Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Book Review - "A Promise To Protect"

Patricia Bradley has done it again with "A Promise To Promise!"  She has created a story that is fast-paced, exciting and a sweet love story all tied up in one book!
"A Promise To Protect" is the second book in Patricia's Logan Point series and I highly recommend book 1 as well if you have not gotten the chance to read that yet. 
Leigh is trying to protect her heart and secrets; but this increasingly becomes difficult when Ben once again is involved in her life when she finds out she is in danger.  Leigh's brother is murdered and this is not a single incident or end of a nightmare for Leigh, it is merely just the beginning.  As Leigh finds herself in danger, she is forced to relinquish some control in her life, including on her heart and her secrets. 
This is an excellent romantic suspense novel and I highly recommend it!  However, be prepared to not want to stop reading once you start as it will be difficult to put down until you read the end!


*Thanks to the Revell Reads Program for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*

THE PROMISE Kindle HDX Giveaway from Beth Wiseman!


The Promise Beth Wiseman
In a daring new novel, Beth Wiseman jumps way outside the box. The Promise will take readers far away from Amish country and small Texas towns to a dangerous place on the other side of the world. Inspired by actual events, this is the book Beth has been working toward for a long time.

promise-400
Curious? Click here to read the reviews, and be sure to enter Beth's Kindle HDX giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire HDX
  • The Promise by Beth Wiseman
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 9th. Winner will be announced November 10th here.
promise-enterbanner

About the book: 
Mallory's search for happiness leads her to a faraway place. There she finds heartache, betrayal---and danger.
Mallory Hammond is determined that no one will stand in the way of her goal---to save a life. She had that chance years ago, and she failed to take it, leaving her adrift and in search of the real meaning of her life. Finally, she meets a man online from a volatile corner of the world who offers her the chance to find that purpose. But she will have to leave everyone she loves behind in order to take it.
Tate Webber has loved Mallory for many years. He understands that Mallory will never be happy with him until her deepest heart's desire is satisfied. When Mallory decides to travel across the world to fulfill her dreams, Tate begs her not to go but tries to give her the space she needs. Mallory embarks on her dangerous journey only to discover how swiftly and easily promises can be broken. And Mallory can only pray that she will make it out alive.
Inspired by actual events, The Promise is a riveting love story that asks the question: how far will we go for love?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/CP8sr 

About the author: 

Beth Wiseman is the best-selling author of the Daughters of the Promise series and the Land of Canaan series. Having sold over 1.3 million books, her novels have held spots on multiple Bestseller lists. She was the recipient of the prestigious Carol Award in 2011 and 2013. In 2013 she took home the coveted Holt Medallion. Her first book in the Land of Canaan series--Seek Me With All Your Heart--was selected as the 2011 Women of Faith Book of the Year. Beth lives in Texas with her family.

Find Beth online: website, Facebook, Twitter

My Review:

I have read Beth Wiseman's Amish novels and was very intrigued to read "The Promise" by her as it is a different genre for her.  Once I picked up this book and began to read, I was hooked on the story and decided that Beth can write any kind of fiction, as she has a style of writing that is so easy to get into and follow and she has the ability to draw the reader into the story so completely that it feels as if you truly are a part of it.  Mallory is a character whom I immediately liked; she is on a journey and has the end in sight, but it is not without trials and you will be hoping that she and Tate find their ways.  This is a gripping and emotional story that is filled with danger and love; this is one not to miss out on!

To read other reviews included on this blog tour, go here!

*Thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group for including me on this blog tour and for the complimentary copy of this book.*


Tuesday, October 28, 2014

New Regency from Sarah E. Ladd AND a Kindle HDX giveaway!


Sarah E Ladd A Lady of Willowgrove Hall
Award-winning author Sarah E. Ladd examines how to escape the clutches of a tainted past in the final installment of her Whispers on the Moor series. A Regency-era novel, A Lady at Willowgrove Hall cleverly shows that even though our pasts may be shameful or painful, God can take the darkest personal histories and turn them into the brightest futures.

ladywillowgrove-400-click
Celebrate with Sarah by entering her Kindle HDX giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire HDX
  • A Lady at Willowgrove Hall by Sarah E. Ladd
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 2nd. Winner will be announced November 3rd here.
ladywillowgrove-enterbanner

About the book: 

