BOOK THOUGHTS: MAKING RAGDOLLS

 I ordered MAKING RAG DOLLS by Juanita Clarke because I don’t like the newer crafting books that are being published. This has an original copyright date ofin 1994 and reprinted in 199. What that means to you- Don’t order from Amazon there are quite a few onone- used book places you might be able to get a copy from.

There are 20 rag doll patterns in this book which includes: Mr and Mrs Santa Clause and an elf!  There are both female and male dolls. The book includes: how to make instructions, patterns for the faces, instructions on how to hand embroider the face, and the actual pattern (actual size) for each doll. 

My plan, what I do with all of my hard to find patterns, is to take the book to my printer so he can do his magic in printing the patterns.  Yes, I have a printer and can print them myself but I do not want to take the patterns out of the book and I do not want to spend the time printing them page by page. I will pay for the privilege. Once I get the patterns printed, I will make copies to use. Yes, the clothing patterns are included.

I have made rag dolls before and they really are not that complicated to make. I unusually make them by hand so I can sew and watch television. 

WRITTEN by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 

BOOK THOUGHTS: THE QUILTERS KITCHEN

 

The 14th book in the Elm Street Quilt book series was the quickest read, technically, of the series I have read. Why? Because, THE QUILTERS KITCHEN by Jennifer Chiaverini, is a total of 214 pages filled with mouth watering recipes as well as a short story. I don’t know if it is a recipe book with a story or a novelette with recipes woven in it.  Should I  put this book on the shelf with all of my cookbooks or keep it with my collection of books by Mrs. Chiaverini; of course it will go with the others.

Recipes aside this was an enjoyable book, a bit retrospective. There are only two characters presented in this book the most recent, Anna, and Sylvia. The story takes place in the kitchen of Elm Street Manor which is being remodeled. Anna and Sylvia are boxing up everything so that the carpenters and such can come in are upgrade the vintage area. The contents of the cabinets and draws take the reader along with Sylvia down memory lane. Which is why, again I say, you have to read these books in order. 

Because I have read the other books in chronological order, I could remember as Sylvia revealed to the newest team member a story about the objects. Many of the recipes discussed were recipes prepared in a previous book; I don;t remember all of them (bonus recipes perhaps)  I do remember the cornucopia incident between Sylvia and Claudia. 

The recipes: OMM! (Oh my my) I saw a few that I want to investigate and I am happy to share that the reader will find a directory of all recipes mentioned in the back of the book. NOTE: The recipes are presented in a logical fashion not taking away from the story.

Of course I am going to recommend the book but not because of the quilt made, though there was discussion of making one, but because of the recipes and  like Book 13 THE WINDING WAYS QUILT it is like a refresher course of where we have been.  Not only do we have 2, 3 if you count the husband, new characters but it looks like there may be a problem in the next book: THE LOST QUILTER.

It will be a while before I read another Jennifer Chiaverini book because I have at least 2 novels in the cure and, one non-fiction book and 2 crafting books to read and review plus Tax season is over for me and I am going back to work early! I AM NOT A FAST READER.

WRITTEN by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

BOOK THOUGHTS: BREAK FREE WITH BOOKKEEPING

 

My thoughts regarding: BREAK FREE WITH BOOKKEEPING LIFE ON YOUR TERMS

I have been preparing taxes since 1999, 26 years; I am un-credentialed Tax Expert, I am not a CTA, CPA OR EA; I am experienced without the big billable hours pay. I started my practice working for a corporation and eventually started my own private practice. At 66 I am still preparing tax returns both with my now very small private practice and working for a corporation.  I am exploring what it takes to be a Bookkeeper. 

