My Spring Reading List 2024 ~ Harvest Lane Cottage

Update April 28th

Hello everyone! I've been reading and listening to a lot of books. See the list I've added on the bottom. I don't think I'm going to get everything read by the end of May. We shall see!

Happy Spring!

  I've written this post to replace my earlier winter and spring list. I had to remove some books, because I found they were not the kind of thing I want to read. I've also added some books.

~♥~

I've been reading and hearing for some that winter still has a hold in parts of the United States. It's really fighting to keep a hold on Southern Missouri.  We had to cover our Hostas, Marigolds, lettuce and spinach last night. It got down into the twenties. I'm trusting that spring will win. We'll be down in the low thirties again tonight. I'm trusting that spring will win, but in the meantime....

~♥~

 It's the ideal time to open a nonfiction book and learn a new skill, a bit of history, or how something is done. It's also an excellent time to slow down a bit while the world goes whirling by and slip into the land of make believe for a little bit. I have to admit that's my favorite kind of reading.

~♥~

  You can read in the car (but not if you're driving—unless it's an audiobook), read while waiting for appointments, read while waiting for your kids to get out of lessons, read on your lunch break, read while relaxing in a comfy chair; or, if your hands are busy like mine often are, you can listen to audio books. I listen to at least two or three audio books on Everand each month. I've also found free books on YouTube and the Libby app. Interlibrary loan is my friend, too!

  My point is, if you really want to read, you can make time even if it's only a few minutes. Snatch those moments for you!

~♥~

Here are some books that I plan to read:

Michael's Gentle Wife 

by my friend Karen Andreola

I'm reading this now.

Hanged by a Thread

ACF Bookens

~ Finished~

I cannot recommend this title. 

Writing the Cozy Mystery

Nancy J. Cohen

I'm still reading this.

Walk It Out

Tricia Goyer

I'll have to order this from the library. It may go on a future reading list.

English Standard Version
Bible
Update 4/3: I'm in First Samuel.
Update 5/12: I'm in Second Samuel.

What Happened at the Cross
by Billy Graham
*This one was excellent. I highly recommend it.

 In addition, I also read:

The Adventures of Danny Meadowmouse by Thornton Burgess

Steeped in Evil, A Tea Shop Mystery by Laura Childs

Hunting the Witness by Kate Angelo

Seams Like Murder, A Sewing Studio Mystery by Dorothy Howell

The Case of the Left-Handed Lady by Nancy Springer

The Adventure of the Cardboard Box by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

When Bad Things Happen to Good Knitters by Marion Edmonds

Chosen by Ted Dekker

Yarned and Dangerous by Sadie Hartwell

Songteller: My Life in Lyrics by Dolly Parton

Lady of Disguise by Melanie Dickerson

English Standard Version New Testament by God

Misty of Chincoteague  by Marguerite Henry

These Tangled Threads by Sarah Loudin Thomas

The Redhill Sisterhood by Catherine Louisa Pirkis

Enjoy the now, friends, whatever season is showing where you are. 

Blessings from Harvest Lane Cottage,

Laura

P.S  As you may know, I really enjoy using Everand. You get ebooks and audio books plus other reading materials, sheet music, and other things for just one low price of $11.99 a month. You don't have to pay per book. It's all included in the one price. It's the best money I've spent this year!

If you use my link, you'll get a 2 month free trial of Everand, formerly Scribd, and I will get a free month as well. I'm not an affiliate, it's just a neat perk that they have for their subscribers who tell their friends. I've earned 15 free months just sharing how much I love their service! You can too.

Find me online here:

Goodreads:  Laura Lane 

2024 I have finished 56 books of my 60 book goal.

Ravelry:  HarvestLaneLaura

Facebook:  Harvest Lane Cottage  

Instagram: @lauraofharvestlane 

Email:  laura@harvestlanecottage.com

Mailing address available by email for snail mail lovers like me!

REVIEW: These Tangled Threads by Sarah Loudin Thomas

 

BOOK SUMMARY Seven years ago, a hidden betrayal scattered three young friends living in the shadow of the great Vanderbilt mansion. Now, when Biltmore Industries master weaver Lorna Blankenship is commissioned to create an original design for Cornelia Vanderbilt’s 1924 wedding, she panics knowing she doesn’t have the creativity needed. But there’s an elusive artisan in the Blue Ridge Mountains who could save her—if only she knew where to begin. To track down the mysterious weaver, Lorna sees no other way than to seek out the relationships she abandoned in shame. As she pulls at each tangled thread from her past, Lorna is forced to confront the wounds and regrets of life long ago. She’ll have to risk the job that shapes her identity, as well as the hope of friendship—and love—restored.