Her secret cloaks her in isolation and loneliness.
His secret traps him in a life that is not his own.
Cecily Faire carries the shame of her past wherever she treads, knowing one slip of the tongue could strip away everything she holds dear. But soon after accepting the position of lady's companion at Willowgrove Hall, Cecily finds herself face-to-face with a man well-acquainted with the past she's desperately hidden for years.
Nathaniel Stanton has a secret of his own --- one that has haunted him from birth and tied him to his father's position as steward of Willowgrove. To protect his family, Nathaniel dares not breath a word of the truth. But as long as the shadow looms over him, he'll never be free to find his own way in the world. He'll never be free to fall in love.
When the secrets swirling within Willowgrove Hall come to light, Cecily and Nathaniel must confront a painful choice: Will they continue running from the past . . . or will they stand together and build a future without the suffocating weight of secrets long suffered?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/CsnBw

About the author: 

Sarah E. Ladd has more than ten years of marketing experience. She is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing. The Heiress of Winterwood was the recipient of the 2011 Genesis Award for historical romance. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing husband, sweet daughter, and spunky Golden Retriever.

Find Sarah online: website, Facebook, Twitter


My Review:
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series by Sarah; however I thought this latest book, "A Lady at Willowgrove Hall," was the best in the trilogy!  Sarah does an incredible job of setting the scene and bringing this time period to life.  I loved being transported back to the Regency Era and spending time there with Cecily and Nathaniel.  There is suspense, romance and historical details that all tie together in this story and I found myself completely engrossed in this book and in the characters' lives. There is such a beautiful message of forgiveness and moving on from one's past included in this story as well.  I highly recommend this book and series for historical romance readers!

To read other reviews included on this blog tour, go here!

*Thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group for including me on this blog tour and for the complimentary copy of this book.*

Sunday, October 26, 2014

"Sunday Suppers"

Karen Mordechai has created a beautiful cookbook, "Sunday Suppers," and this is one that will be looked through and used over and over again.
This book is divided into 4 sections - morning, noon, afternoon and evening as far as menu and recipe types.  Each of these sections is further divided by the type of meal.  For example, the morning section has four menus, one for a meal in bed, and one for a winter brunch to name two of the four.  There are beautiful pictures interspersed with the recipes as well as little tidbits about the recipes shared. 
"Sunday Suppers" is the perfect addition for those whom would like to have some fresh ideas for creating fabulous meals.  There is a nice variety of recipes and I am looking forward to making many of these. 


For more information about this book, go here!


 "I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

Kindle HDX Giveaway and Facebook Author Party with Judith Miller!


Judith Miller The Brickmaker's Bride
Don't miss Judith Miller's latest novel, The Brickmaker's Bride. CBA Retailers + Resources raves, ". . . a wonderful story about faith and love throughout life’s trials."

Judith is celebrating with a Kindle HDX giveaway and  a "Refined by Love" Facebook author event on November 4th.
brickmaker-400
 One winner will receive:
  • A Kindle HDX
  • The Brickmaker's Bride by Judith Miller
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 4th. Winner will be announced at the Refined by Love Facebook Author Event. Connect with Judith for a fascinating evening centered around her new Civil War-era series. She'll be hosting a book club discussion, giving away prizes, answering your questions, offering an exclusive peek at the next book in the Refined by Love series, and much more!

So grab your copy of The Brickmaker's Bride and join Judith and friends on the evening of November 4th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)
brickmaker-enterbanner

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 4th!


About the book: 

Bestselling Author Judith Miller Debuts Historical Series Set in West Virginia
Yearning for a fresh start, Ewan McKay travels with his aunt and uncle from northern Scotland to West Virginia, promising to trade his skills in the clay business for financial assistance from his uncle Hugh. Hugh purchases a brickmaking operation from a Civil War widow and her daughter, but it's Ewan who gets the business up and running again. Ewan seeks help from Laura, the former owner's daughter, and he feels a connection with her, but she's being courted by another man---a lawyer with far more social clout and money than Ewan. Besides, Ewan has resolved he'll focus on making the brickmaking operation enough of a success that he can become a partner in the business and be able to afford to bring his sisters over from Scotland.
But when Hugh signs a bad business deal, all Ewan's hard work may come to naught. As his plans begin to crumble, Laura reveals something surprising. She and her mother may have a way to save the brickworks, and in turn Ewan may have another shot at winning Laura's heart.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/CAurf 

About the author: 

Judith Miller is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her bestselling novels. When time permits, Judy enjoys traveling, visiting historical settings, and scrapbooking the photographs from her travel expeditions. She makes her home in Topeka, Kansas.

