There is something for everyone!
Romance, Historical, Contemporary, Amish, Biblical....

Each book that I send will come with a bookmark or postcard from one of the following authors
Vannetta Chapman, MaryLu Tyndall, Mona Hodgson.

2 random winners that have not won a book will also
be chosen to receive a bookmark signed by Camy Tang!

That is a total of 7 winners!!!

**We reached our goal of over 400 total entries so we are also giving away City Of The Dead by Tracy Higley.
To enter please click on the new and extra entry in the MADE TO LAST Rafflecopter form.

It's Time For Some Giveaways!

I was blessed to have these as duplicates in my collection and I would like to pass on some of those blessings.

Two romances weave together in one novel. When a woman discovers old letters that reveal a tender love story, she is convinced to reignite her romance with a former flame.
Singer Ginny Marshall is one signature away from the recording contract of her dreams—a deal that would guarantee success for the former foster child, who still struggles to bury the memories of her painful childhood. But When singer Ginny Marshall travels to the isolated town of Glacier Bay, Alaska, she is charmed by the town's colorful characters and stunning scenery. She discovers a box of old letters and is swept up in the love story between an early missionary to Alaska Territory and his accidental mail-order bride. When Ginny's former fiance returns to Glacier Bay, will she discover that the love she always wanted was the one she always had?

BEFORE entering please click the gray button below and
READ the Terms & Conditions page for more details.

I'd like to remind everyone entering the giveaway that
I will NOT be contacting the winner, it is up to the winner to contact me.
If you win please send your mailing address/email address to me at telltalebookreviews(at)gmail(dot)com, just replace the (at) with an @ and the (dot) with a . and I will get the info to the correct person.

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Charming Wit and Romance from an Author Sure to Delight Readers

Miss Felicia Murdock firmly believed her destiny was to become a minister's wife. When the minister on whom she had set her sights marries another lady, Felicia is forced to take a close look at her life and comes to a few uncomfortable conclusions. Determined that something needs to change--and soon--Felicia discovers she is finally ready to spread her wings and embrace life the way she's always wanted.

Grayson Sumner--or Lord Sefton, as he's officially known--has had more than enough of spreading his wings and only hopes to settle into the life of a normal, respectable New York gentleman. Prompted by some well-meaning friends to lift the spirits of the disappointed-in-love Miss Murdock, he is surprised to encounter a young lady who seems to have become quite adventurous and quite determined to get herself into all sorts of troublesome situations.

Intent on remaining independent, Felicia is reluctant to accept Grayson's help, especially as she finds herself developing feelings for him. However, just as Grayson decides he's had quite enough of her antics, his past comes back to haunt him and his presence in her life has endangered Felicia. Will Grayson and Felicia decide they want to spend the rest of their lives keeping one another out of trouble?

Check out our review
HERE

BEFORE entering please click the gray button below and
READ the Terms & Conditions page for more details.

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Miranda Woodruff has it all. At least, that's how it looks when she's starring in her homebuilding television show, From the Ground Up. So when her network begins to talk about making cuts, she'll do anything to boost ratings and save her show--even if it means pretending to be married to a man who's definitely not the fiance who ran out on her three years ago.

When a handsome reporter starts shadowing Miranda's every move, all his digging into her personal life brings him a little too close to the truth--and to her. Can the girl whose entire identity is wrapped up in her on-screen persona finally find the nerve to set the record straight? And if she does, will the life she's built come crashing down just as she's found a love to last?

NOTE: This is an Advanced Reading Copy or ARC.

BEFORE entering please click the gray button below and
READ the Terms & Conditions page for more details.

.
.

This is your chance to win a Vannetta Chapman book of your choice. That's right, Vannetta has graciously offered to to give away winner's choice of a print or e-book copy of any of her currently published titles.

