Book Review - "Five Brides"

Eva Marie Everson is such a talented author and I was exited to see that a new book was coming out.  I was not disappointed at all when I received the book and began reading.  "Five Brides" tells the story of just that - five different brides all connected by a dress.  I loved how this book was written as each of the five brides had their moments in the spotlight and yet their stories and characters all wove together so seamlessly and beautifully.  This is such a beautiful, and well-written story that stays with the reader long after you finish reading which has been my experience with Eva's previous books as well. I must add that I love the cover of this book as well, so elegant, simple and beautiful.   

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

Book Review - "In Firefly Valley"

I have been so looking forward to reading this book since I finished book #1, "At Bluebonnet Lake" and I was not disappointed!  I loved revisiting this resort, cute little town and the characters (along with a few new ones as well!).  Marisa has to return home after losing her job and she is forced to deal with some past issues and try to be content and move on with her life.  I liked her as a main character as I thought she was easy to relate to and Amanda did a great job with developing her character and bringing out the main sides to her - her working/professional side, her personal side by being a friend to Lauren and tying in the baggage from her childhood into all of this as well.  Blake was a fun main character as well and I loved reading the interactions between he and Marissa and Carmen as well.  The story flowed well and I did not want it to end. This is a great story of second chances and a series not to be missed!


*Thanks to the Revell Reads Program for including me on this blog tour and for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*

‘The Proposal at Siesta Key’ 5-Book Giveaway

Book info

About the book: The Proposal at Siesta Key (Avon Inspire, May 2015) A young Amish woman, yearning for freedom, crosses paths with a handsome Mennonite celebrity in a deeply moving tale of friendship and self-discovery---the second installment in the unforgettable New York Times bestselling author's new Amish Brides of Pinecraft series. Penny Troyer rarely disobeys her parents. In the years since her sister's tragic death, they've wanted nothing more than to keep her safe...even if it means never leaving the house. But tonight, she's bending the rules because Michael Knoxx, the most famous member of The Knoxx Family Singers, a traveling Mennonite Evangelical family ---is scheduled to speak. Penny has heard of Michael---how he lost part of his leg in a terrible accident and uses the experience to inspire others---and knows she must meet him. So, for the first time ever, Penny stands up to her parents and goes out on her own. Though he speaks about living life to the fullest, Michael knows he needs to take his own advice. Life on the road is grueling and Michael wants to slow down, to rest...to perhaps meet someone who sees him as a man, not just a celebrity. So when a twist of fate allows him the chance to stay a little longer in Pinecraft, Michael knows God is showing him a new path, especially when he discovers how much he and Penny Troyer have in common. But new friendships can't stop time. Soon, Michael's time in Pinecraft will be over and he'll be back on the road. Her time with Michael has brought her happiness, but will she be able to follow her heart? Or will she be faced with the one thing she's sure she'll never have the courage to do? Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/1AvyvUr About the author: Shelley Shepard Gray is a two-time New York Times bestseller, a two-time USA Today bestseller, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time Holt Medallion winner. She lives in Southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail. Find Shelley online: website, Twitter, Facebook My Review: I really enjoyed book #1 in Shelley Shepard Gray's new series and I was excited that book #2 came out so soon after.  This series has been different from typical Amish stories and I love the different setting, but yet it still holds true to the Amish culture.  Penny feels smothered and "babied" by her parents due to a horrific event that occurred years earlier; however she is determined to follow her heart and stand up for herself.  Michael suffered through a terrible ordeal and his life has changed as a result of that too, but he is ready for another change.  This was a sweet story of two individuals following their hearts and finding their own paths and relying on God.  I also enjoyed all of the extras Shelley included at the end of the book, the recipes, the photos, discussion question and sneak peak.   I am looking forward to book #3! 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 in exchange for a honest review.*

Heidi Bond’s Who’s the New Kid? Fitbit Giveaway and Facebook Party

In a world of fast-food convenience and non-stop busyness, how do we keep our kids healthy? Heidi Bond's debut book, Who's the New Kid?, is here to help. Filled with helpful diagnostic tools, easy-to-make recipes, eye-opening nutritional information, fun exercise ideas, and practical tips and advice, Who’s the New Kid? will not only show parents how to help their kids lose weight naturally but also introduce them to simple, yet effective lifestyle changes that will benefit the entire family.

Celebrate the release of Who's the New Kid? by entering to win a Fitbit and RSVPing to Heidi's June 9th author chat party!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Fitbit
• A copy of Who's the New Kid?

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 9th. Winner will be announced June 9th at Heidi's Facebook party. RSVP here! Plus, participate in the #WhosTheNewKid conversation by pinning a family-friendly, healthy recipe (or two) to a Pinterest board!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on June 9th!

