Monday Funday #26...St. Patrick's Day And A Free Book... Review

Happy Monday everyone!  I've been busy working on baby goodies for my new nephew, more on that another day.  He is due to be here any time now.  Boo is excited because his b-day is the 19th and that is the due date for Owen.  I did get some reading done this last week and wanted to share the book with you. If you click on the picture or title it will take you to Amazon to download a free copy. There is also another link for Barnes and Noble below.

The books is title Toward A New Beginning...Book One of the Arkansas Valley Series by: R. William Rogers.


This book is  the 2003 Christy Award Winner for "Excellence In Christian Fiction."

Although Sam Bartlett enjoyed a successful horse-supplying business in Independence, Missouri, he was none-the-less envious of the hundreds of folks who passed through on their way west.  Unable to stand it any longer, he convinces his wife, Judith, to pull up stakes, pack up their three-year-old-son, Tom, and accompany him on a journey that turns out to be much more than either of them could have imagined. The trek quickly develops into one of extreme hardship and survival that is further complicated by: dangerous weather, raging river crossings, unique personalities in the  wagons, hostile Indian attacks, hunger, water shortage, vengeance, courage, romance and biblical principles. The determined traveler's ability to effectively defend themselves is pushed to the very limits as One Eye's marauding warriors harass and attack them repeatedly, with devastating results. With four of the trains beloved children having been taken captive, the inner strength of the beleaguered pioneers is sorely tested and a handful of men set out to recover the children. After valiant attempts to rescue their children fail miserable, they are forced to return empty-handed.  Against all that is held sacred, the members of the wagon trail are forced to leave them behind while they do their best to evade the heathens and continue their struggle for survival with barely enough water left to keep the animals going.  With all hope of ever seeing their children again now gone, it is the valor and ingenuity of the beautiful Comanche woman, Birdsong, that is yet to be heard from.

I love readying historical fiction. Especially the stories about the pioneers traveling west and settling new areas.  I also love books that are set in the state or area that I am from. This book started out a little slow but after the first chapter it was great.  These poor people go through a lot in this book. They have to deal with Indians of more than one tribe, weather, and down right mean wagon train members. They are strong though and fight hard to make it to their new homes.  Reading these types of books makes you realize just how easy we have it now.  It is the first in a series and there are quite a few more of them that I plan on getting to read next. If you would like to read it you can get it for free from Amazon.com. Just click on the picture or book title above to go there and download it.  It is also available for free from Barnes and Noble and I'm sure other book retailers too.

Now for some St.Patrick's Day goodies.

St.Patrick's Day Rainbow Treat and Free Printables 


Lucky Rainbow Jello


Melted Crayon Rainbow


St. Patrick's Day Gifts


St.Patrick's Day Apothecary Jars


Shamrock Barrette


Printable Banner for St. Patrick's Day


Rainbow Cupcakes


Leprechaun Trap


Storybook Felts My Little Leprechaun Play Set ($)

So many rainbows and so much yumminess!! I think we will try to rainbow cake idea for Boo's birthday.  Hope you enjoyed all of these lovelies.  Now go make some of that jello up there.  You know you want to.  Link up your goodies below.