The Shipeshewana Amish series
Falling To Pieces
A Perfect Square
Material Witness

The Pebble Creek Amish series *
A Promise For Miriam
A Home For Lyida
A Wedding For Julia

Christmas novels
A Simple Amish Christmas
The Christmas Quilt (sequel to above title)

* There are currently 2 free short stories available that are companions to this series, Home To Pebble Creek and Christmas At Pebble Creek.

NOTE: This book or e-book will be sent by the author.

BEFORE entering please click the gray button below and
READ the Terms & Conditions page for more details.

for making this a fun and memorable year!

We hope you are looking forward to the next year as much as we are!

Blessings!

23 Comments

Winner!

8/13/2013

2 Comments

The winner of the Beaded Bookmark (inspired by Prairie Song) by Jasmine Augustine is...

Linda Finn
Entry #63

Congratulations Linda! Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog!

Please email me you mailing address at telltalebookreviews(at)gmail(dot)com, just replace
the (at) with an @ and the (dot) with a . and I will get the Bookmark out to you.

2 Comments

Prairie Song 5-Day Countdown RELEASE DAY! + Giveaway

8/6/2013

11 Comments

And the winner is....
Linda Finn
Entry #63
,
,

!!!TODAY is the release of Prairie Song!!!

Prairie Song
Hearts Seeking Home book 1
by Mona Hodgson

#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
My fascination with journeys inside and out, the Old West, and wagon trains. I was a big fan of the TV show, Wagon Train and Little House on the Prairie.

#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
The draft, six weeks. With the full editing process, nearly three months.

#3. Do you have favorite character(s) in this book?
Hmm. I value all of my characters for different reasons. But forced to pick favorites, I'd have to say Anna and Boney. Anna's journey was an especially difficult one on so many levels that endeared her to me. And, Boney, well, he's my tried and true sidekick character that first showed up in my Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek Series, who serves as a voice of reason and offers comic relief.

#4. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
That no matter the circumstances of our journey, God is with us, Sovereign, and trustworthy.

#5. What made you choose the specific location(s) for this book?
The Boone's Lick Wagon Train Company launches from St. Charles, Missouri, a quaint and historical riverside community I visited in 1999. Captivated by its charm, I knew I wanted to write stories set there. St. Charles also serves as the setting for The Quilted Heart novellas (Dandelions on the Wind, Bending Toward the Sun, and Ripples Along the Shore).

#6. How did you name your characters?
Sometimes I name my characters after someone I know or have read about in history. Other times, I choose the names from The Writer's Digest Character Naming Sourcebook by Sherrilyn Kenyon or Baby Names Around the World by Bruce Lansky. I maintain a list of historical and ethnic names to draw from. In the late 1800's, Boney Hughes drove a hack up on in Jerome, Arizona. Anna was the name of a pioneer women I read about in a journal. And Pemberton (Hattie's last name) came from my mother's family.

#7. Tell us something funny, sad, embarrassing, whatever, that happened involving this book.
For many reasons, Prairie Song was the most difficult story to write

Bonus. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
and taught me a valuable lesson about stoic pride. I wrote about it (or will write about it) in a blog post at www.monahodgson.com. [Link will be added when available]
A favorite Bible verse and the key verse for Prairie Song is Joshua 1:9.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid;
do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

What a comfort to know He is present and able, and His grace is sufficient, no matter our path.

About

The Author

Mona Hodgson

Married forty-one years to her leading man, Mona from Arizona lives in the Southwest where trees have arms instead of branches and salsa is a staple. When Mona Hodgson isn't writing or speaking, she's playing Wii games with her Arizona grandson, spending time with her mom, picnicking, texting her sisters, or chatting on Skype with her grandchildren in Africa.

Mona Hodgson is the author of nearly 40 books, historical novels for adults and children's books. Her children's books include bestseller, Bedtime in the Southwest, six desert and princess Zonderkidz I Can Read books, Real Girls of the Bible: A 31-Day Devotional, and her six I Wonder books. Mona's writing credits also include several hundred articles, poems and short stories, which have appeared in 50 different publications. Mona is a speaker for women's groups, Christian women's retreats, book clubs and reading groups, schools, and conferences for writers and librarians.

