Books You Have to Read!

So I have read a couple of great books this past week and thought I would share with you all.

The first was The Thorn by Beverly Lewis. Beverly Lewis writes fiction books based on the Amish people. She has spent a lot of time around this type of lifestyle and writes stories that are based on real places and are very true to the Amish customs and ways. I have read three entire trilogy sets of her books (which I will also list) previously, and just this past week read the first of her newest, The Rose Trilogy. The Thorn was a really great and captivating book (I read it in only 3 days). This book is great for teen girls and women.

The other trilogies I have read by Beverly Lewis are:

• Annie's People
• The Courtship of Nellie Fisher
• The Heritage of Lancaster County

Although those are the only full sets I have read, I would recommend ALL of Beverly Lewis' books based on my reading experience with the others.

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**Best Book of the Week Award**

The second book for the week was Unlocked by Karen Kingsbury. This is truly the very best book I've read in a long time. From the first chapter I was hooked. I honestly could hardly put it down. Holden Harris is an autistic eighteen-year-old who is bullied at school. Ella Reynolds is part of the 'in' crowd—a cheerleader and star of the high school drama production who befriends Holden but has problems of her own at home. In her trademark way, Kingsbury tackles real-life issues of high school bullying, autism, suicide, and ultimately ... acceptance. The book goes through the journey of watching Holden, a completely non-communicative autistic, be unlocked from the bounds of his autism. It goes back and forth between the way his family and the people at school view things and what is going on in Holden's own little world.

I spent only two days reading this book ... I honestly could not put it down. This shows how important it is to look past the outer appearance of a person and see them for who they really are. I went from one chapter to the next excited and then crying ... sometimes out of sadness, but more often - happiness.

This book would be wonderful for any teen or adult, it really tackles a lot of issues.

$10 Tote

I was at Wal-Mart the other day looking for some fabric to work on a little project when I found little packs of fabric. They were really cute patterns, and included two 1-yard pieces that complimented each other. The pack was only $10!

So, I set out to start a little project. I decided to make myself a little tote bag. It turned out pretty cute (and sturdy) so I thought I'd share. (sorry the pictures were taken very quickly and are kinda bland)

I put the shoes by the bag in the picture for size comparison.

I made the straps with the same fabric as the lining of the bag, and I used my favorite decorative stitch on my new machine to secure it in place. I also put pockets on both sides of the inside of the bag (these are great for my phone and keys).

If you would like any tips on how to make your $10 tote just comment on the post and let me know!