BREAK FREE WITH BOOKKEEPING LIFE ON YOUR TERMS by Tiffani Higgins, Bill Rogers and Deanna , is a book worth reading because it explains what I classify as “the behind the scenes” of becoming a bookkeeper or any other business you might want to start.  The chapter titles are self explanatory:

INTRODUCTION:  Break Free, Live on Your Terms on Your Terms 

CHAPTER 1: Breaking Free from the Grind

CHAPTER 2: Why Bookkeeping is the Hidden Gem

CHAPTER 3: Laying the Foundation

CHAPTER 4: Branding with Confidence

CHAPTER 5: Leveraging AI for Growth and Simplicity

CHAPTER 6: Building Client Relationships That Last

CHAPTER 7: Scaling Beyond Yourself

CHAPTER 8: Maintaining Work-Life Harmony

  CHAPTER 9:  The Shortcut: Leveraging the Stay at Home Bookkeeper Academy 

  CHAPTER 10: Your Freedom Blueprint

The reason why I am recommending this book to anyone who wants to be a bookkeeper is because I saw a truth about how much money a person can make. I have seen advertisements to help individuals become a bookkeeper and earn $75 an hour; I did not believe it. The book explains how, once you get the clients this is possible but it takes marketing.

  In chapter 9:  The Shortcut: Leveraging the Stay at Home Bookkeeper Academy, the authors explain how they can help you obtain your clients and earn that much money. They charge for the privilege. 

I have a plan, I have successfully taken the Intuit Bookkeeping course and will be taking the Quickbook class. I have discovered quite a few businesses use QuickBooks and not every entry level job, working for someone, requires that you take the class. If you are going to work for yourself, I recommend taking a class. 

If I do decide to add bookkeeping to my resume I will be  working for a corporation because I am 66 years old and do not need to make thousands of dollars. 

As I told the Bookkeeping Academy representative, I just want to earn enough money to cover the cost of my sewing habit, which can be very pricey and my grandchildren which as they get older they need less. I do not need to pay to be part of the networking team.

Finally,  if you want to be a bookkeeper and want to be self employed this book is your blueprint for establishing a successful business. AND if you want to own your own business but not a bookkeeper, I still recommend this book because it has excellent foundational concepts related to starting your own business, clients just don’t run to you.

Written by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

BOOK THOUGHTS: THE WINDING WAYS QUILT An Elm Creek Quilts novel

 

This is the first time in my history of reading that I committed myself to reading this many books by the same fiction author, particularly a series. THE WINDING WAYS QUILT-An Elm Creek Quilts Novel by Jennifer Chiaverini is book  the 13th out of 24 of the Elm Street Quilt series. I was attracted to the quilting theme of the first book before I knew: THE QUILTERS APPRENTICE,  published 1999,  which I read in August 2025. Yes, I recommend this book.

My thoughts: 

I was reading this book, which reveals more about the characters we all know sharing more of their personal stories. It helps those of us who have been reading these novels develop a better perspective of why each individual is the way she is and what drew them to quilting. Each chapter is dedicated to one of the characters we know, though not all and as I read her chapter I discovered I really am not fond of her. I wasn’t fond of her when I was first introduced to her and so when I got to the chapter dedicated to her I struggled, it took me days to get through that one chapter! I really had to force myself to read it. Yes, I was happy for her. (No! I am not going to write why.) I was able to understand why she is, prayerfully in time she will make an attitude adjustment. I know it is not going to be in book 14 to because I am almost through with that one! 

For those of you who want to know what the book is about I suggest you read the comments whereever you buy your books or read the reviews. All of the books in the series are about quilting a friendship.  THE WINDING WAYS QUILT looks deeper into the complexities of personalities as individuals.  The book is about real friendship, loving someone despite their shortcomings; it is about patience and kindness and respect.  And so, even though I am not fond of that one person, I am happy for her. 

Reading this book has convinced me that you should read it only after you have read the other 12. You can read it out of order but it takes away from the growth revealed in each of the individuals. By book 13 they will have become your friends. It has taken me 13 books to reach a point of understanding of a character whom I met 12 books ago and knew there was something about her that indicated that she could not be my best friend. There were other characters that I want to read the next book because I am concerned, I can’t call her so I have to read the next book. If you read the book in chronological order the characters become your friends, especially if you are a quilter. I am a quilter and I will be meeting with them in the next book THE QUILTERS KITCHEN.