Find Judith online: website, Facebook, Twitter




My Review:

"The Brickmaker's Bride" is book 1 in Judith Miller's Refined By Love series and I thought this to be an excellent story to begin this series.  I loved how I was completely drawn into the book so completely on the first page; so much is learned about Laura and her life right away and so much is hinted at as to what is to come in the story.  Laura is dealing with the memories of home and her father whom never returned home from the war and is being courted by a seemingly perfect man.  However, Ewan arrives as he is supposed to take over and run the business that was formerly run by Laura's father.  Ever since Laura was little she loved to spend time with her father and help him in the brickyard and with the business, so Ewan seeks help from Laura and she finds things tilting in her world once more.  The historical setting is so well created  and brought to life in this story as well as are the characters.  I really loved this book and am looking forward to book #2 in this series!

To read other reviews included on this blog tour, go here!

*Thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group for including me on this blog tour and for the complimentary copy of this book.*

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Book Review - "Stolen"

"Stolen: the true story of a sex trafficking survivor," by Katariina Rosenblatt, PhD with Cecil Murphey, is a powerful and emotional read.
Katariina is a young teenage girl whom has very low self-esteem and does not receive the love and care at home that children need.  When she is befriended she thinks she is finally getting the attention and care that she seeks; however things do not go as planned.  This shares her journey and surviving sex trafficking.  While many children do not experience things just like this, there are so many children whom are merely surviving each day and not being nurtured and loved and supported in the ways that are so necessary for healthy development and growth.  I highly recommend this book as it will open your eyes to the harsh reality that is everyday life for so many children.


*Thanks to the Revell Reads Program for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*

"The Woman Code"

"The Woman Code: 20 Powerful Keys to Unlock Your Life," written by Sophia A. Nelson, is a guidebook to help each woman live a more fulfilling life for herself.
Each of us lives according to a code whether she really realizes it or not in all areas of life.  When something is off kilter in the code, she can feel unsettled and not really fulfilled.  Sophia addresses 20 codes, each being in one of five areas: personal, emotional, spiritual, professional and relational.
This book is easy to get into and read as Sophia writes in a style that is easy to read.  Each chapter addresses a specific key and there are bulleted lists, charts and key words shared.  There are also quotes included as well which I think are a great addition to the chapters as well.  This is a great book that I encourage every woman to read.


*Thanks to the Revell Reads Program for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*

"The Duck Commander Faith and Family Bible"

Book Description from the publishers:

The stars of the hit TV show Duck Dynasty are committed to upholding five core values both on and off the screen: faith, family, fellowship, forgiveness, and freedom.
The Duck Commander® Faith and Family Bible features new stories and testimonials by Phil, the Robertson family patriarch, and his son Al, a pastor with more than 22 years of experience. Together they offer fresh wisdom on biblical values and how everyday people can apply them to their lives.
Powered by relentless dedication to sharing the gospel and celebrating Christ’s kingdom, the Robertson family has become influential to contemporary evangelism and discipleship. The Duck Commander® Faith and Family Bible unleashes the power of their practical insight into critical faith issues, founded on God’s Word.
Features include:
  • Full text of the New King James Version Bible
  • A personal welcome note from Phil and Al Robertson
  • 125 articles on the top 24 most-searched topics on BibleGateway
  • Life application and scripture references supplement each article
  • 30 days of life-changing testimonials
  • Topical index and reading plans
My Review:
This Bible would make an excellent gift for any Duck Dynasty fan on your Christmas list this year! The Robertson family live their beliefs in their everyday life on and off the screen and they have been ones whom have received both positive and negative attention for their values.  However, that does not keep them from staying true to God and their Christian faith.  This being said, they are inspiring to each of us and now in this Bible their thoughts and stories are shared throughout alongside the Biblical text. This is a beautiful hardcover edition that outdoorsmen will enjoy.