Book info

About the book: Who's the New Kid? (Tyndale, May 2015) Who's the New Kid? shows readers how Heidi helped her daughter lose weight without the aid of fad diets, medication, or surgery and how other parents can do the same with their kids. At nine years old, Breanna Bond weighed a whopping 186 pounds. Just walking up the stairs to her room was a challenge. Her legs chafed to the point of bleeding from rubbing against each other, and her school days were filled with taunts of "Hey, Fatty!" Breanna's mom, Heidi, was devastated and wondered, How can I get my daughter healthy again? In just over a year, Heidi's plan worked! Breanna dropped 40 percent of her body weight and was transformed from a morbidly obese child who spent her days in front of the TV eating chips and chocolate to a vibrant, healthy, energetic little girl. Filled with helpful diagnostic tools, easy-to-make recipes, eye-opening nutritional information, fun exercise ideas, and practical tips and advice, Who's the New Kid? will not only show parents how to help their kids lose weight naturally but also introduce them to simple, yet effective lifestyle changes that will benefit the entire family. Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1R01IuI About the author: Heidi Bond has appeared on Good Morning America, CNN, and The Biggest Loser. A sought after speaker, she has helped thousands of parents who are struggling with overweight, underactive children. Heidi lives in Clovis, California with her husband, Dan, and their children, Breanna and Nathan. Find Heidi and Breanna online: website, Twitter, Facebook My Review: Childhood obesity is an issue in today's society and Heidi shares her story about how she addressed and overcame this issue in her family in her book, "Who's the New Kid?"  This is a great resource for families struggling with this issue as well.  Heidi loved to cook and she and her husband did not really think about the food they were eating, just if it tasted good or not.  After Breanna was born and began eating regular food, Heidi was thrilled that she enjoyed eating and was not a picky eater as children can be.  However, when Breanna was being teased at the age of three, concerns began.  Heidi shares her struggles and also how she was able to tackle this issue head on and how the whole family made lifestyle changes successfully.  There are so many pieces to this as there is the emotional component,  in addition to making an effort to live a physically active life and make healthy eating choices.  Heidi includes a complete eating plan for 40 days and also recipes that the family loves and are also healthy.  One tip that is a great one is to keep a food diary as this makes you really aware of what exactly you are eating, and also helps you to think twice.  Thanks to Heidi and Breanna for sharing their story in order to help other children and families. To read other reviews included on this blog tout, go here! *Thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group for including me on this blog tour and for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*

Cynthia Ruchti’s ‘As Waters Gone By’ Summer of Fun $100 Giveaway

Can a marriage survive when separated by hundreds of miles and impenetrable prison walls? Find out in Cynthia Ruchti's new book, As Waters Gone By. Emmalyn and Max Ross may have to endure the fight of their lives to mend the tattered fabric of their marriage. His actions ensured she could never be a mother and put him in prison, giving their relationship a court-mandated five-year time-out.

Cynthia is celebrating the release of As Waters Gone By by giving away a summer of fun to one lucky reader!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A $100 cash card to put toward your trip to Madeline Island (discover the beauty of the setting of As Waters Gone By) or your summer vacation destination
• A book-club set (10 copies of As Waters Gone By and a downloadable starter kit) so you can start your own summer book club

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 10th. The winner will be announced June 11th on Cynthia's blog.

 

Plus, now through mid-July, sign up for Cynthia's mailing list for a five-day virtual tour around Madeline Island for the chance to win a Hemmed in Hope prize pack. Each day begins with an email from Cynthia that introduces where you'll be “visiting” that day (all key places from As Waters Gone By) with various interactive elements, including“I wish you were here” postcards, trivia quizzes, and an ongoing Island scavenger hunt. The person who interacts the most will win a Hemmed in Hope prize pack (valued at more than $200). That includes:

• The letterpress block Hope sign from DaySpring
• A set of 6 Hemmed in Hope notecards showing a hope-themed Bible verse
• A leather “I can’t unravel, I’m hemmed in hope” journal
• Signed copies of each of Cynthia’s books, fiction and non-fiction