WRITTEN by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

BOOK THOUGHTS: A RAINBOW OF STITCHES

 I am sure I have not written reviews for “alllll” the books on stitches I have.Last year I purchased one of those embroidery books with a billion stitches to create and 999,999,999 of the stitches I cannot find a demonstration on how they are to be sewn. I have subscribed to quite a few embroidery channels on YouTube and downloaded a book from National Archives on embroidery, I was on Thriftbooks.com and saw: A RAINBOW OF STITCHES  by Agn
es Delage-Calvet, Anne Sohier-Fournel, Muriel Brunet, Francoise Ritz, Photographed by Frederic Lucano- Embroidery and Cross Stitch Basics, Plus More Than 1,000Motifs and 80 Projects, list price $24.99, copyright 2009 purchase price $9.39; with FREE shipping. 

MY THOUGHTS:

• If you are a cross stitcher, and I have done a few, you will love it. 
• As an embroiderer: there are lots of ideas and patterns to trace and create.
• Looking for gift ideas, there are 80 wonderful suggestions.
• Did I learn how to do a new embroidery stitch NO!

But the book is well worth the investment and I do not regret buying it. I like creating my own designs thus I classify it as inspirational, motivational and helpful.

Written by MarshaL Floyd
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Another YouTube Review

Ian

M subscribed to HEATH AND SADDLE, I "Like" every video I watch and occasionally comment. WHY?

The charade everyday people, which makes them relatable. The women are not size three, perfect hair and nails, designer clothes wearing divas. The other channel I  listen to is dedicated to obese women.  "MY MAIL-ORDER BRIDE NEVER SHOWED UP -The Kitchen Girl Sat Dow and Said: Can I Tell You Something" is all you need to know about this 51 minute 36 second audio story.

Sigh! Yes! It is an Ai generated story. I think the author authors are busy writing stories with profanity, naked women and violence; there is none of that here.

I started listening to this story while washing dishes (no dishwasher for me) and finished while hand embroidering. I  am cueing-up a Nero Wolf story to fall asleep on. 

https://youtu.be/UbPTlk9oW8Y?is=RqU8-0AsxFuv4OcM

YOUTUBE CHANNEL REVIEW: MYSTERY LANE

 YOTUTBE REVIEW:  MYSTERY LANE

MYSTERY LANE is not my favorite channel that shares Nero Wolfe stories but I do enjoy them and have subscribed to the channel.  In reading the comments I find they are no different than any other channel, regardless of the topic, some like it others found fault. 

I was playing games, Rummy and backgammon, while listening to an episode of Nero Wolf via YouTube;  NERO WOLFE AND THE MURDER IN CRAMER’S OFFICE,  I am not an Ai specialist thus though I know that it is Ai influenced I cannot tell you the extent to which it is. I can tell you I have listened to “Nero Wolfe, inspired stories as well as other stories that are not worth my commenting on. 

“NERO WOLFE AND THE MURDER IN CRAMER’S OFFICE” explores why there is a dead man in Cramer’s office. As with most of the NERO WOLFE STORIES there are characters that most followers of the orchid loving detective expect to prese=you need to know: Nero Wolfe, Archie, Fritz, and Cramer, any channel worth viewing must have these individuals as part of the plot, Mystery Lane  checks the boxes.

The plot captured me within the first minute and kept my attention throughout the one hour 20 minutes and 32 seconds. I am drawn to, and have SUBSCRIBED, the channel because the conversations are not dumbed down, meaning: if you do not have an extensive vocabulary get a dictionary. I had to look up two terms spoken in this episode:  Invective and Prevericate, I assumed the meaning by how it was used in a sentence, I looked the words up to be sure. 

The generated Ai images don’t seem to match the dialogue, something I have noticed with most of the short stories found on YouTube. M y imagination is better.

When listening to the audio story REMEMBER: This is a spin-off of the original Nero Wolfe chronicle of which I have watched. The original was written by Rex Stout  and published in the 1930’s.