*Thanks to the BookLook Bloggers Program for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*

Monday, October 20, 2014

Kara Tippetts’ THE HARDEST PEACE Blogger Challenge & Giveaway! Share Your #HardestPeace Story.


kara tippets the hardest peace
Kara Tippetts' brave and touching book, The Hardest Peace is launching with a blogger challenge. Celebrate with Kara by joining the #HardestPeace conversation and share how you are finding grace in the midst of the everyday and in life's hard moments.
The Hardest Peace, Kara Tippetts

Share your stories of everyday grace in the midst of life’s difficulties and enter to win a #HardestPeace prize pack:

  • A book club pack (10 copies of The Hardest Peace for you and your small group!)
  • A handcrafted candle
  • Journal
  • Custom Etsy The Hardest Peace print and coffee mug
To enter to win, simply blog about your #HardestPeace story and then submit the link to your post via the link-up (or see link in the Rafflecopter below). Plus stop by others’ stories to leave encouragement and offer prayers as we all travel the journey of life together and discover that the hardest peace is often the most fulfilling peace. Then follow Kara online (via the Rafflcopter) for additional entries into the giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


  About the book: 

A young mother battling cancer invites readers to embrace grace in every season of life.
Kara Tippetts knows the mundane but rich days of mothering four kids, the joy of watching her children grow. and the devastating reality of stage-four cancer.
In The Hardest Peace, she invites readers to see the grace of the everyday in all seasons of life and to live well even when the living is hard. As the thousands of readers of her blog know, Tippetts explores the hardest questions of life with rare beauty and honesty. Most of all, she draws them back to the God who is present, in the ordinary and the suffering, and shapes every life into the best story of all.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/Cgo5s

About the Author: 

Kara Tippetts and her husband, Jason, have four children and lead a church in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Cancer is only part of Kara's story. Her real fight is to truly live while facing a crushing reality. 


Find Kara online: website, Facebook, Twitter





Kara Tippetts shares her heart and her struggles in her book, "The Hardest Peace," and this is a heart-wrenching and so inspiring read. Kara's goal is not to seek out sympathy and "win" having the hardest life, but she wants to help and encourage others in finding peace. Life can be so challenging and there are moments in our lives that can make us question God and our faith can be tested.  I am blessed with two beautiful children whom I enjoy raising and they make me smile and bring so much joy to my life.  A little over two years ago I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease and at this time I was questioning why this happened to me.  I have been healthy my whole life, rarely being sick at all and then when I was pregnant with my son, I was very anemic and having an emergency C-section did not help that either.  For the next two years no one could figure out why I was struggling with anemia until it became so bad I was hospitalized and needed two blood transfusions and numerous tests I was diagnosed with Crohn's.  This was such a scary and uncertain time for me as there were so many questions and I was presented with possible scenarios of what could be going on with me.   I found myself questioning God and wondering why I was blessed with two children only to perhaps not be around to see them grow up.  This has been a struggle for me to accept having to take medication, watch my diet and have days where I feel like I can barely go through the motions.  Finding peace and accepting that God is in control and He has my life planned has been difficult.

I hope that others struggling to find peace will be able to with the help of Kara's book.  I have an extra copy of this book to giveaway to a fellow blogger and reader.  I will pick a reader next Tuesday, October 28th to receive a copy of this book!  All you have to do for a chance to win is to leave a comment to this post in response to one of the following prompts:

· Who has God sent to walk with you through your pain? Has He asked you to walk with someone else in his or her journey?
· If you are married, what are some expectations you had going into marriage that were not met? How did you reconcile those unmet expectations? How has God shown you that only He can satisfy you fully?
· How does your life look different from what you once expected? Are you okay with the differences? Why or why not? How would you describe the new story you are living?
· How do you communicate beauty to your children, especially in a culture that worships only the outward?
· How often do you think about heaven? If a lot, describe what you think about it. If not, think about why not.
· In what ways are you a safe place for other people? Think of someone you know who is hurting. How can you pursue them and become a safe place for their messiness? Not save them necessarily, but be a safe place to fall?
· When you pray for God to lift you out of fear and dread, do you truly believe He can and will? Why or why not? What is an example of when He did, and what is an example of when you felt He didn't? How did He show you His goodness in both answers?
· Are you suffocating under expectations you've placed on yourself? What does God say about those expectations? What does freedom in Christ look like in light of these expectations?


**To read other reviews included on this blog tour, go here!

Friday, October 17, 2014

"Playing By Heart"

Anne Mateer is one of my new favorite historical fiction authors and I thoroughly enjoyed her latest novel, "Playing By Heart." 
Lulu has a dream of teaching and pursuing her college education.  However, things can unexpectedly happen and veer our lives off the course which we are currently on.  When Lulu has to take a teaching position that is not quite her dream, she is determined to do what it takes to prove she is capable. This forces Lulu to seek help from Chet, a boys' basketball coach.  However, as Lulu spends time with both Jewel and Chet she realizes that what really does matter to her may not be what she originally believed it to be.


