"When Love Arrives"

Book Description from the publisher:


Dani had planned to spy on Brett--so how did she end up on a date with him?

Dani Prescott can't believe the lie Brett Somers is trying to sell to the media. During an interview about the plane crash that killed his parents, he blamed Dani's mother. But the crash killed her as well. Vowing to restore her mother's reputation, Dani has been following Brett and taking photos, hoping to find something she can use to discredit him. But when she catches his eye instead, she quickly finds herself agreeing to a date. Brett knows this mystery girl is hiding something--but he's got his own secrets to keep. What will happen when he discovers who she really is?


My Review:
Johnnie Alexander has become one of my must-read authors!  I loved book #1 in this series and I loved "When Loves Arrives" just as much or more!  Dani is set on getting revenge, but didn't count on her heart becoming involved in other ways as well.  Brett is struggling to get over past hurt and is trying to make changes in his life.  Both Dani and Brett are keeping secrets and they might be too big for them to overcome or not.  This book is impossible to put down once you start reading!  The characters are so real and the story is full of romance, heart, and heartache making it a rollercoaster read that keeps you turning page after page.  The storyline flows so nicely and I cannot wait to read what Johnnie writes next!


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

"Mattie's Pledge"

"Mattie's Pledge" is the 2nd book in Jan Drexler's Journey to Pleasant Prairie series.  Jan takes us back in time to the mid 1800's and an Amish community.  Mattie Schrock is a restless soul and isn't sure if she wants to stay with her family in their new Amish settlement as there is land and adventure awaiting further West.  However, she reconnects with Jacob and he is ready to settle down.  What is Mattie going to decide to do, follow her adventurous side and travel with an Englisher or follow through with her pledge and stay with Jacob?

Jan has done a great job with recreating this time period and the trials and hardships that came along with moving and settling in the unknown and undeveloped land.  However, she also addresses issues that are relatable today as we are forced to make choices as far as moving, making changes in our lives and choosing in the matters of the heart.  I love the line on the back of the book: "When she feels the pull of both home and the horizon, which will she choose?"  This drew me to picking up the book and once I began reading I was hooked.  I highly recommend reading book #1, "Hannah's Choice," first!

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

"This Road We Traveled"

Book Description from the publisher:  Tabitha Brown refuses to be left behind in Missouri when her son makes the decision to strike out for Oregon--even if she has to hire her own wagon to join the party. After all, family ties are stronger than fear. Along with her reluctant daughter and her ever-hopeful granddaughter, the intrepid Tabitha has her misgivings. The trials they face along the way will severely test her faith, courage, and ability to hope. With her family's survival on the line, she must make the ultimate sacrifice, plunging deeper into the wilderness to seek aid. What she couldn't know was how this frightening journey would impact how she understood her own life--and the greater part she had to play in history. With her signature attention to detail and epic style, New York Times bestselling author Jane Kirkpatrick invites you to travel the deadly and enticing Oregon Trail. Based on actual events, This Road We Traveled inspires the pioneer in all of us. My Review: I really enjoyed this book!  Jane Kirkpatrick does an incredible job with bringing this historical time period and significant journey to life.  Tabitha makes such a great main character as she is such a strong woman, yet that does not mean that she is fearless and without her misgivings.  Tabitha has her moments of questioning God and at times struggles with the fact that God can be leading her on this journey with so many trials and hardships, which is not unlike any of us today as we all have our moments of questioning God's plan especially in the midst of pain and suffering.  This is a great read of anyone who enjoys history and having it brought to life in such vivid descriptions and characters whom can be empathized with.  *Thanks to the Revell Reads Blog Program for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*

"All is Bright"

"All is Bright" is a great resource for the whole family leading up to and celebrating the Christmas season!  Beginning December 1st and going through December 31st there is a devotional page and a coordinating black and white coloring page for each day.  Some of the coloring pages are very intricate designs while others have room to write in amongst the drawing.  The second part of the book is filled with activities geared for the entire family to help instill the Biblical truths and values that are usually highlighted during this time of year.  There are also coloring pages more suited toward children with bigger designs with less intricate details. 
I am so excited to begin using this with my children beginning December 1st and create this new tradition with them to celebrate the Christmas season and the birth of Jesus..


To learn more about this coloring devotional book, go here!


Also, there are some incredible resources available that I highly recommend you check out!:

·         Tyndale’s Inspire Creativity board on Pinterest has downloadable samplers and sharable coloring pages from our coloring and Bible journaling line, the Living Expressions Collection!

 

·         Check out www.livingexpressionscollection.com for the latest news and information on our coloring and journaling products.