Book info

About the book: As Waters Gone By (Abingdon, May 2015) How can a marriage survive when separated by hundreds of miles and impenetrable prison walls? Emmalyn and Max Ross may have to endure the fight of their lives to mend the tattered fabric of their marriage. His actions ensured she could never be a mother and put him in prison, giving their relationship a court-mandated five-year time-out. On a self-imposed exile to beautiful but remote Madeline Island, one of the Apostle Islands of Lake Superior, Emmalyn has just a few months left to figure out if and how they can ever be a couple again. Nudged along by the exuberant owner of the Wild Iris Inn and Café, a circle of misfit people in their small town, and a young girl who desperately needs someone to love her, Emmalyn restores an island cottage that could become a home and begins to restore her heart by learning what it means to love unconditionally. Yet even as hope begins to find a place within the cottage walls, Emmalyn still wonders if she's ready for Max's release. She may be able to rebuild a cottage, but can she rebuild a marriage? Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1Gs5M3Q  About the author: Cynthia Ruchti has more than three decades of radio broadcast experience with Heartbeat of the Home radio and currently serves as Professional Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers. Find Cynthia online: website, Twitter, Facebook My Review: "As Waters Gone By" by Cynthis Ruchti is one of those books that immediately draws the reader completely into and stays long after the story is done.  Emmalyn had a happy life, seemingly content, until she missed a phone call from her husband by three minutes.  These three seconds cause her life to completely change and she is faced with some hard trials to face and decisions to make.  Emmalyn was easy to empathize with and I found myself through the book asking myself what I would do if I were in her shoes and I honestly didn't have clear answers.  This story is a great summer read as Emmalyn is on an island sorting through her thoughts and life and working on a cottage, truly a summer setting.  This is an emotional read with so many layers to it and one that leaves the reader with hope at the end.  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 in exchange for a honest review.*

Book Review - "Married 'til Monday"

Book Description from the publisher:

With a big anniversary party in the works for her parents, Ryan will pretend to be Abby's husband for just one last weekend.
Ryan McKinley has tried to move on from his ex-wife, Abby. He's sulked, he's gotten angry, and ultimately he bought her dream house. Big mistake. Living alone in the massive 2-story has only made him miss her more. When her parents call him out of the blue about their anniversary party in Summer Harbor, Maine, Ryan believes God has dropped a golden opportunity straight in his lap.
Abby McKinley never exactly told her parents about the divorce. A strained relationship with her dad has culminated in a distant relationship with her parents, but she's finally succumbed to her mom's pressure to make the drive for their 35th-anniversary party.
Then Ryan shows up on her doorstep, looking as devastatingly handsome as ever. When he insists he's going to Seabrook, with or without her, Abby knows she can't say no. Her parents still think they're married and now Ryan knows it too. Besides, he only wants to check in with his best friend from college-her cousin Beau, who just lost his dad. It's just a one-week road-trip with the man who broke her heart. What could possibly go wrong?
About the Author
Bestselling novelist Denise Hunter has received the Holt Medallion Award, Reader's Choice Award, Foreword Book of the Year Award, and is a RITA finalist. She lives in Indiana with her husband and their three sons. Twitter: @deniseahunter Facebook: authordenisehunter






My Review:
I read this book in one sitting, it was THAT good!  I absolutely loved this entire series and now after reading the final book, Ryan is my favorite hero from the four books.  Ryan played a role in the other books of the series and he was the brother, the brooding brother with an ex-wife that no one really knew what had happened.  At the end of book 3 more is shared as he buys the dream house of his ex-wife and moves in.  Ryan has been living the past three years alone, missing Abby and not really understanding completely what happened.  Suddenly one day he receives a phone call and his world is tilted once more and he realizes he is being given a second chance with the woman he fell in love with.  This is such a sweet story, but it also addresses some tough topics as well which are handled well and add a deeper element to the story making the characters even more real.  I was sad to see this series end, but love that Denise introduced the town and few characters for her upcoming series in this book.  I highly recommend this book and entire series - Denise Hunter is a must-read author!


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

Want your kids to live beyond themselves?

Book info

About the book: Never Say No (David C. Cook, May 2015) The question Mark and Jan Foreman are most often asked is: How did you raise your kids? Mark and Jan Foreman's adult sons Jon and Tim Foreman of Switchfoot have influenced their world not only by a successful music career but also through their positive impact on communities around the globe. The Foreman parents instilled in their sons a belief that they could make a difference by living beyond themselves. This powerful book gives readers an inside look at the process. It begins with both parent and child finding their identity in God. It then explores practical ways to encourage holistic learning while cultivating specific gifts, nurturing creativity in a media-saturated culture, and balancing structure with individual choice. Never Say No inspires readers to raise children to live in the wonder of life by loving others well. Parents will find encouragement for their own parenting journey as they guide their kids to live out God's purpose in radical ways. Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1PL7VrW About the author: Jan and Mark Foreman live in the San Diego area, where Mark is lead pastor of North Coast Calvary Chapel. Mark is the author of Wholly Jesus, and holds advanced degrees in Theology, Education and a Ph.D. in Counseling and Pastoral Care. Jan is a gifted teacher, artist, and she also facilitates partnerships with underprivileged women and children both locally and in developing countries. Together they love surfing, sailing, travel and especially being with their family. My Review: I was not really sure what to expect with this book, as the title honestly caught me off guard.  However, the very first page dove my into my doubts and also immediately hooked me on the book.  "Never Say No" is a must-read parenting book and really taking each moment and enjoying it and enjoying your kids.  This addresses picking battles and finding that right balance between limits, freedom and saying yes in order to spend time together with your children discovering their interests and building your relationship together.  The section addressing imagination and how so many are losing their imaginations is so important to understand as this is such a growing concern more and more with how media saturated everyone is now.  I also love the discussion of traditions as traditions have always been an important piece of my life to me and I have carried some over from my childhood and also been trying to create new ones with my children.  The discussion questions at the end of the chapters are a great addition to the book as well as they really helped me to apply and reflect on how I am raising my children.  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 in exchange for a honest review.*