My Thoughts:

I found it a bit difficult to get into this book. It was well researched and well written. I think I was somewhere about a third of the way in before I really understood what was going on. Perhaps I just wasn't paying strict attention. I was confused by the changes in perspective between Lorna, Gentry and Arthur. The date changes also confused me.

However, it turned out to be a very good book. The storylines ended up being complex and intertwined in a surprising way. I think that, because the setting didn't end up being something in which I was particularly interested, I wasn't the best judge of this book. It wouldn't be the first book that I'd recommed, but I definitely want to read more from this author.

It was a story of pain, hurt, redemption and undeserved love. This is one you'll need to decide about yourselves. 

Disclosure of Material Connection

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

UNSUNG HERO ~ A For King and Country Film

 

If you love the band FOR KING & COUNTRY, you have to see their new film in theaters soon!

Synopsis: When David Smallbone's successful music company collapses, he moves his family from Australia to the United States in search of a brighter future. With nothing more than their six children, their suitcases, and their love of music, David (for KING & COUNTRY's Joel Smallbone) and his pregnant wife Helen (Daisy Betts) set out to rebuild their lives from the ground up. Based on a remarkable true story, a mum's faith stands against all odds; and inspires her husband and children to hold onto theirs.

MY THOUGHTS: I really didn't know what to expect with this movie. I can tell you what I did not expect. I did not expect to be so drawn into this true story drama in such a deeply engaging way. I did not watch this movie. I felt this movie from start to finish. The incidents and the emotion were raw and intense. Many of you may know that we went through some pretty intense hardships many years ago. This movie brought those deep feelings to the present. My husband had a similar experience.

The acting was so true to life that it was totally believable. Watching the father go through the problems he did, and watching him agonize over not being able to provide for his family, made me more aware of how my husband must have felt years ago when he went through a period of unemployment then underemployment. I also remembered how I felt as I tried to keep it all together and care for our four young children, our home, and my husband. I saw in the movie, and in my memories, what faith in God, prayer, a family pulling together, the love of Christ, and His people can do. 

Parts of the story were hard to watch, but it was a story of great growth, repentance, and victory. This mum showed incredible faith, a boundless love and dedication to her family, and the strength to hold them all together and lead when her husband was in crisis. 

This is the story of the Smallbone family. This is the story of an amazing woman of faith. This is the story of For King and Country. This is the story of Rebecca St. James. This is the story of an amazing family adventure. 

BUY TICKETS HERE NOW! 

GIVEAWAY!

$10 AMAZON GIFT CARD

IF YOU'VE READ THIS FAR, COMMENT BELOW WITH YOUR FULL NAME AND EMAIL ADDRESS TO BE ENTERED INTO THE $10 AMAZON GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY! US ONLY

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Disclosure:

Many thanks to Kingdom Faith Marketing Services, LLC for providing a sample of the

product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

 

Thrifty Things Lately ~ April 19, 2024

 

We lived in this little house that God provided for us during some extra lean times for nearly ten years. I have fond memories of using it up, wearing it out, making it do, or doing without. It's a lifestyle that works well today, too.

Thank you for visiting today—or tonight!

Do say hello!

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♥♥♥

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Dear Reader,

     It's been a busy week. I've had a great blend of work and visiting with friends. I did some repurposing, some knitting, some sewing, some mending, and opened our home in simple  hospitality twice. It's all left me rather tired and glad I took Friday off this week!

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A Verse for You

" For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

~ Paul

2 Timothy 1:7

NKJV Bible

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♥♥♥

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Here's my thrifty week!

• I mended my husband's shirt pocket. That means at least another year or two of service. He loves that shirt; so, it was a win all around.

• I mended a small cloth that I use as a wipe.

• We had company for dinner Saturday night. We had meatloaf, garlic mashed potatoes, and a small green salad. Pecan pie for dessert. It was thrifty, because we used things we already had on hand. Our friends brought some vanilla ice cream to go with the pie. It was low key relaxing hospitality for all of us.

• I mended my navy blue dress. Just a missing button kept me from wearing it for months. Why did I let a five minute mend keep me from wearing it so long?

• I removed the elastic from a worn out undergarment. It will save at least a couple of dollars next time I sew a skirt.

• I made simple napkins from an old buffalo plaid flannel sheet.

• I borrowed a book from Libby, a free app, through my library.

• I made four cleaning cloths from the old flannel sheet. I tore it into the right sizes, then I zigzagged around the edges with yellow thread that I got who knows where. I haven't sewn anything yellow for many years. 

• I borrowed a book from my library. 

• We ate leftovers.