Anne has an amazing ability of bringing history to life as well as her characters.  I really enjoyed this book as it addresses societal expectations, everyday life and shows such growth in the characters. 


*Thanks to Bethany House Publishers for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a  honest review.*

Book Review - "A Match of Wits"

"A Match of Wits," by Jen Turano, is the fourth book in her Ladies of Distinction series and it is just as excellent as her other novels!  Agatha is a witty character whom is so entertaining to read about and spend time with.  Agatha is a reporter and runs into Zayne, with whom she has a history. Zayne seeks to help out Agatha; however she is hesitant to this offer.  This book starts right out with a glimpse into Agatha's character and she immediately is someone whom is easy to love.
Jen's books are so easy to get into as they are well-written and fun of zany characters.  Her stories are entertaining and I always look forward to Jen's books being released. 


This is an excellent choice for those whom enjoy historical fiction!


*Thanks to Bethany House Publishers for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Book Review - "Thunder"

"Thunder" is book 1 in Bonnie S. Calhoun's Stone Braide Chronicles, and this is an exciting start to this series.  This is a young adult dystopian series that is sure to be enjoyed by adults of all ages.  "Thunder" is filled with characters whom I loved spending time with.  The storyline is full of suspense, romance and lessons that all can benefit from.  The writing is well done as well and the descriptions are so vivid and really bring this society and time period to life.  Selah finds her role and her life changed and the reader is taken along on an epic journey along with her in this exciting read.  If you enjoy this type of genre, then this book is one not to be missed.  If you have not tried this genre before then this would be an excellent choice to begin with.  I am looking forward to reading the second book in this series!


*Thanks to the Revell Reads Program for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*

Book Review - "Breathing Room"

"Breathing Room: letting go so you can fully live," written by Leeana Tankersley, is a book that will encourage and invite the reader to let things go.  It is so easy and almost second nature at times to just beat ourselves up over every little negative thing that happen, that choice that was made, a mistake that happened. Leeana writes in a conversational tone and style that is easy to read.  When you pick up this book it is like sitting down and chatting with a close friend over mugs of coffee.  Each chapter is relatively short and this makes it easy to sit down and read a chapter one at a time when you have a few moments to relax.  I have to say I love the names of the chapters as well, for example, getting life under your nails, rejecting frantic and sharing real life. This is a book that will help each reader let go of the things that are holding someone back in order to live a complete and fulfilling life.


*Thanks to the Revell Reads Program for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*

Sunday, October 12, 2014

THE MASON JAR Kindle Fire Giveaway from James Russell Lingerfelt!


The Mason Jar James Russell Lingerfelt
James Russell Lingerfelt's debut novel, The Mason Jar, is hot-off-the-press and causing quite the buzz. It's even been optioned for a feature film and is in pre-production.

Catch the spark by entering James' Kindle Fire giveaway!
masonjar-400-click
 
One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire
  • The Mason Jar by James Russell Lingerfelt
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 19th. Winner will be announced October 20th at James Russell's blog, Love Story from the Male Perspective.
masonjar-enterbanner

About the book: 

What if your old college roommate called, raving about a book someone sent her, calling it the most beautiful book she's ever read? "But," she said, "it's about you." The author is your college ex.
 
In The Mason Jar, Clayton Fincannon is a Tennessee farm boy raised at the feet of his grandfather. He and his grandfather leave letters for each other in a Mason jar on his grandfather's desk---letters of counsel and affirmation. When Clayton attends college in Southern California, he meets and falls in love with a dark debutante from Colorado. However, when an unmentioned past resurrects in her life and she leaves, Clayton is left with unanswered questions.
 
Clayton goes on to serve as a missionary in Africa, while he and his grandfather continue their tradition of writing letters. When Clayton returns home five years later to bury his grandfather, he searches for answers pertaining to the loss of the young woman he once loved. Little does Clayton know, the answers await him in the broken Mason jar.
 
A story about a girl who vanished, a former love who wrote a book about her, and a reunion they never imagined.
 