Book Review - "As Love Blooms"

Book description from the publisher:


Young romance opens like a rose . . . but even a rose has its thorns.
Tessa Gregory is nothing if not tenacious. Denied a position as a horticulturist at prestigious Como Park in Saint Paul, Minnesota, she is not above a little benevolent deception in order to get the park superintendent to change his mind and hire her. She plans to infiltrate the world of wealthy and influential people in hopes of drumming up financial support for a world-class conservatory. But before she can put those plans into action, she meets Reese King, a handsome gardener at Como Park--and a major distraction. Still, Reese might be the key to achieving her dream. But is his goal to help her . . . or to capture her heart?

Against the lush backdrop of manicured gardens and greenhouses full of the exotic, Lorna Seilstad weaves a sweet and sassy story that is sure to delight.


What people are saying about The Gregory Sisters

"A cut above the rest."--RT Book Reviews

"Thoroughly charming."--Maggie Brendan, author of the Heart of the West series and The Blue Willow Brides series

"Delightful . . . a wonderfully satisfying read."--Suzanne Woods Fisher, bestselling author of The Inn at Eagle Hill series


A history buff, antique collector, and former high school English teacher, fan favorite Lorna Seilstad is the author of When Love Calls, While Love Stirs, and the Lake Manawa Summers series. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Lorna lives in Iowa with her husband. Learn more at www.lornaseilstad.com.


My Review:
I became a fan of Lorna's books as soon as I read her first one and I loved her latest book, "As Love Blooms!" This was the conclusion to the Gregory Sisters trilogy and I enjoyed spending time with these sisters, whom all chose careers in a men's world and found love and were supported and loved by Aunt Sam.  Tessa was such a fun character to spend time with and I loved her dreams and plans for the gardens and the extreme measures she took to help her implement her plans and follow her dreams.  I could picture the flowers and the layout in my head of Tessa's designs and I felt like Lorna did an excellent job of bringing the time period to life.  I highly recommend Lorna's books for fan of historical fiction. 


*Thanks to the Revell Reads Program for including me on this blog tour.*

Healthy Meal Choices

This is a great cookbook to add to your home collection! It is filled a nice variety of recipes - all ones that are good for you, and they are also all pretty easy to make and have common ingredients overall.
What I love most about this book is how it is divided up.  The recipes are sorted and shared together by cooking style.  Some days are perfect for using the slow cooker, while others you may prefer to have a stovetop dish or grill out.  I know personally for me while menu planning for the week I look at my schedule and decide what my day overall is going to look like and how much prep time I will have for cooking and when that time will be and go from there as far as deciding the cooking style and what specific recipe. 
 This is a great collection of recipes that will be used frequently. 


For more information about this book, go here!


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

Colleen Coble’s Perfect Pairing Giveaway and Blog Tour

Sarah risks everything to expose the betrayal threatening the man she loves—but will the risk be worth it? Find out in book three, A Heart's Danger, of Colleen Coble's A Journey of the Heart series. Rand’s new fiancée wants to keep him from returning to Sarah Montgomery . . . for whom his heart clearly still yearns. Sarah just wants to move on with her life at Fort Laramie, but doing so under the watchful eyes of both Campbell—the man whose love she craves—and Croftner—the man whose lies have cost her everything.

Enter to win the perfect pairing giveaway: three books (books one–three in Colleen's A Journey of the Heart series) and coffee to pair with your new book!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of A Heart's Danger
• A pound of Colleen's favorite coffee, Captain Davy's Coffee Roaster Costa Rican
• A copy of A Heart's Disguise
• A copy of A Heart's Obsession

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 31st. Winner will be announced June 1st on Colleen's website.