DEFINITIONS:  
Invective is harsh, abusive, or highly insulting language used to blame, censure, or violently attack someone. It often combines intense anger with sharp rhetorical skill or bitter sarcasm

 prevaricate means to avoid telling the truth. It is a formal verb used when someone dodges a direct question, beats around the bush, or gives a misleading answer without outright telling a flat-out lie 

Check it out. Please Like and Subscribe the channel if you watch it as well as SUBSCRIBE AND COMMENT on this blog.

Written by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

LISTENING TO A YOUTUBE AUDIOBOOK produced by THE WILD WEST VAULT

My print books are taking second place to audiobooks because I cannot embroider or sew and read a book.  It seems that there are quite a few audiobooks available to choose from  many with similar themes which is why narration is very important. 
What is important to note is the increase number of Ai generated stories. Ai is not the best content creator or graphic facilitator. 

The following video is the 3rd video I have listened to produced by THE WILD WEST VAULT.  It is historical fiction with faith, inspirational. The theme is in the title: "The Sheriff Only Wanted a Housekeeper for Winter—The Polish Girl Changed His Entire Life" .  You could listen to the story while you are driving on errands or to work or, like I do, wile sewing; it is 56 minutes and 45 seconds long.

I have discovered these "historical fiction like, mail order bride" tales are relaxing, they are non-violent,  "G" rated plots worth listening to. I find these stories inspirational and motivational as well as entertaining.  I have decided to share other audiobook channels that I enjoy. 

 by Marsha L Floyd

BOOK THOUGHTS: A SINGLE THREAD BY MARIE BOSTWICK

 

As I mentioned in a previous review, I chose this book because it was about sewing and it had the same title as another book; I wanted to read both books and compare. Unfortunately, I stopped reading the other book with the same title because of the introduction of sexual behavior, I don’t read romance novels. After the disappointment from the first book entitled A SINGLE THREAD, I am happy to report that this book is one I can appreciate.

A SINGLE THREAD by Marie Bostwick is a book that talks about life in a way that will pull on your emotions; have you wanting to hug a character, yell at another character; cry, laugh and sigh with relief, while planning your next quilt. 

The underlying theme of the book: “The need for friendship is the single thread that we all have running through us.” (page 322) This is the lesson I have learned in my 66 years of living and the one young people need to learn. 

The book published in 2008, is 344 pages, centers around 2 main characters and deals with  issues that most women will encounter, directly or indirectly. One of the trials the main character faces was addressed in a very poignant way. (No, I will not tell you what it is!)  There is emotional pain in this book that is dealt with in a manner that makes sense and, there is healing.  

A SINGLE THREAD is not a thriller but it is, at least it was for me, an emotional roller coaster in which in the end you walk away with a smile. Yes, I recommend you read this book then go make a quilt!

               “Quilts are made of broken lines, just like life.” (page 327)

Written by Marsha L Floyd
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

 

BOOK THOUGHTS: THE NEW YEARS QUILT

 

NEW YEAR’S QUILT An Elm Creek Quilts Novel by Jennifer Chiaverini, the eleventh of the twenty-four books in the Elm Creek. The beauty of this book and the others is the ability of the writer to blend the life of one woman, the life lessons of others, and the art of quilt making in a historical setting. When does a book stop being historical? 

It is the making of a New Year’s Quilt by Silvia, the main character, that is the basis of this novel, upon completion it will be presented to her step-daughter who is against her father, Andrew, marrying Sylvia. They know she will be very angry when she learns they are married.

If you have been reading these books in order of publication, starting with THE QUILTERS APPRENTICE, you know that each book reveals information regarding Sylvia’s past that sheds life on her present personality.  I appreciated learning the story behind the New Year’s Quilt; readers of the other books will go “ooohhhh!”  Will the quilt be finished in time, to present it to her new step-daughter? 

The bigger question:  How does Andrew and Sylvia get past an adult daughter’s rejection of their marriage?  Especially since she does not know, the purpose of the visit is to reveal the wedding which occurred Christmas.  So what happened?  The reader may like it or not like it, depending on how they feel about senior citizens getting married and how much influence children should have in their parents’ lives. 