Written for the bruised and broken, The Mason Jar is an inspirational romance that brings hope to people who have experienced disappointment in life due to separation from loved ones. With a redemptive ending that encourages us to love again and written in the fresh, romantic tones of Nicholas Sparks, The Mason Jar interweaves the imagery of Thoreau with the adventures and climatic family struggles common to Dances with Wolves, A River Runs Through It, and Legends of the Fall
 
Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/C52aq

About the author: 

James Russell Lingerfelt is the author of The Mason Jar and writes articles for The Huffington Post. James connects with readers at his blog, Love Story from the Male Perspective, and divides his time between Southern California and his family's ranch in Alabama.

Find James online: website, Facebook, Twitter


My Review:
I really enjoyed "The Mason Jar!"  I was so intrigued by the blurb on the back cover and also the picture on the front cover.  The story sounded so intriguing and so romantic and I was not disappointed at all with the story, except for when it ended.  I am hoping for more novels from this author!  Eden and Finn were both characters whom I could not help but love and I was completely drawn into their story and into their lives.  Finn is a strong main character and his values, love and commitment to those whom he cares for shines through everything that he  says and does.  I loved the letter writing practice that Finn and his grandfather had.  The writing of this story is well-done and the descriptions create beautiful images and I became completely lost in the story. 

To read other reviews included on this blog tour, go here!

*Thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group for including me on this blog tour and for the complimentary copy of this book.*


Saturday, October 11, 2014

KEEPERS OF THE COVENANT Kindle Giveaway and Live Author Chat with Lynn Austin!


Keepers of the Covenant Lynn Austin
Lynn Austin is back with the next book in The Restoration Chronicles series, Keepers of the Covenant. Austin weaves together the struggles and stories of both Jews and Gentiles, creating a tapestry of faith and doubt, love and loss. Here, the Old Testament comes to life, demonstrating the everlasting hope displayed in God's unwavering love for His people.

Lynn is celebrating with a Kindle HDX giveaway and a live author chat webcast on October 21st.
keepers-400-click
One winner will receive:
  • A Kindle HDX
  • Keepers of the Covenant by Lynn Austin
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 21st. Winner will be announced at the Keepers of the Covenant LIVE webcast event on October 21st. Connect with Lynn for a fascinating evening centered around God's unwavering love for His people. She'll be hosting a Biblical fiction book club discussion, giving away prizes, answering your questions, offering an exclusive peek at the next book in The Restoration Chronicles, and much more!

So grab your copy of Keepers of the Covenant and join Lynn and friends on the evening of October 21st for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)
keepers-enterbanner

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 21st!


About the book: 

The Old Testament Comes to Thrilling Life in the Latest from Lynn Austin
In one life-changing moment, the lives of the Jewish exiles in Babylon are thrown into confusion and despair when a decree arrives from the king's palace in Susa. It calls for the annihilation of every Jewish man, woman, and child throughout the empire on the thirteenth day of Adar, in less than one year. Ezra, a quiet Jewish scholar and teacher, is suddenly called upon to lead the community as they seek God for a reason for this catastrophe. When a second decree arrives, authorizing them to fight back, Ezra is thrust into the role of military leader as they defend themselves against their enemies.
When the battles come to an end, Ezra's brother Jude is dead and Ezra is required by the Law he so diligently studies to marry Jude's widow, Devorah, and provide an heir. Fatherhood changes Ezra, and he asks God to make a way for him and the other exiles to leave Babylon for good and return to Jerusalem. His prayers are answered and the exiles move to Judea to revitalize worship at the temple---but the fight to keep God's Law is never easy. As more and more of his community are tempted, a new battle emerges . . . this one for the survival of God's covenant and the souls of His chosen faithful.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/C7ss8

About the Author: 

Bestselling author Lynn Austin has sold more than one million copies of her books worldwide. She is an eight-time Christy Award winner for her historical novels, as well as a popular speaker at retreats and conventions. Lynn and her husband have raised three children and live near Chicago.

Find Lynn online: website, Facebook



My Review:
"Keepers of the Covenant" is the 2nd book in Lynn Austin's Restoration Chronicles and it is a great continuation of the story.  Lynn is an incredible writer and storyteller. The Old Testament can be difficult to read at times and to really get into the stories; however this is not the case with Lynn's portrayal of this time period.  Personally, I have never really been able to get into the books of Ezra and Nehemiah and after this book (and the first one in the series) I have really gotten into the stories and characters.  This book shares such an important piece of Jewish history and timeless truths. 
If you enjoy reading Biblical fiction, then this book and series is not to miss!  Written with historical detail and vivid imagery the story becomes alive and it feels as if the reader is right there in the midst of the story and action. 