Book info

About the book: A Heart's Danger (Thomas Nelson, May 2015) On the brink of war with the Sioux, Sarah risks everything to expose the betrayal threatening the man she loves. Christmas is coming, and the air at Fort Laramie has turned cold . . . but relations with the Sioux have turned colder. As tensions between soldiers and natives approach a tipping point, a trap has been set for Rand Campbell. Rand's new fiancée wants to keep him from returning to Sarah Montgomery . . . for whom his heart clearly still yearns. Sarah just wants to move on with her life at Fort Laramie, but doing so under the watchful eyes of both Campbell---the man whose love she craves---and Croftner---the man whose lies have cost her everything. Will Rand fall victim to the conspiracy and go through with his wedding? Or will he declare his love for Sarah and make good on the promises that brought her into the rugged western territories? Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1G01e4s About the author: Colleen Coble has sold over 2 million novels worldwide. Seagrass Pier, the third installment in her acclaimed Hope Beach series, marks a new highpoint for emotion and complexity in Coble's addictive brand of romantic suspense. Find Colleen online: website, Facebook, Twitter My Review: "A Heart's Danger" is book #3 in Colleen Coble's Journey of the Heart collection and I loved spending a little bit more time with Rand and Sarah and continuing on this journey with them.   As tension mounts between the Sioux and the soldiers, everyone is on edge and then things happen which cause them to question the other group and those among themselves as well.  Rand's fiancée Jessica is so jealous of Sarah that she devises a plan with Ben; however Ben takes the plan an additional step placing Rand in danger as well.  This is a suspenseful part of the story and I was immediately drawn into the story.  With each addition to the collection I get to the know the characters, all of them, more and more and I am looking forward to what happens next in the saga! 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 in exchange for a honest review.*

A woman's journey to becoming Amish

Book info

About the book: Called to Be Amish (MennoMedia, February 2015) Fewer than one hundred outsiders have joined the Old-Order Amish---and stayed---since 1950. Marlene C. Miller is one of them. In this rare memoir, Marlene recounts her unhappy and abusive childhood, how she throws herself into cheerleading and marching band, and how she falls in love with Johnny, the gentle young Amish man who helps her lace her ice skates. Against the wishes of both sets of parents, Marlene and Johnny get married and begin a family. Follow the author on this unusual journey to find out how God's love called her out of bitterness and depression and into the warm embrace of her new Amish community. Accompany her as she dons an Amish dress and prayer covering and gets baptized. Learn how she endures the strain of ten children, a hundred-acre farm, and accidents and tragedy, and find out how she comes close to walking away from it all. Turning Amish has proven to be anything but plain and simple for this former majorette. But nearly fifty years later, Marlene is still living out God's call as an Old Order Amish woman. Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1ESK6eR About the author: Marlene C. Miller joined the Amish as an adult and has been a member of the Old Order Amish for almost 50 years. She and her husband of 48 years live on a farm in Ohio surrounded by their nine children, more than 40 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. My Review: "Called To Be Amish: my journey from head majorette to the old order," is Marlene C. Miller's story of joining the Amish culture and way of life.  Marlene shares heart-wrenching details of her life and what led her to making this choice to join an Amish community.  Although the Amish way of life is so different from the English world, this lifestyle and commitment that Marlene made is what turned her life around and fulfilled her.  This book is very  well-written as it will tug at your heartstrings and really allow you into Marlene's world.  There are pictures interspersed throughout the book which is a great addition to Marlene's story as well.  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.*

Book Review - "No Place To Hide"

"No Place To Hide" is book 3 in Lynette Eason's Hidden Identities series and I have loved this whole series!  Jackie is a part of Operation Refuge and when she sees Ian's face on the news as he is wanted as he is a suspected terrorist, she knows it's not true and she sets out to help him.  As Ian and Jackie find themselves on the run, they find that there is no place they are completely safe and they must fight for their lives as well as finding out who set Ian up and what the coded message really means. 
Jackie's past is slowly unraveled throughout this book as she and Ian are on the run and trying to figure out what is going on and what happened in the past as well.  Jackie relies on Ron as she knows she can trust him and won't put in him harm's way as people continue to be targeted and killed. 
I really enjoyed this book and reading more about the individuals with Operation Refuge who were the main characters in the previous novels in the series.  This is a fast-paced and tense novel that keeps your attention from the very beginning to the very end. 


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

"When Grace Sings"