Connect with Mona online
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest

The Book

Though it means saying goodbye to the beloved friends and spiritual mentors of her St. Charles, Missouri quilting circle, Anna Goben is certain that she needs to enlist her family in the Boones Lick Company wagon train. The loss of her beloved brother in the Civil War has paralyzed her mother and grandfather in a malaise of grief and depression and Anna is convinced that only a fresh start in the Promised Land of California can bring her family back to her. Although the unknown perils of the trail west loom, Anna’s commitment to caring for her loved ones leaves no room for fear—or even loving someone new.

During the five-month journey, trail hand Caleb Reger plans to keep a low profile as he watches over the band of travelers. Guarding secrets about his past and avoiding God’s calling on his life, Caleb wants to steer as far from Anna as she does him, but she proves to be just as he assessed her from the beginning— independent, beautiful trouble.

Led by a pillar of hope, the group faces rough terrain that begins to take a toll on their spirits. Will the wilderness of suffering lead them astray, or will the gentle song of love that echoes across the prairie turn their hearts toward God’s grace and the promise of a new home?

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It's Time For A Giveaway!

To enter the giveaway for a Beaded Bookmark inspired by Prairie Song please use the Rafflecopter below.
Before entering please click the Terms and Conditions button at the
bottom of the Rafflecopter and read them.

PLUS: I will give a free Prairie Song bookmark
to the first 5 people that email me
their mailing address*

*Please use the above email address.

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Prairie Song 5-Day Countdown... August 5th

8/5/2013

TOMORROW is the release of one of Summer 2013's best historical novels

Prairie Song
by Mona Hodgson

Each day until the release on August 6th we will be sharing all things wagon train and life on the prairie.

Singing has long been an important tradition for Americans.
Here is a sampling of songs that were popular back
when the Pioneers trekked westward.

Down In The Valley
1820's

Down in the valley, the valley so low Hang your head over, hear the wind blow Hear the wind blow, dear, hear the wind blow; Hang your head over, hear the wind blow.

Roses love sunshine, violets love dew, Angels in Heaven know I love you, Know I love you, dear, know I love you, Angels in Heaven know I love you.

If you don't love me, love whom you please, Throw your arms round me, give my heart ease, Give my heart ease, dear, give my heart ease, Throw your arms round me, give my heart ease

Build me a castle, forty feet high; So I can see her as she rides by, As she rides by, dear, as she rides by, So I can see her as she rides by.

Write me a letter, send it by mail; Send it in care of the Birmingham jail, Birmingham jail, dear, Birmingham jail, Send it in care of the Birmingham jail.

Roses love sunshine, violets love dew, Angels in Heaven know I love you, Know I love you, dear, know I love you, Angels in Heaven know I love you.

Barbara Allen
1600's

In Scarlet town where I was born
There was a fair maid dwelling
And every youth cried well away
For her name was Barbara Allen

Twas in the merry month of May
The green buds were a swelling
Sweet William on his deathbed lay
For the love of Barbara Allen

He sent a servant unto her
To the place she was dwelling
Saying you must come to his deathbed now
If your name be Barbara Allen

Slowly slowly she got up
Slowly slowly she came nigh him
And the only words to him she said
Young man I think you're dying

As she was walking oer the fields
She heard the death bell knelling
And every stroke it seemed to say
Hardhearted Barbara Allen

Oh mother mother make my bed
Make it long and make it narrow
Sweet William died for me today
I'll die for him tomorrow

They buried her in the old churchyard
They buried him in the choir
And from his grave grew a red red rose
From her grave a green briar

They grew and grew to the steeple top
Till they could grow no higher
And there they twined in a true love's knot
Red rose around green briar

Uncle Sam's Farm
1850

Of all the mighty nations in the east or in the west,
O this glorious Yankee nation is the greatest and the best,
We have room for all creation, and our banner is unfurl’d,
Here’s a gen’ral invitation to the people of the world.