To read other reviews included on this blog tour, go here!

*Thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group for including me on this blog tour and for the complimentary copy of this book.*

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Book Review - "Secrets of Sloane House"


Book Description from the publisher:


One woman’s search for the truth of her sister’s disappearance leads her to deceit and danger in 1893 Chicago.

Rosalind Perry has left her family’s rural farm in Wisconsin to work as a housemaid at Sloane House, one of the most elegant mansions in Gilded Age Chicago. However, Rosalind is not there just to earn a living and support her family—she’s at Sloane House determined to discover the truth about her sister’s mysterious disappearance.

Reid Armstrong is the handsome heir to a silver fortune. However, his family is on the periphery of Chicago’s elite because their wealth comes from “new money” obtained from successful mining. Marriage to Veronica Sloane would secure his family’s position in society—the lifelong dream of his ailing father.

When Reid begins to realize that Rosalind’s life may be in danger, he stops thinking of marriage prospects and concentrates on helping Rosalind. Dark things are afoot in Chicago and, he fears, in Sloane House. If he’s not vigilant, Rosalind could pay the price.

Set against the backdrop of Chicago’s Gilded Age and the 1893 World’s Fair, Secrets of Sloane House takes us on a whirlwind journey of romance and mystery.



About the Author

Shelley Gray is the author of The Heart of a Hero series. Her Amish novel (written as Shelley Shepard Gray), The Protector, recently made the New York Times bestseller list. A native of Texas, she earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in Colorado, and taught school for ten years. She and her husband have two children and live in Southern Ohio.



My Review:

First of all, I was drawn to this book because of the cover, just look at it!  It has a vintage feel (look) to it, it is beautiful and mysterious both at the same time as well!  The story within this book is wonderful also and I was immediately hooked on the story and drawn into the characters' lives.  Rosalind is a great main character as she is intriguing, strong, determined, and one whom is easy to cheer for.  Reid is a good main character as he is conflicted as to what he should do and his where his loyalty lies and the priorities in life at the moment.  The backdrop of the World's Fair was a great choice and the setting was really brought to life.  I enjoyed spending time in this time period and in the midst of a historic event.   I am looking forward to more books in this series!


*Thanks to BookLook Bloggers Program for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*


Monday, October 6, 2014

Candy Aisle Crafts - sweet & cute!

"Candy Aisle Crafts" is such a fun book!  This is filled with craft ideas for many occasions - holidays and everyday fun, but each craft has some kind of sweet treat as a part of it. In this book you can learn to create circus animals, peppermint ornaments, a cookie castle and piggy cupcakes just to name a few.  I have enjoyed looking through this book with my children and picking out various projects to try. 


For more information about this book, go here!


To learn about the author, visit this page: here!




 "I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."



THE SEA HOUSE Kindle Fire Giveaway from Elisabeth Gifford


Elisabeth Gifford The Sea House
Don't miss The Sea House, a stunning fiction debut from the UK. Set in a house on the windswept coast of the Outer Hebrides, Elisabeth Gifford's haunting tale effortlessly bridges a gap of more than a century. Adeptly interweaving two tales involving residents of the titular house, Gifford sets up an absorbing mystery revolving around local lore and myths about mermaids, selkies, and sealmen. Stretching seamlessly back and forth through time, layers upon layers of secrets are slowly and effectively peeled away in this evocative debut (Booklist).

Celebrate with Elisabeth by entering her Kindle giveaway!
E.Gifford, The Sea House Giveaway

One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire
  • The Sea House by Elisabeth Gifford
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 19th. Winner will be announced October 20th at Elisabeth's Blog.
seahouse-enterbanner

Watch the trailer:



About the book: 

Scotland, 1860.
Reverend Alexander Ferguson, naive and newly-ordained, takes up his new parish, a poor, isolated patch on the Hebridean island of Harris. His time on the island will irrevocably change the course of his life, but the white house on the edge of the dunes keeps its silence long after Alexander departs. It will be more than a century before the Sea House reluctantly gives up its secrets. Ruth and Michael buy the grand but dilapidated building and begin to turn it into a home for the family they hope to have. Their dreams are marred by a shocking discovery. The tiny bones of a baby are buried beneath the house; the child's fragile legs are fused together --- a mermaid child. Who buried the bones? And why? Ruth needs to solve the mystery of her new home --- but the answers to her questions may lie in her own past.
Based on a real nineteenth-century letter to The Times in which a Scottish clergyman claimed to have seen a mermaid, The Sea House is an epic, sweeping tale of loss and love, hope and redemption, and how we heal ourselves with the stories we tell.