Book info

About the book: When Grace Sings (WaterBrook Press, March 2015) When trouble roars into quiet Arborville, Alexa and Anna-Grace find themselves the target for discord and exposed secrets. Can they continue to seek the God of all grace amidst the fog of confusion? Alexa Zimmerman wonders if the Old Order Mennonite community in Arborville, Kansas will ever fully accept her. Her family roots here aren't what anyone thought when she first arrived, but she is hopeful that her culinary and hospitality skills will win the skeptics over. The bed-and-breakfast she's operating needs to succeed so Alexa agrees to allow Briley Forrester, the hotshot reporter from Chicago, to stay as a long-term boarder not knowing his real motives for being amongst the Plain folk. But when Alexa agrees to host her cousin Anna-Grace Braun, the presence of extended family brings out Alexa's insecurities and sets Briley on the trail to uncovering a web of hidden truths. Plans for a secure future and the sweetness of young romance hang in the balance when Alexa and Anna-Grace have to face that their secrets are interconnected, binding the two in ways they could not have imagined. They must trust in a loving, heavenly Father and His plan for their futures. Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1FBvcM5 About the author: Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of twenty-nine novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and nine grandchildren. Find Kim online: website, Facebook, Twitter My Review: 'When Grace Sings" is the second book in Kim Vogel Sawyer's Zimmerman Restoration Trilogy and continues the story of Alexa and Anna-Grace along with all of the other characters whom we met in book one.  These books should be read in order as the story continues on and they are just so good you do not want to miss out on any part of the saga.  There are so many pieces to this story as there are family relationships, lies that have been woven and hidden and secrets as well as adventure and learning to trust.  I love how this series has been written as it continues to weave together characters and their individual storylines and capture the reader's attention as secrets and truth are hidden and slowly unraveled.  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 in exchange for a honest revew.*

A fairy-tale like collection

Book Description from the publisher:

Five of bestselling author Melanie Dickerson's popular YA fairytale retelling novels now available as a bind-up.
Romance, intrigue, and danger abound in this bind-up of five of Melanie Dickerson's fairy-tale retellings presented in realistic historical settings. Includes The Healer's Apprentice, The Merchant's Daughter, The Fairest Beauty, The Captive Maiden, and The Princess Spy.
The Healer's Apprentice: Rose has been appointed as a healer's apprentice at Hagenheim Castle, and when Lord Hamlin, the future duke, is injured, Rose tends to him. As she works to heal his wound, she begins to fall in love, and wonders if he feels the same. But Lord Hamlin is betrothed to a mysterious young woman in hiding. As Rose's life spins toward confusion, she must take the first steps on a journey to discover her own destiny.
The Merchant's Daughter: Annabel is trapped in indentured servitude to Lord Ranulf, a recluse who is rumored to be both terrifying and beastly. She soon finds he is not beastly after all, and becomes involved in a situation that could place Ranulf's future, and possibly his heart, in her hands.
The Fairest Beauty: Sophie desperately wants to get away from her stepmother's jealousy, and receives her chance when Gabe arrives from Hagenheim Castle, claiming she is betrothed to his older brother, and that he has come to rescue her. Though romance is impossible--she is his brother's future wife, and Gabe himself is betrothed to someone else--the pair flee to the Cottage of the Seven to find help. Before long both must not only protect each other from the dangers around them, they must also protect their hearts.
The Captive Maiden: When Gisela learns the duke's son, Valten--the boy she has daydreamed about for years--is throwing a ball in hopes of finding a wife, she vows to find a way to attend, even if it's only for a taste of a life she'll never have. To her surprise, she catches Valten's eye. Though he is rough around the edges, Gisela finds Valten has completely captured her heart. But other forces are bent on keeping the two from falling further in love, putting Gisela in more danger than she ever imagined.
The Princess Spy: Margaretha has always been a romantic, and hopes her newest suitor, Lord Claybrook, is destined to be her one true love. But then an injured man is brought to Hagenheim Castle, claiming to be an English lord who was attacked by Claybrook and left for dead. And only Margaretha--one of the few who speaks his language--understands the wild story. It is up to her to save her father, Colin, and Hagenheim itself from Claybrook's wicked plot.
About the Authors
Melanie Dickerson is the author of The Healer's Apprentice, a Christy Award finalist and winner of the National Reader's Choice Award for Best First Book. Melanie earned a bachelor's degree in special education from the University of Alabama and has been a teacher and a missionary. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Huntsville, Alabama.


My Review:
I really enjoyed Melanie's books and loved that they are available as a collection now. I have not read many book collections on my Kindle, but this was so user friendly as it was easy to use the table of contents and jump around from book to book if I wanted to.  Melanie has retold classic fairytales and she has added in a faith element that adds that little bit extra spin to them.  I was immediately hooked on this collection as soon as I started to read the first page of "The Healer's Apprentice" as the scene was set so well and I felt as if I was there in the crowd waiting, hoping to catch a glimpse of the brothers' returning home from school.  I highly recommend this books, they will appeal to both young adults and older adults!


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

Natalie Chambers Snapp’s Girls’ Night Out Giveaway

Want to be a better friend and have better friends? Natalie Chambers Snapp wrote Heart Sisters just for you! She uses her own and others’ stories of successes and failures to illustrate what she has learned about girlfriend relationships. Discussion questions, space to journal, photos, and quick interviews of healthy female friendships are included within each chapter.

Help Natalie celebrate the release of her new book by entering to win goodies you'll need for a girls' night out with your heart sister!