I will be reading The Winding Ways Quilt next, after I finish a few others. Will I be able to read the other 13 books before the end of the year? My reading list gets longer and longer. 

WRITTEN by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

BOOK THOUGHTHS: ONE HUNDRED EMBROIDERY STITCHES

 

ONE HUNDRED EMBROIDERY STITCHES – published COATS & CLARK’S BOOK No.150-B, published 1979, original cost 60 cents.  

A few months ago I purchased an embroidery sampler book with a wide variety of stitches, I want to finish the book BUT many of the stitches I did not know and could not find a lesson on how to do them.  I have searched YouTube and purchased books to no avail, until I discovered this used book.

ONE HUNDRED EMBROIDERY STITCHES my not have all the stitches I need but it has many of them. What I am discovering is the best book for learning how to do various stitches are often out of print books. Thus, sources like WORLD OF BOOKS and THRIFT BOOKS, there may be others will have books for how things used to be before machines took over.  I have found this to be true with quilting and applique as well.

ONE HUNDRED EMBROIDERY STITCHES arrived encased in a plastic envelope, my plan is to have a printer duplicate the booklet, 33 pages, to preserve this classic book. WHAT A FIND!

*Note This book is available at various prices and there is also  1964 version that I will be ordering after I post this review. Same title, cost $4 original cost 35 cents.

WRITTEN by Marsha L Floyd
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

 

BOOK THOUGHTS: JOHN JASPER by William E. Hatcher

 

John Jasper 1812-1901 was the founding Pastor of the Sixth Zion Baptist Church in Richmond Virginia. I learned of him from a YouTube channel that I subscribed to, Scroll Reader and I, unashamedly, admit that the fact that he was Black is what interested in me.  I decided to purchase the book:  JOHN JASPER A Remarkable Preacher Raised From the Shadows of Slavery by William E Hatcher, originally published 1908 Revised in 2025 by Scroll Reader.

John Jasper began as an uneducated slave, he learned to read which facilitated his desire to learn God’s word and preach it. His sharing the gospel began on the plantation and as his reputation increased the opportunities to share God’s word spread.  At the end of slavery, 1865, he continued preaching and the crowds grew. One of his most famous sermons was entitled “The Son Don’t Move”.

I liked this book and recommend it. My theological opinion of John Jasper is not solid because as a Pastor his doctrine is not solid but for his time his preaching was good. He, himself, admits that he was not formerly educated and the biographer reminds the reader that he accepted the Bible literally. 

What made this book enjoyable was my listening to the audio book, the narration brought the story to life.  https://youtu.be/pqwVqFuC2Ms?si=zf-26pVxoy831MD1  

It became clear to me that John Jasper was a fantastic story teller. He brought Scripture to life paraphrasing before paraphrasing was a thing. The author was able to share with the reader how the author stimulated laughter, tear, fear and other emotions when sharing the word of God.

Chapter 13 shares the story of a journalist who wrote about his experience attending one of John Jasper’s meetings. He too was caught up in the emotion of the event. Unfortunately, he was not a Christian going in and he was not a Christian leaving the venue. Which had me wondering, how many people attended those meetings for the “entertainment” value without having a true relationship with God? 

Was his ministry any different than some of today’s ministries? Emotional, entertaining, but not leading to salvation? At that time there were other churches people could have attended. 

John Jasper believed in God’s word with all of his heart and soul. What he preached he believed and his unique style was his style. He was a man of integrity and cared for God’s children. As his ministry grew and the church was able to pay him a salary, he initially refused. After much pressure he agreed to receive $62.50, even though the church wanted to pay him more. He said: 

““I get enough now, and I want no more. I’m not here to squeeze my people for all I can get,” he told them. He had enough to pay his taxes and buy what he needed, and he told them that any extra should go to help the Lord’s poor.”  (Chapter 8 Page 60)

I firmly believe John Jasper was very sincere when he spoke, and understood his own shortcomings. In his own words: “Brethren God never lies; He can’t lie. Men lie. I lie sometimes- I am very sorry to say it.” (Chapter 9 Page 70) According to the author, William E. Hatcher, he would challenge the listeners  to prove him wrong, using Scripture. There were, apparently, other Pastors that tried to tell him how he misunderstood the Scripture but he did not accept it, I suspect because all Scripture is not literal.