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/ZSbs53

About the Author: 

Elisabeth Gifford grew up in a vicarage in the industrial Midlands. She studied French literature and world religions at Leeds University. She is the author of The House of Hope: A Story of God's Love and Provision for the Abandoned Orphans of China and has written articles for The Times and the Independent and has a Diploma in Creative Writing from Oxford OUDCE and an MA in Creative Writing from Royal Holloway College. She is married with three children. They live in Kingston on Thames but spend as much time as possible in the Hebrides.

Find Elisabeth online: website, Facebook

My Review:
Elisabeth Gifford has done a wonderful job with bringing so many lives and stories to life in her novel, "The Sea House."  There are so many peoples' lives that intersect because of a home that stands in an isolated patch of beachfront in Scotland.  Ruth has never really had a place to call home and still struggles with how her mother could have abandoned her so long ago and she is struggling with her memories and past while trying to fix up the old home that she and her husband have just purchased and are fixing up.  However, some things continue to surface and haunt her.  Ruth delves into the history of the house and secrets are uncovered and the past is brought to life throughout the stories and writings that are shared.  I found this book to be well-written and intriguing.  The parallel stories in this book are seamlessly written and interwoven in a way that the reader can become lost in both centuries and the characters' lives. 

To read other reviews included on this blog tour, go here!

*Thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group for including me on this blog tour and for the complimentary copy of this book.*

Saturday, October 4, 2014

Book Review - "Deceived"


"Deceived" is book 3 in Irene Hannon's Private Justice series and it is an excellent addition to the series and I am sorry to see it end as I have loved reading about these characters and their company!  Kate has tried to move on and start her life over in a new city following the drowning of her husband and son; however her life is upended once more when she encounters a boy whom reminds her so much of her son during a lunchtime errand at the mall.  Unable to get past this she seeks help from a private investigator and things right away are not adding up. Conner is immediately intrigued by Kate and her story and gets caught up in solving the puzzle, but also is finding it difficult to not be falling for her as well.
I really enjoyed this story!  I had been looking forward to reading this ever since I was able to read the back cover blurb way before the book was available!  Once I began reading I was instantly hooked and was kept guessing until the end as to all of the unanswered questions in regards to the case.  I have really enjoyed this series and it is my favorite one (so far!) of Irene's! 

*Thanks to the Revell Reads program for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*


Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Book Review - "Forever Christmas"


Book Description from the publisher:


This Christmas will change Andrew Farmer’s life forever.

Andrew can’t remember the last time he spent Christmas away from work. The end of the year is crunch time for literary agents. But when your career is your life, your life starts to suffer . . . beginning with your marriage.

When a heart-wrenching accident in a Christmas Eve snowstorm jars this high-powered agent from his obsession with success, a Christmas miracle will give him a second chance at love, life, and gratitude, but only if he can put aside his own ambition and learn to appreciate each moment.

Sometimes it takes a tragedy to change a man’s life—and to teach him to treat every day as if it were his last.

About the Author

Robert Tate Miller began his writing career with homespun essays of small town life that were published by Reader's Digest, The Christian Science Monitor, and the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. He moved to Los Angeles in the late 1980s and wrote successful family-oriented telefilms for NBC, ABC Family, and the Hallmark Channel. Robert lives in Northridge, CA, with his wife Gina and stepdaughter Chloe June.


 My Review:
I love all things Christmas and I could not wait to read this book when I saw it and read the description of it.  It is so easy to get caught up in work and in life in general and just living the motions, taking what means the most for granted and not taking time to really live in the moment and appreciate what and who matters in our lives.  Andrew learns first-hand all this through a tragedy and learns what matters the most in his life.  Be prepared to be completely engrossed in this story and to cry as this is a tear-jerker, but a beautiful book that you will not want to put down.  This book has found a spot on my bookshelf and will be enjoyed year after year.  Also, I absolutely love the cover on this book, beautiful job with the cover art!


*Thanks to the BookLook Bloggers Program for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*