The Saturday Six

One.

I really should ask you all for information more often than I do! Today my first item comes to you in the form of a question, because I'm curious to see if any of you have used this (or a similar) website. I was looking at one of my friends' Instagram profiles the other day, and she linked to a gift registry for her new baby. The registry allowed her to link items from anywhere on the web, so she had everything from restaurant gift cards to baby clothes to essential oils on there. I know there are more general gift wish list sites that allow a similar thing, but I've never used any of them. I did a little hunting and was intrigued by Checked Twice. Anyone used them? Liked them? Didn't like them? Preferred another site? Tell me what you've tried - if you have!

Two.

If you're a parent, you should probably read KariAnne's post about showing up to parent. But even if you're not a parent, you should probably read the post, because the truth is, we all need to show up for whatever our life asks of us. Show up for work (like really show up for work, not just clock in), show up for your marriage, show up for your friends, show up for your commitments. Just. Show. Up.

Three.

I've read many times that baskets make great buys at thrift stores and garage sales, because you can usually get them at a very low cost compared to what you'd pay for something new. But what do you do with them from there? This post has some tips on cleaning and painting such baskets so they look brand new and full of life. (I never would have thought of stripes!)

Four.

If you're a sucker for beautiful home libraries, you're going to want to see these. Warning: some have ladders. And also: library in a bathroom? INTRIGUING!

Five.

I mentioned yesterday that I've been watching a writing conference online this week. I don't know how many of you out there reading are also writers, but if you are, I have to say this one is very impressive. The whole thing is online and can be done for free. (There is an option to buy an upgraded package that gives you lifetime access to the workshops and some other bonuses as well, but I'm just doing the free version.) I've watched 15 of the 25 sessions and have taken about 10 pages of notes (typed, single spaced). So many presenters, topics, and a VAST wealth of knowledge. I'm impressed by the quality and quantity of material. We didn't have it in our budget for me to travel to a conference this year, so this has been a beautiful blessing and (in my opinion) a worthy investment of my time. Check it out if you're a writer!

Six.

A little over a year ago, I first learned of and read a book by Michelle Griep. It was a Christmas novel called 12 Days at Bleakly Manor and I really enjoyed it. It was a very different kind of setting for me, and I appreciated a captivating option that deviated from my normal fiction options.

So when I saw Michelle had another new book coming out, I decided to give it a try. Ladies of Intrigue just released, and it gave me yet a different spin from my typical fiction reads. This book is actually three stories in one! There are three very different novella-length stories encased in one 282-page book.

Given our current season of life-craziness, this was actually a blessing, because it allowed me to soak up an entire story in a short amount of time and then do it all over again in the next snippet of time. It was perfect for taking with me to Ryan's mom's house when we had our shifts of caring for her.

Each story was set in the 1800s, but each one took place in a different section of that century and also in very different places in the world.

The first story, The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady, is set on the Cornish Coast in 1815. After working abroad as a governess, Helen Fletcher is heading home to England to care for her dying father. Money is scarce, so she manages to find passage on a cargo ship with a kindhearted and compassionate captain. But upon arrival in England, the ship is overtaken by thieves. Though Helen and the crew escape uninjured, she finds later finds herself face to face with the ringleader of the thieves, who seems an entirely different human being in his everyday life.

Story #2, The Doctor's Woman, takes place in Dakota Territory in 1862. Emmy Nelson has just said goodbye to her father, a highly respected doctor. Though she hasn't received formal medical training, a lifetime of working side by side with her father has given her tremendous knowledge and skill. She finds herself brought to Fort Snelling during the Dakota Uprising to help until the Fort's new doctor arrives. When Dr. Clark shows up, he has a personality that doesn't seem to mesh well with Emmy's. But with the need greater than the staff, they have to figure out a way to make working together...work.

And the final story, A House of Secrets (St. Paul, Minnesota in 1890), tells the tale of Amanda Carston, the Ladies' Aide Chairwoman, who is also engaged to be married. Amanda's firm goal is to clean up some of the dilapidated housing in the city, and her first choice is a reportedly haunted house. She has no idea her soon-to-be husband actually owns the house, and she certainly doesn't know why.

I'm always intrigued by authors who can so skillfully write about such widely different places and times. Michelle does this very well, and I didn't feel jolted as I moved from one location and time period to the next.

Who should read this book: If you like stories set in the 1800 time period that aren't just traditional prairie romance, this book is a good choice for you! If your time (like mine) is extra short right now, three small books in one could be a great answer to your time crunch! If you like to travel to a variety of places (within the pages of books) this one will take you a little bit of everywhere!

* I received this book at no cost from Barbour Publishing. All opinions are my own. *