This book is not written, I don’t think, for the messages John Jasper spoke; it was written because John Jasper was a major influencer of faith among both Black and White individuals, this is what makes him unique and the book worth reading.

Witten by Marsha L Floyd
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

CAN THEY READ? This video is very disturbing

I am sad but not surprised.  
Please like and subscribe to the YouTube channel after you pray for America's children  - MARSHA

BOOK THOUGHTS: A SINGLE THREAD by Tracy Chevalier

 I purchased A SINGLE THREAD by Tracy Chevalier because I had purchased another with the exact same title, my intent was to read both books and then write a review making note of the differences, because of the title not the content. Unfortunately, I stopped reading this book and so instead of a book review this is a commentary as to what I will not to read.

A SINGLE THREAD is a historical fiction taking place in the 1930s. What interested me was the expectation, based on the  marketing, of a novel that was historical and discussed embroidery during that time. As I was reading about the cigarette smoking character moving out of her mother’s home and into her own place I was introduced to feminism. Yes, women who hand embroidered was mentioned but then the main character began remembering. Why is it important that I learn of her first sexual experience, not in-depth detail but enough to know she was being unashamedly promiscuous? I thought this is to much information for a historical fiction book. 

I am a prayer “warrior”, I use that term because many people are familiar with the term, though the process has been perverted; an intercessor. In any given period of time a thought may come to my mind which leads to me praying, talking to God, about something. The introduction of leaven into my mind becomes a hindrance.

Galatians 5:9 (KJV)   A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.

Words, and behaviors, that are not pleasing to God becomes a hindrance in my relationship with my heavenly Father. “It doesn’t take all that!” You are saying, for me it does. People who see me think I could be doing more with my gifts and talents, making big bucks; people who know me realize the things I do are impossible based on my income. I use leaven for baking bread not for entertainment or personal pleasures.

I stopped reading the bestselling author’s book because she inserted sexuality in novels where it was not really needed. Some words are page fillers, marketing strategies, and financially beneficial but God sees them as idle words.

Matthew 12:35-37 (KJV) 

35  A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. 

36  But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 

37  For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

I have to monitor the idle words I speak and those I accept from others. I do not recommend this book for the above mentioned reason. 

Written by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Philippians 4:8-9 (KJV) 

8  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 

9  Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

 

UNAPOLOGETIC  Clear Answers to Tough Bible Questions – A Trial Lawyers Guide to Winning People, Not Just Arguments, is the full title of a booklet, 80-ish pages, written by Daniel P. Buttafuoco.  I received this booklet as a gift and the title captured my curiosity. I excitedly began reading the book out of the predetermined  established reading list order.

NOTE: If you have never read any of my book reviews, please be aware my reviews are not like traditional reviews, they are my thoughts and  opinion (which most reviews are but presented as an intellectual teaching).  

This is a study style book. There are 12 chapters addressing various topics in which the author believes needs to be addressed for one to become a Christian. He includes Scripture references and recommends Scriptures to be read during the chapter discussion. Aat the end of each chapter are lines for writing the readers thoughts.  I followed this format to the best of my ability until I couldn’t.

The chapters: Costly Belief, Old Testament Relevance, Gospel “Contradictions”, The “Q” Source, Jesus, Manuscripts & Variants, Translations, The Bible, Gospel Reliability and, Debates and Options.  All very interesting titles, I followed the format until I reached chapter 6 “Jesus”, I continued reading but stopped making notes. Why?

As I have said often, I am not a theologian nor do I have a title; I am a person who writes and reads and study God’s word. Over the decades I have taken many classes on how to share the gospel and I have, over the decades, shared the gospel with many people.  There is nothing in this book that I will be using to continue doing what I do. 