(chorus) Oh, come away, come away, come away I say!
Oh, come away, come away, come right away!
Oh, come to this country and have no fear of harm,
Our Uncle Sam is rich enough to give us all a farm.

St. Lawrence marks our northern line, as fast her waters flow;
And the Rio Grande our southern bound, ‘way down to Mexico.
From the great Atlantic Ocean where the sun begins to dawn,
Leap across the Rock Mountains far away to Oregon.
(chorus)

While the South shall raise the cotton, and the West, the corn and pork,
New England manufactories shall do up the finer work;
For the deep and flowing waterfalls that course along our hills,
Are just the thing for washing sheep, and driving cotton mills.
(chorus)

Old One Hundredth or Doxology
1674

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Shall We Gather At The River
1863

Shall we gather at the river,
Where bright angel feet have trod,
With its crystal tide forever
Flowing by the throne of God?

Refrain:
Yes, we’ll gather at the river,
The beautiful, the beautiful river;
Gather with the saints at the river
That flows by the throne of God.

On the margin of the river,
Washing up its silver spray,
We will talk and worship ever,
All the happy golden day.

Ere we reach the shining river,
Lay we every burden down;
Grace our spirits will deliver,
And provide a robe and crown.

At the smiling of the river,
Mirror of the Savior’s face,
Saints, whom death will never sever,
Lift their songs of saving grace.

Soon we’ll reach the silver river,
Soon our pilgrimage will cease;
Soon our happy hearts will quiver
With the melody of peace.

Nearer My God To Thee
1841

Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!
E’en though it be a cross that raiseth me,
Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee.

Refrain
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee!

Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down,
Darkness be over me, my rest a stone.
Yet in my dreams I’d be nearer, my God to Thee.

Refrain

There let the way appear, steps unto Heav’n;
All that Thou sendest me, in mercy given;
Angels to beckon me nearer, my God, to Thee.

Refrain

Then, with my waking thoughts bright with Thy praise,
Out of my stony griefs Bethel I’ll raise;
So by my woes to be nearer, my God, to Thee.

Refrain

Or, if on joyful wing cleaving the sky,
Sun, moon, and stars forgot, upward I’ll fly,
Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee.

Refrain

There in my Father’s home, safe and at rest,
There in my Savior’s love, perfectly blest;
Age after age to be, nearer my God to Thee.

Refrain

Simple Gifts
1848

'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free
'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gain'd,
To bow and to bend we shan't be asham'd,
To turn, turn will be our delight,
Till by turning, turning we come 'round right.

America or My Country 'Tis Of Thee
1832

My country, ’tis of thee,
Sweet land of liberty,
Of thee I sing;
Land where my fathers died,
Land of the pilgrims’ pride,
From every mountainside,
Let freedom ring!

My native country, thee,
Land of the noble free,
Thy name I love;
I love thy rocks and rills,
Thy woods and templed hills;
My heart with rapture thrills,
Like that above.

Let music swell the breeze,
And ring from all the trees,
Sweet freedom’s song;
Let mortal tongues awake;
Let all that breathe partake;
Let rocks their silence break,
The sound prolong.

Our fathers’ God, to Thee,
Author of liberty,
To Thee we sing;
Long may our land be bright
With freedom’s holy light;
Protect us by Thy might,
Great God, our King.

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Sources: www.wikipedia.org www.cyberhymnal.org and several other sites for these historic songs in the Public Domain.

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Prairie Song 5-Day Countdown... August 4th

8/4/2013

Only 2 days left to the release of one of Summer 2013's best historical novels

Prairie Song
by Mona Hodgson

Each day until the release on August 6th we will be sharing all things wagon train and life on the prairie.
Since Anna and several of the other ladies that join the Boone's Lick Company wagon train
are members of a quilting group, we are going to feature Quilting for today's post.