One grand prize winner will receive:

• A $100 Visa cash card to put toward a nice dinner or lodging
• A copy of Heart Sisters
• A manicure kit
• A summery polish
• A disposable camera (to document your fun)
• A clutch

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 17th. Winner will be announced May 18th on Natalie's blog.

{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

Book info

About the book: Heart Sisters (Abingdon, April 2015) Heart Sisters is for women who want to both be and have better friends and want a helpful guide to take them through the process. Author Natalie Chambers Snapp uses her own and others' stories of successes and failures to illustrate what she has learned about girlfriend relationships. Healthy boundaries, honesty, tact, sharing, and agape love all play a part in being and maintaining a circle of close confidants. She also deals with the inevitable challenges that face many relationships including how to handle conflict; life changes like a new baby, move or divorce; and when it is right to "break-up" with your friend. Discussion questions, space to journal, photos, and quick interviews of healthy female friendships are included within each chapter. Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1GKJTIQ About the author: Natalie Chambers Snapp is first and foremost a follower of Jesus, then wife to Jason, and mom to one spunky daughter and two spirited sons with a crazy amount of energy. Choosing to follow Jesus at 27, Natalie is passionate about sharing the grace, mercy, and truth of God's love. She lives in the Midwest with her crew and tries to keep it simple by writing about the faith found in the everyday mundane. The outpourings of her heart can be found at www.nataliesnapp.com in the fleeting moments between being a wife and mother. Find Natalie online: website, Facebook, Twitter My Review: I absolutely loved "Heart Sisters" and Natalie's spirit and heart that she shares in this book.  Throughout life we have friends, friends of varying kinds and degrees of closeness.  Some of these friends may become life long friends, while others are friends for a season.  However, sometimes in the busyness of life it may feel as if there is no time for friends; however there is a longing and need for friends.  I feel like I needed this book and what it said as I find myself caught up in the busyness in life and hard to really give friendships that attention that is required to be a good friend.  I loved the layout of this book with the space to journal and the discussion questions.  This is an excellent read and I highly recommend this for all women to read.  And really who could resist this cover?! 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 in exchange for a honest review.*

Book Review - "The Heart of the Amish"

"Powerful! That's the first word that comes to mind after reading this excellent book. You will be inspired to make changes in your life."--Chandler Gerber, featured in the film From One Second to the Next


Book Description from the publisher:

 We have all been hurt and we all have someone we need to forgive. But sometimes it's hard to let go of our hurt and anger in order to truly forgive and move on.

For the Amish, forgiving others in order to live at peace is woven into the very fabric of their faith. From daily annoyances to heartbreaking tragedy, they exhibit an incredible capacity for forgiveness that often baffles us. How do they do it? And how can we have the same attitude and ability to forgive?

Through true stories gathered from a variety of Amish communities, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher shows you how the Amish are able to release their pain and desire for revenge, and live at peace with others. Her in-depth, personal research uncovers the astounding yet fundamental way the Amish can forgive anyone from the angry customer at the grocery store to the shooter at Nickel Mines. You'll learn how to invite God into your story, apply lessons from the Amish to your own circumstances, and find the freedom that comes with true forgiveness.


"Fisher's stories of the Amish will arm you with tools to forgive and find the path to reconciliation as they draw you closer to God."--Elizabeth B. Brown, author of Living Successfully with Screwed-Up People


Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of Amish Peace and Amish Proverbs, as well as many novels about the Amish, including the Lancaster County Secrets series, the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series. She is also the coauthor of an Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Suzanne is a Carol Award winner for The Search, a Carol Award finalist for The Choice, and a Christy Award finalist for The Waiting. She is also a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher.


My Review:
I really enjoyed this book!  I am a huge fan of Suzanne's Amish fiction novels, but this one really allowed me to understand and see the heart of the Amish culture and core beliefs of this group of people. This book is filled with short stories that are inspiring and will lift your spirits in just a few minutes.  I love the reflection questions and also the little Amish fact that is shared at the end of each chapter.  This book is great for those moments when you need a pick me up or only have a few minutes to read, but it is also perfect for those who may be struggling with forgiving others or moving on from a past hurt. 


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

New from Becky Wade | ‘A Love Like Ours’ $100 Cash Card and Prize Pack Giveaway

Fall in love with Becky Wade's new book, A Love Like Ours, a story of healing, romance, and cowboys. A glimmer of the hope Jake thought he’d lost returns when Lyndie lands back in Texas, but fears and regrets still plague him. Will Jake ever be able to love Lyndie like she deserves, or is his heart too shattered to mend?

To celebrate the release of her new book, Becky is giving away a $100 cash card and a book-inspired prize pack!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A $100 cash card
• A copy of A Love Like Ours
• A copy of the Secretariat DVD
• A scarf
• A dog-tag/cross keychain
• A pair of earrings
• A Scarf
• A Texas-shaped cutting board
• A Jake Porter mug

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 26th. Winner will be announced May 27th on Becky's site.