• I ordered some items at a deep discount for Christmas gifts.

• I'm knitting a pair of gift socks using yarn I received for Christmas. 

I also added to our income by substituting three days.

Well, that's my thrifty week. 
What are you doing in your home this week?

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♥♥♥

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♥♥♥

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ღLauraღ

...doing what I can with what I've got

where I am on a short shoestring budget!

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♥♥♥

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 Related Posts

• Squirrel
• Spiritual Truth From an Open Door and My Little Dog
• Tipsy Tuesday ~ Paper Shreds

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Find me online here:

@lauraofharvestlane on Instagram

Laura Lane on Goodreads 

2024 51 Finished Books Goal 60

HarvestLaneLaura  on Ravelry

Harvest Lane Cottage on Facebook

Yarned and Dangerous by Sadie Hartwell

  I just finished Yarned and Dangerous by Sadie Hartwell. Cozy mysteries are my favorite light reading. This was a new to me author and series. I really liked the premise of this little story. It was a touch different than other cozies that I've read which is of course very nice. It wasn't set in a picturesque little town, but rather, in a small town with a dead and/or dying main street. Although it was set in Connecticut, it could have been in any one of the many small towns like those here in Missouri and throughout the country. I liked the characters—well, most of them. There always has to be someone you love to hate. ~smile~

The writing is seamless. I quickly quit seeing words on a page and moved into the story itself. My old writing teacher used to say, "Show me, don't tell me." Sadie Hartwell shows. Was it a classic to be? No, but what it did, it did quite well. I especially liked the interaction between the generations. Great set up novel for a new series.

Four stars. I liked it better than most cozies that I've read. It's pretty clean. No inappropriate relationships, bad language etc. There was wine served in one scene and beer in another. It wasn't the focus of the scene. 

I borrowed this through my library. It is also available as an ebook through Everand.

Have a wonderful week!

Laura

Thrifty Things Lately ~ April 12

 Welcome to another thrifty week at Harvest Lane Cottage. I am glad you've found me! Each week I share my thrifty and frugal projects, ways of saving money, and my blessings from God. 

We lived in this little house that God provided for us during some extra lean times for nearly ten years. I have fond memories of using it up, wearing it out, making it do, or doing without. It's a lifestyle that works well today, too.

Thank you for visiting today—or tonight!

Do say hello!

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♥♥♥

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Dear Reader,

     I had some incredible garage sale finds this week. My husband got me up super early Friday morning, and we headed out to go "saling". He always says you have to get there early to get the good stuff. Well, we got some good stuff as you'll see.

     I also tackled the two, yes, I said two mending baskets on Saturday. I went through every item, pinned a note on each item with next step of repair. More on that later this week. 

     I watched the eclipse with my husband and eldest son from a local park here in southern Missouri. We probably had about 95% totality. My daughter, who lives in southern Illinois was in totality. I look forward to talking to her about what that was like. ~smile~

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♥♥♥

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A Verse for You

" I, therefore, the prisoner of the LORD, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with long suffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

~ Paul

Ephesians 4:1-3

ESV Bible

Note: Can you tell that I needed a verse about patience when I looked that one up? 

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♥♥♥

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Here's my thrifty week!

• FABULOUS GARAGE SALE FINDS! $9.50 total for all the items below. We needed most of these items—especially the towels. You saw the threadbare towel I mended last week.

Oil and acrylic paints for my husband, Lowell. $5.00

Lots of envelopes $.75
I always need envelopes!

 Storage bowls $2.00

Full shaving cans of shaving cream $1.50

Office supplies $3.00

4 Sonoma bath towels $4.00

2 Hand towels $1.50

3 Wash cloths $.75

Size 12-18 month boys pants $.50

Custard bowls and platter $.75

Shop light, furniture sliders, bungee straps, and hand clamps $6.00

• As stated above, I sorted out the contents of my mending baskets. I have a few items in there that will be easy to mend. I found three dresses that need only small repairs to go back into the spring/summer rotation. 

• My husband planted more seeds to get ready for garden season.

• I was accepted to review the movie Unsung Hero. That review will come out near the end of April. I get to view it early for free in exchange for the review.

• I received These Tangled Threads by Sarah Loudin Thomas for review. 

• I'm listening to Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics on my Libby app.

• I'm listening to Lady of Disguise by Melody Dickerson on my Everand app. It's a deal for me since I listen to so many audiobooks for just $11.99 total a month.

• I borrowed Yarned and Dangerous by Sadie Hartwell from the interlibrary loan program. 

• I'm listening to the English Standard Bible on Bible.com for free. 

• I'm knitting a gift with yarn I received as a Christmas gift.