History

Quilting can refer either to the process of creating a quilt or to the sewing of two or more layers of material together to make a thicker padded material. "Quilting" as the process of creating a quilt uses "quilting" as the joining of layers as one of its steps, often along with designing, piecing, appliqué, binding and other steps. A quilter is the name given to someone who works at quilting. Quilting can be done by hand, by sewing machine, or by a specialist longarm quilting system.

The process of quilting uses a needle and thread to join two or more layers of material to make a quilt. Typical quilting is done with 3 layers: the top fabric or quilt top, batting or insulating material and backing material. The quilter's hand or sewing machine passes the needle and thread through all layers and then brings the needle back up. The process is repeated across the entire area where quilting is wanted. A rocking, straight or running stitch is commonly used and these stitches can be purely functional or decorative and elaborate. Quilting is done to create bed spreads, art quilt wall hangings, clothing, and a variety of textile products. Quilting can make a project thick, or with dense quilting, can raise one area so that another stands out.

In American Colonial times, most women were busy spinning, weaving, and making clothing. Meanwhile, women of the wealthier classes prided themselves on their fine quilting of wholecloth quilts with fine needlework. Quilts made during the early 19th century were not constructed of pieced blocks but were instead whole cloth quilts. Broderie perse quilts and medallion quilts were made. Some antique quilts made in North America have worn-out blankets or older quilts as the internal batting layer, quilted between new layers of fabric and thereby extending the usefulness of old material.

During American pioneer days, "paper" quilting became popular. Paper was used as a pattern and each individual piece of cut fabric was basted around the paper pattern. Paper was a scarce commodity in the early American west, and women would save letters from home, newspaper clippings, and catalogs to use as patterns. The paper not only served as a pattern but as an insulator. The paper found between the old quilts has become a primary source of information about pioneer life.

Quilts made without any insulation or batting were referred to as summer quilts. They were not made for warmth, only to keep the chill off during cooler summer evenings.

Pieced

Pinwheel pattern

Pieced quilts are often made in a theme of colors.

Quilters will often embroider their name, the person receiving the quilt, and the date.

Applique

Bears

Applique quilts often tell a story.

Quilts often have intricate embroidery and quilting designs. This one includes family pets and child's toys.

Pattern

This Single Irish Chain or Nine Patch block is easy and fun to make.
To make a full size quilt version you would need to alternate the block below with a solid (light color) block of the same size. The instructions below are for a throw pillow using this block only.

Figure 1

Directions

4 squares *
4 rectangles **
1 square ***

Using ¼" seam allowance
Stitch pieces together in strips
Stitch the strips together
Press seams as you go

Use a single piece of fabric as the back and stitch the front to the back on three sides.
Add fiber-fill or loose batting or a pre-made pillow.
Hand-stitch the top closed.

Notes:
I made a large throw pillow so the measurements I used for the pieces were
* squares 5 ½" x 5 ½"
** rectangles 11" x 5 ½"
*** square 11" x 11"
total size for the top 21" x 21"

Figure 2. My un-finished pillow top.

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Sources: www.wikipedia.org as well as Great Grandma, Grandma, and Mom.

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Prairie Song 5-Day Countdown... August 3rd

8/3/2013

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Only days left to the release of one of Summer 2013's best historical novels

Prairie Song
by Mona Hodgson

Each day until the release on August 6th we will be sharing all things wagon train and life on the prairie.

Manifest Destiny

In the United States in the 19th century, Manifest destiny was the widely held belief that American settlers were destined to expand across the continent.

The three basic themes (ideas) to Manifest Destiny.
1. The special virtues of the American people and their institutions;
2. America's mission to redeem and remake the world in the image of America;
3. A divine destiny under God's direction to accomplish this wonderful task.