Book info

About the book: A Love Like Ours (Bethany House, May 2015) Former Marine Jake Porter has far deeper scars than the one that marks his face. He struggles with symptoms of PTSD, lives a solitary life, and avoids relationships. When Lyndie James, Jake's childhood best friend, lands back in Holley, Texas, Jake cautiously hires her to exercise his Thoroughbreds. Lyndie is tender-hearted, fiercely determined, and afraid of nothing, just like she was as a child. Jake pairs her with Silver Leaf, a horse full of promise but lacking in results, hoping she can solve the mystery of the stallion's reluctance to run. Though Jake and Lyndie have grown into very different adults, the bond that existed during their childhood still ties them together. Against Jake's will, Lyndie's sparkling, optimistic personality begins to tear down the walls he's built around his heart. A glimmer of the hope he'd thought he'd lost returns, but fears and regrets still plague him. Will Jake ever be able to love Lyndie like she deserves, or is his heart too shattered to mend? Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1R9Tv8p About the author: Becky Wade is a native of California who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and moved to Dallas. She published historical romances for the general market, took time off to raise her children, then felt God nudging her to pursue contemporary Christian fiction. Becky's work has been a finalist for both a RITA and an INSPY Award. Find Becky online: website, Facebook, Twitter My Review: I love Becky's books and I have been enjoying the Porter family series so much and was excited when "A Love Like Ours" released!  Jake Porter is the focus of this novel as far as the Porter siblings and he is tall, dark and brooding, but oh so sweet and perfect boyfriend material.  Lyndie was best friends with Jake while growing up, but her family moved away, but now the family has returned.  Lyndie wants to dive right back into the friendship, but Jake needs convincing and reluctantly agrees to Lyndie working at the ranch.  This is only the beginning of the story and I knew I was going to love it and not be able to stop reading once I had started!  Jake is struggling with PTSD following his time serving the country which is all too real for so many people.  Lyndie's family deals with the fragility of life each and every day with her sister Mollie and yet they have learned that God is good all the time and are at peace in the midst of the trying days.  I love the roles that Mollie and Karen and even Lyndie's grandfather all play in Jake's life.  I have to say as well how much I love how Becky continues to weave the former characters into this story as I loved Meg and Bo's story as well as Celia and Ty's.  Amber is such a loveable character as well and the dating challenge that she and Lyndie make adds so much entertainment to this story!  There are just so many wonderful lines in this story and moments that I highlighted and reread while reading this book.  I am looking forward to Dru's story next, but also disappointed that it will be the end of the Porter Family series.  "A Love Like Ours" is one of my top books this year for sure! To read other reviews included on this blog tour, go here! *Thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group for including me on this blog tour.

"Side by Side"

Book info

About the book: Side by Side (New Hope Publishers, April 2015) In the dusty, Islamic country of Sudan, Mia's life collides with that of another young woman. A young Christian American mother, Mia finds more than one dark secret on the streets of Khartoum. She finds Halimah, a young, upper-class Arab student with a bright future in her family's business whose risky and secretive decision has put her life in danger. What happens when the path of young mother intersects with that of a spunky Sudanese student? God transforms them both . . . forever. Part of New Hope® Publishers' contemporary missional fiction line, Side by Side opens the reader's eyes to the life of Muslims in Sudan as well as some of the struggles that Christians face when living under Islamic law. The reader will be inspired to pray for those who are persecuted for their faith as well as pray for the salvation of those who persecute. Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1DPUKiO About the author: Jana Kelley is a Texan who hardly ever lives in Texas. Raised in Southeast Asia, Jana developed a love for cross-cultural living early in life. Her love for writing came soon after. Jana returned to Texas to attend college. She and her husband married a month after she graduated and by their second anniversary, they were living in a remote African town. Together with her husband and three boys, Jana enjoys travel and overseas living. After thirteen years in Africa and the Middle East, Jana and her family moved to Southeast Asia where they currently live. Find Jana online: website, Facebook, Twitter My Review: "Side by Side" is an eye-opener and relevant book for today.  No matter where we all live, our communities are becoming more and more diverse and along with that are opportunities to learn about different cultures, and to also share one's own beliefs.  Jana does an excellent job with writing this book as I was immediately drawn into it and the scene was set that I was felt as if I was experiencing the story as well.  It is so easy to forget about the struggles that Christians living in other countries may be dealing with on a daily basis and also how other cultures may be treated.  This book will help all of the readers to expand their worldview and develop a deeper understanding of life in other countries and become more culturally aware.  This is a great choice if you are looking for a thought-provoking and inspiring read.  To read other review included on this blog tour, go here! *Thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group for including me on this blog tour.