• I knit another sock yarn scrappy hat.

• Twice I was invited to coffee and a friend bought my drink. 

Well, that's my thrifty week. 
What are you doing in your home this week?

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♥♥♥

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♥♥♥

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ღLauraღ

...doing what I can with what I've got

where I am on a short shoestring budget!

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♥♥♥

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It's time to start saving your pennies
and your nickles and your rocks for Christmas!

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 Related Posts

• A Thrifty Week at Harvest Lane Cottage #38
• A Thrifty Week at Harvest Lane Cottage #39 
• A Thrifty Week at Harvest Lane Cottage #40
• Thrifty Things Lately April 3, 2024
• What Do You Have in Your Hand?

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Thrifty Things Lately ~ April 3, 2023

 

Welcome to another thrifty week at Harvest Lane Cottage. I am glad you've found me! Each week I share my thrifty and frugal projects, ways of saving money, and my blessings from God. 

We lived in this little house that God provided for us during some extra lean times for nearly ten years. I have fond memories of using it up, wearing it out, making it do, or doing without. It's a lifestyle that works well today, too.

I am so glad you dropped in for a visit today—or tonight!

Do say hello!

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♥♥♥

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Dear Reader,

     I hope you're enjoying this transition period between winter and spring. It's definitely spring here in southern Missouri, but I know some of you have snow on the ground!

     I had spring break last week. I enjoyed a week of catching up with friends and a couple of lunches out. It wasn't the thriftiest of weeks. I did a bit more this week. I also added to our income by subbing twice at the junior high. I've already got jobs lined up for next week. 

     I think I'm going to keep a written list of thrifty ideas and a second list of thrifty things I've done. I think that will help me fill more of my moments with useful activities. I do hope that you will share some of your favorite thrifty and frugal things in the comments. I'd like to build this into a community to help each other. 

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♥♥♥

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A Verse for You

"Be joyful in hope, 

patient in affliction, 

faithful in prayer." 

Romans 12:12 NKJV

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♥♥♥

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Here's my thrifty week!

Last week:

• I went to lunch with my friend, Sarah, last week. You may know her from her blog, Classical Homemaking, or her YouTube channel, Belle's Library. We've known each other for many years, and we had fun catching up. The thrifty part was that I ordered fajitas (healthiest thing I could find on the lunch menu), ate half, and brought the other half home. Hubby and I ate the leftovers for lunch the next day. Essentially, we got three meals for $9.99. Not bad. You've got to help me save money, Sarah, and go to lunch with me again! LOL 

• I went to lunch with my friend, Sherry, over spring break also. She sweetly surprised me by buying my lunch. We never have enough time to catch up. Thank you Sherry! Let's LaSh again soon!

• Thrift shopping with my Emily in Kansas City was fun. I found a purse for $6, note cards for $.50, and a basket for $4. Emily surprised me by paying for all of it! Thanks Emily!

This past week:

• I've been knitting socks with Christmas gift yarn. 

• I'm binding the quilt that I've been working on since before my cancer diagnosis in 2017. The top was made by my husband's grandma. I hand quilted it. I'm using white extra wide seam binding. I already had one package, and I have three more on order. It will cost me about $6 out of pocket. 

• I mended an old towel again. I had to cut it down a bit, then I zigzagged the edges. I hope to get another year's use out of it. I've had it a lot of years. I want every bit of life out of it that I can get. I may end up cutting it into dishcloth size pieces if it is too short. 
• I'm using the free version of Duolingo to learn Spanish.
• I borrowed 2 books from the library.
• I borrowed an audiobook from the library using the free Libby app.

• I used plain white note paper that I've had from who knows where to write a bit longer note than would fit in a card to a friend.
• I bought chicken legs on sale to freeze. They ended up as chicken and dumplings for a frugal Easter dinner instead.
• My husband bought $60 worth of hamburger, chicken, and pork on sale for $35 at the butcher in the town over.
• We used absolutely all of the toothpaste in the tube.

• I reused jars.
• I made homemade Greek salad dressing.

Well, that's my thrifty week. 
What are you doing in your home this week?

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♥♥♥

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♥♥♥

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ღLauraღ

...doing what I can with what I've got

where I am on a short shoestring budget!

~~~~~

♥♥♥

~~~~~

It's time to start saving your pennies
and your nickles and your rocks for Christmas!

~~~~~

 Related Posts

• A Thrifty Week at Harvest Lane Cottage #11
• A Thrifty Week at Harvest Lane Cottage #12
• 40 Ways to Use it Up, Wear it Out, Make it Do or Do Without
• Super Quick, Super Cheap Laundry Detergent

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