The Oregon Trail

The Oregon Trail is a 2,000-mile historic east-west large wheeled wagon route and emigrant trail that connected the Missouri River to valleys in Oregon. The eastern part of the Oregon Trail spanned part of the future state of Kansas and nearly all of what are now the states of Nebraska and Wyoming. The western half of the trail spanned most of the future states of Idaho and Oregon.

In 1836 the first migrant wagon train was organized in Independence, Missouri. By then a wagon trail had been cleared to Fort Hall, Idaho. Wagon trails were cleared further and further west, eventually reaching all the way to the Willamette Valley in Oregon.

From the early to mid-1830s and particularly through the epoch years 1846–1869 the Oregon Trail and its many offshoots were used by about 400,000 settlers, ranchers, farmers, miners, and businessmen and their families.

Famous Landmarks along the Oregon Trail
Independence (Missouri)
Fort Kearney (Nebraska)
Courthouse Rock (Nebraska)
Chimney Rock (Nebraska)
Scott's Bluff (Nebraska)
Fort Laramie (Wyoming)
Independence Rock (Wyoming)
South Pass (Wyoming)
Fort Hall (Idaho)
Soda Springs (Idaho)
The Dalles (Oregon)
The Willamette Valley (Oregon)

The California Trail

The California Trail was an emigrant trail of about 2,000 miles across the western half of the North American continent from Missouri River towns to what is now the state of California. After it was established, the first half of the California Trail followed the same corridor of networked river valley trails as the Oregon Trail and the Mormon Trail, namely the valleys of the Platte, North Platte and Sweetwater Rivers to Wyoming. In the present states of Wyoming, Idaho and Utah the California and Oregon trail split into several different trails or cutoffs.

The California Trail was heavily used from 1845 to 1869 when several rugged wagon routes across the Carson Range and Sierra Nevada mountains to different parts of northern California were established. After about 1848 the most popular route was the Carson Route which, while rugged, was still easier than most others and entered California in the middle of the gold fields. The trail was heavily used in the summers until the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad by the Union Pacific and Central Pacific Railroads in 1869.

The trail was used by about 2,700 settlers up to 1849. Starting in late 1848, over 250,000 businessmen, farmers, pioneers and miners passed over the California Trail to California.

Famous Landmarks on the California Trail
City Of Rocks (Idaho)
Humboldt River (Nevada)
Forty-Mile Desert (Nevada
or
Black Rock Desert (Nevada)
Truckee River (Nevada/California)
Emigrant Pass (California)
Donner Pass (California)
Sacramento (California)

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Sources: www.wikipedia.org & http://yesteryearsnews.files.wordpress.com

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Prairie Song 5-Day Countdown..... August 2nd

8/2/2013

Only a few more days to the release of one of Summer 2013's best historical novels

Prairie Song
by Mona Hodgson

Each day until the release on August 6th we will be sharing all things wagon train and life on the prairie.
Today will feature a recipe that just might have been used on those long dusty days....

Boney's Trail Biscuits*

2 cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup soft butter

1 cup buttermilk (or add 2 tablespoons lemon juice to milk to make 1 cup and let sit for about 15 minutes)

3/4 cup (loose) grated/shaved cheese (we used medium cheddar), if desired

2 tablespoons butter for brushing the biscuit tops, if desired

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Cut in butter until the mixture looks crumbly. Quickly stir in the buttermilk until mixture is moist. On a lightly floured surface, knead dough. Dough will be moist but not sticky. Roll or pat to about 1/2 inch thickness. Cut with biscuit cutter or follow Boney’s lead and use the top of a tin cup.
Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet in preheated oven at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes. About 10 to 12 minutes into the baking brush biscuit tops with the extra softened butter.

Note: These biscuits would have originally been baked in a dutch oven on an open fire. Watch out for your skirts if you decide to make these like our Pioneer ancestors did!

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*Recipe copied from http://monahodgson.wordpress.com with permission given by Mona Hodgson.

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Book Review - Prairie Song by Mona Hodgson

7/13/2013