When I am having a discussion with unbelievers, those who are weak in their faith and even those who believe in Jesus as Lord, this is not how I go about it and for the most part when such issues do arise regarding: who wrote the Bible, did Jesus really rise from the dead, it’s a “White” man’s religion, and so forth; nothing in this book really helps me to substantiate my faith. 

I, personally, begin with my testimony. Jesus said: “Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” (John 20:29  KJV). In addition, it is written:

Romans 1:16-19 (KJV) 

16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 

17  For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. 

18  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 

19  Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

I really believe, only the Spirit of God knows what that individual needs to hear in order to be a follower of Jeuss, we are vessels who need to be lead by the Spirit in order to minister wants us to say. We are not in a court room we are in the earth realm in which our words must line up with Scripture and not man’s law. 

The title of this book is UNAPOLOOGETIC, is this a play on apologetics? A way of defending the faith? At the end of the day the book can create more confusion than solutions. John 20:29 declares we are blessed based on what we believe not what we see, or in this case what we read. And Romans reveals that God will reveal to us what we need to know. 

Am I against theologians? No. I just do not believe that a person can “intellectualize” salvation. Although there are some great points in this book I just can’t recommend it. I have a pamphlet that is more effective that I give away entitled: STOP WHO DO YOU THINK I AM? Published by Grace To You (1991), it’s about 10 pages which is equivalent to maybe a page and half of 8 ½ by 11 inch paper, less images.  I can mail a few to my subscribers, while supplies last!  

Written by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

PRAYING SUCCESSFULLY by Charles Spurgeon

 

PRAYING SUCCESSFULLY by Charles Spurgeon is a foundational resource for those who want to pray effectively. For some the book will reinforce what he or she knows, for others it will give a different perspective of what prayer does and does not do. And that concludes my review.

Charles Spurgeon, 1834-1892, is a pioneer of faith. He preached in mega-churches before it was a thing. The difference between then and now? He preached the Word of God, he taught biblical truths. Charles Spurgeon taught the importance of faith in God’s word and obedience to it. 

This short book is an easy read but it is packed with thought inspiring words based on Scripture. The 5 chapters break down the different aspects and purpose for prayer in a way in which a layperson can appreciate and understand.  It, the book, also enlightens the reader as to why she, or he, has yet to receive an answer to prayer. 

I appreciate the perspective presented on various verses that I have used to model my personal prayers. It has, for me, confirmed that I was on the right path. This is important because not everyone prays “thy will be done’, some people pray “my will be done”. 

I highly recommend you take the time to read the 158 pages of PRAYING SUCCESSFULLY.

WRITTEN by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Friday, January 30, 2026 1:49:04 PM

THE QUILTER'S HOMECOMING by Jennifer Chiaverini

 I am writing this though I am only half way through the book because it has taken me a while to actually get into THE QUILTER’S HOMECOMING by Jennifer Chiaverini and I just reached the point in which I am looking forward to the next page. There seems to be two unique narrative occurring with people I know from previous individuals in the series and people I don’t know, it took me a while to adjust to the way the plot was being revealed. 

The story unfolds around 1920 with Elizabeth and Henry, characters I am familiar with from the Elm Street Quilt series, preparing  to move west but then the story goes back in time, around the 1870’s, and I am introduced to Isabel and her grandparents. As the storyline regarding Isabel moves progresses in time Isabel does not know Elizabeth thus Iknow they have to meet but not yet.

And, I don’t like Elizabeth, the main character. Why? Her personality, based on what I read in the series, is not meeting my opinion. 

I am two-thirds of the way through the book and things are starting to come together, I still am not fond of Elizabeth. But a character that was introduced at the beginning of the book is now in the picture. She was interesting then, let’s see what happens now? This is not our standard Elm Creek Quilting story line, for sure.

Midway through the book I wanted to learn more about Isabel and was guessing how Rosa would fit into the plot. I began to accept Elizabeth as a necessary ‘evil’, to be fair she was not a bad person. The good news: things were starting to make sense. 

