Picnics are just the essence of spring, aren’t they? Spring was made for catching butterflies….Spring was made for picnics on a quilt, basking in the warmth of the sunshine….Spring was made for lazy days in the sun….Spring was made for spending time with the ones you love….

Check out some great posts from around the blogosphere.

If you’re crafty, be sure to take advantage of these Crafty Coupons at Dealusional.

Tiny Twist Creative has a very cute idea for Watercolor Envelopes. I have a feeling we’ll be trying this; Jacob loves to write letters to his Grammies and Pappies.

Courtney from Women Living Well is having a Giveaway- 3 Copies of Intimate Issues: 21 Questions Christian Women Have.

Passionate Homemaking has a wonderful post you won’t want to miss….Reaching Out to the World from Your Doorstep. Also be sure to read Simple Hospitality Meals while there.

Finally, Homesteader’s Heart shows us how to make the cutest ever Magnetic Menu Board. Love it!

Ok, now it’s your turn to link up your giveaways! Have a wonderful week!

If you’re looking for a novel that has mystery, intrigue, political ties within the story, and suspense, you might as well take the thrilling ride along with Jeanette Windle in The DMZ. This book is set mostly in the jungles of Colombia, in the midst of guerrilla territory, territory known as the DMZ, or demilitarized zone.

The story begins in the Middle East, as America has attacked a nation with whom they had an agreement. The story spirals into a frenzy of political/international suspense, and the reader is along for the ride. Deep within the jungles of Colombia lies the weapon of use in the plot for revenge.

Julie Baker is the main character in this story, although other characters weave in and out of the story. Julie’s parents were missionaries in Colombia, but they died awhile go, leaving Julie with no closure, only questions. Julie has two main reasons for wanting to cover the story of three murders in Colombia, of course to cover such a high-profile story, but also to uncover the answers to the questions she’s asked for so long, concerning the deaths of her parents. Though the military action/adventure starts from the very beginning of this book, the real adventure lies with Julie, as she is kidnapped by guerrillas, uncovering and possibly putting a stop to a dangerous plan.

You can purchase The DMZ for $13.25 on Amazon. I have to admit that I got more into the story, once Julie was introduced, though the beginning of the book was no less exciting. The story does include much war violence, and I have to say the author really does a wonderful job of painting a picture/movie of all of the action taking place within this story. Her words give clear and accurate pictures. I also want to mention that she has extensive experience in this setting, as her parents were missionaries, and she grew up in different parts of Colombia, all of which are now “hot zones for the guerrillas.” I definitely recommend this book as a very interesting, exciting, action-packed book that both men and women can enjoy.

The DMZ

More than a decade after the end of the cold war has chilled the Marxist rebel movements around the world, one hot spot remains: Colombia. Why a democratic country with a growing economy should still feel the brushfires of a civil war is a mystery to U.S. analysts, but not to certain parties on the other side of the world.

The inexplicable loss of three major U.S. assets draws the attention of the world to the Colombian demilitarized zone. Are the local Colombian rebels responsible? Or is a deadly Middle Eastern secret cloaked by the jungle canopy of the DMZ?

Among the contingent of politicians and media headed for the DMZ seeking answers is reporter Julie Baker, whose parents had been missionaries in Colombia. Old hurts and terrors surge as she revisits the place of her birth… and her parents’ deaths. When Julie’s own abduction by guerrillas triggers a time bomb that has been ticking under the feet of the U.S. for a decade, she is left with more questions than answers.

Meet Jeanette Windle:Jeanette Windle

As the child of missionary parents, Windle, an award-winning author and journalist, grew up in the rural villages, jungles, and mountains of Colombia, now guerrilla hot zones. Currently based in Lancaster, PA, Windle has lived in six countries and traveled in more than thirty on five continents. She has fifteen books in print, including political/suspense best-seller CrossFire, The Parker Twins series and Tyndale House Publishers releases: Betrayed, Veiled Freedom, and Freedom’s Stand.

(Disclosure: I received a copy of this book, free of charge, from Litfuse Publicity Group/Kregel Publications, for the purposes of this review. All views/opinions remain solely my own.)

This week, with Easter approaching, just wanted to share a few Easter-related posts, including crafts and recipes. Have a wonderful holiday, and remember the reason for this wonderful celebration at hand.

Ok, so I know that voting contests get old, but I HAVE to insert a plug for my friend, Keonte’, from Mommy 2K. She’s going for a position with Hopscout and really needs your votes.:) Her video is so worth checking out.

Tonya, from Create-Celebrate-Explore has the cutest set of Easter Checkers.

Mom Spark has a very yummy looking Easter Dessert recipe for Lemon Gooey Bars.

The Crafty Crow has 12 Easter Crafts!

The Inspired Room has a lovely post, Easter Ideas {The Cutest Peep Project Ever}.

Now it’s time to link up your giveaways! Have a wonderful week!