Rules of Murder

Rules of Murder by Julianna Deering Summary:  Introducing Drew Farthing. From the tip of his black homburg to the crease in his cheviot trousers, he’s the epitome of a stylish 1930s English gentleman. His only problem? The body he just discovered. Drew Farthering loves a good mystery, although he generally expects to find it in the pages of a novel, not on the grounds of his country estate. With the help of beautiful and whip-smart Madeline Parker, a guest from America, Drew proposes to use the lessons he’s learned reading his mysteries to solve the crime. Before long, he realizes this is no lark, and no one at Farthering Place is who he or she appears to be — not the butler nor blackmailer, the chauffeur nor embezzler. Trying hard to remain one step ahead of the killer — and trying harder to impress Madeline — Drew must decide how far to take this dangerous game. Angie’s comments: The mystery is excellent and the ending surprised me. Drew is an engaging character. Unfortunately, Madeline Parker is under-used in the mystery plot.  The (gentle) romance subplot is an unnecessary add-on. There is also a Christian theme running throughout the book. Read for the mystery, not for the romance. Recommended for readers of cozy historical mysteries who are comfortable with a Christian theme.  Request this item Request this item in large print Request this item in audio

Grace, Not Perfection

Grace, Not Perfection: Embracing Simplicity, Celebrating Joy by Emily Ley Summary: I will hold myself to a standard of grace, not perfection. As a busy wife, new mother, business owner, and designer, Emily Ley came to a point when she suddenly realized she couldn’t do it all. She needed to simplify her life, organize her days, and prioritize the priorities. She decided to hold herself to a standard of grace rather than perfection. This mantra led to the creation of her bestselling Simplified Planner®, a favorite among busy women everywhere—from mamas to executives and everywhere in between. Grace, Not Perfection takes this message from a daily planner to an inspirational book that encourages women to simplify and prioritize. Designed with Emily Ley’s signature aesthetic, this book gives women tangible ways to simplify their lives to give space to what matters most. With a focus on faith, Emily reminds readers that God abundantly pours out grace on us—and that surely we can extend grace to ourselves. Have you been told you can have it all, only to end up exhausted and occasionally out of sorts with the people you love? Are you ready for a new way of seeing your time? Learn to live a little more simply. Hold yourself and those you love to a more life-giving standard in Grace Not Perfection,and allow that grace to seep into your days, your family, and your heart. Ideas include: ·         List Making 101—tips to create effective to-do lists and get through them one step at a time ·         Simplify your life by simplifying the three major areas: your space, your time, and your mind ·         Strategies to center your day around an intentionally slower rhythm of life Reader’s comments: This is a great book for people who can’t afford Emily Ley’s planners. There are a lot of good ideas in making your life more meaningful and happier without adding too much.  There is a religious aspect, but it is not overwhelming. Recommended for anyone who wants to slow down.  Request this item