It was around two-thirds of the way in the book that I realized what my problem was. This was not  traditional  Elm Street Manor novel, it was about someone who left Elm Street Manor. TOf course the lifestyle and people would be different, this is why this book is good and why Jennifer Chiaverini is such a phenomenal writer. Fromm the moment I started reading I knew I had to finish the story, I was not disappointed in the end

The book reads like a mystery that, but it is not a mystery, you may solve the who, what, and why. But in the back of your mind you may be wondering: WHEN? When is Elizabeth going home? After all the book is called:  THE QUILTER’S HOMECOMING? Elizabeth makes quilts and Henry said she was going home. I finally got it on page 309, the last page! The book is like a jigsaw puzzle, it is not really finished until you put the last piece in, it is that last piece that helps you see that the homecoming.  Yes, I recommend this book. You will like Elizabeth. 

FOOTNOTE: As in with many of her books the author takes on an issue that affects women. This book addresses abuse.

Written by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

MORNING AND EVENING by CHARLES SPURGEON

 

I purchased MORNING AND EVENING by Charles Spurgeon for two reasons: I am reading books and listening to audio teachings by him and, I like the idea of morning and evening prayers. I was able to purchase this hard cover copy, 3rd printing published in1992, for about $5 from my favorite bookstore: Thriftbooks. 

I really thought the book was a collection of prayers, it is not, it is a collection of reflections / devotionals. The difference between these words of wisdom and others, I have quite a few, they are not as simplistic as many of the modern day books are, which are often given as gifts. 

I do like the collection, I have gone over a few of the  days both morning and evening, I subsequently  downloaded the FREE audio version, which is in 5 parts, via YouTube @Liborvox Audiobooks. If you like daily devotionals I would suggest you purchase this book, if you can get a copy, I think there is a revised version.

The reason why I am switching to the audiobook is because I don’t want to add more to my morning and evening routine than what I have. I will not be able to consistently read the reflections in the morning and evening but, I will, probably, be able to listen to them twice a day. I will have the book if I hear something that I feel compelled to read and make notes about.

Currently I am reading Praying Successfully by Charles Spurgeon. I am really interested in the writings of Charles Spurgeon and though neither book was on my reading list, he is worth the read.

Written by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

 

LETTERS OF A WOMAN HOMESTEADER by Elinore Pruitt Stewart

 

LETTERS OF A WOMAN HOMESTEADER by Elinore Pruitt Stewart (1876-1933) is a historical in it’s significance biographical collection of letters originally published in 1914; it is one of the first audio books I listened to. I have since listened to it at least three times in the past 2 years. The letters were originally  printed in the Atlantic monthly, 1914. 

 The letters date from April 1909 to November 1913, a time when railroad travel was not as comfortable as it is today and there were no 2026 motel or hotels to stay in if there was a layover. Upon arrival at your destination you will not look forward to an air conditioned or central heated home, there may be a tub but there is not a spigot to allow the hot water to fill it.  Life in the early 1900’s was harsh, moving to the west was not an opportunity to live a ‘better’ life. This author had made arrangements to work for a man as a housekeeper upon her arrival, even though she brought a young child with her.. 

My interest in the book began quickly and continued to the end book. There are so many tales; so many amusing, heart wrenching, gut gripping, or funny stories found in these letters that I don’t know where to begin to help you understand how interesting this book is.  there is even romance! This book is why I love historical fiction.

The story is inspirational and demonstrates how a strong independent woman can maintain her femininity and fulfill her dreams. It also reveals how hard work and determination is the key to true success. I cannot tell you how much I love this book, and as an audio it was perfect. I suggest you grab a cup of tea, sit in your comfy chair and do some needle work, sew, knit, crochet, or even spin,  while you listen to this enjoyable story: LETTERS OF A WOMAN HOMESTEADER by Elinore Pruitt Stewart. 

The print version of this book is available for free thanks to Project Gutenberg, see link below. Even though I listened to the audio on YouTube and Audible, I plan to purchase the print copy. The good news is you can download it for FREE! (see link below)  es! I recommend this book.

Written by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

FREE PRINT COPY: PROJECT GUTENBERG

FREE AUDIO: YOUTUBE