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

"The Raven"

Mike Nappa brings back Private Investigators Trudi Coffey and Samuel Hill in his second Coffey & Hill novel, "The Raven" and if you thought book #1, "Annabel Lee," was difficult to put down then you are going to love "The Raven!"  I love how Mike begins this novel with a few pages in the "now" and then he takes you back to 4 weeks earlier.  My interest was piqued on the very first page and then I was left hanging and then taken back to weeks earlier to hear about the story from the beginning and bits and pieces were shared completely drawing me into the suspense and drama. 

Samuel and Trudi have a tumultuous relationship, and yet they make such great partners and have each other's backs (I would seriously want both of them on my side in any kind of issue!).  I highly recommend you read book #1 if you haven't as you will get the background on this couple and their saga continues in this book.  The Raven is another fascinating characters and my heart aches for him, a kid living this life.  I completely enjoyed the suspense, the twist and turns, the characters and the vivid descriptions that are all woven together to make such a fascinating read. 

I highly recommend this book for fans of suspense!

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

"The Christmas Angel Project"

"The Christmas Angel Project" is this year's Christmas novella from Melody Carlson and it is another excellent book just like her previous ones!  Four women, with their own lives and struggles and joys, all share something, they are a part of a book club, however their leader just passed away.  Thinking this is the end of their group they are surprised when they each receive a heartfelt and personal gift.  This gift is so much more than a gift as it leads them to becoming Christmas Angels for others.

This is such a beautiful and heartwarming story, I could not put it down once I started reading and this is a story that will stay with me for such a long time I'm sure.  Melody has created such wonderful characters, and a story with an inspiring message that is sure to touch all readers' hearts.


I highly recommend this book to everyone to jump off the upcoming Christmas season.  This will put everyone in the Christmas spirit and encourage everyone to really live out the true meaning of the season. 


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

Learn how to live a fruitful life in Christ-with a fairy tale and ten Bible verses!

Book info

About the book: Jesus and the Beanstalk: Overcoming Your Giants and Living a Fruitful Life (Abingdon Press, September 2016) What if a fairy tale and ten Bible verses could free you to live an effective, fruitful life in Christ? We live in unsettling, challenging times. Everywhere we look, we see giant problems: giant obstacles to sharing faith, giant barriers to peaceful lives, giant strongholds of fear. But what if you knew eight small secrets to unlocking a strength big enough to overcome whatever obstacle life may bring? Using allegory and a bit of humor, Jesus and the Beanstalk explores a passage in 2 Peter 1 to uncover eight truths that will help you unleash a larger-than-life faith: -Faith -Goodness -Knowledge -Self-control -Perseverance -Godliness -Affection for others -Love In this creative, refreshing perspective on spiritual growth, you will discover an unyielding strength when you tap the power of a God who is stronger than any beanstalk and bigger than your biggest giants. Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2dcnopJ   About the author: Lori Stanley Roeleveld is the author of Running from a Crazy Man (and other adventures traveling with Jesus) and Red Pen Redemption. Her blog, LoriRoeleveld.com, was voted Top 100 Christian Blogs by RedeemingGod.com and has enjoyed over 1.5 million views. Lori lives in Hope Valley, RI. Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Google+ My Review: This was just a great read!  I honestly was not sure what to think about this book when I first heard the title, "Jesus and the Beanstalk."  However, once I received the book and began reading, I was completely hooked and found the book to be incredible!  Lori discusses and draws parallels from a well-known fairytale, Jack and the Beanstalk, to our own lives and ties it in with Biblical truths from the book of 2 Peter.  Each of us has giants in our lives, giants of different kinds, but giants just the same that need to be confronted and defeated.  There are 8 truths or characteristics that can help each of us with defeating these giants in our lives.  Each of these truths is discussed in depth as far as the Biblical aspect and how God gives these to us, but also how the Jack and the Beanstalk story can be tied in with it helping to further get the point across.  I have to say I see that story in a whole new way now! My favorite features of this book is how the chapters are ended with a "small steps toward slaying giants" section and also a "one stone for your sling" inspiring quote. To read other reviews included on this blog tour, go here! *Thanks to the Litfuse Publicity Group for including me on this blog tour and for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*

"The Cautious Maiden"

"The Cautious Maiden" is the 4th historical romance novel in Dawn Crandall's The Everstone Chronicles series and it is a must-read for fans of this genre!

Description: In this historical romance set in nineteenth century New England, Violet Hawthorne is forced into an engagement with a taciturn acquaintance - Vance Everstone - in order to salvage her good name.  However, with danger stalking her and tis new fiancé who hides both his emotion and his past, Violet must decide who to trust - and who to leave behind. 

My Review:

I absolutely loved this book (and this entire series!) and was eager to finish to find out what happens, but then I was sad to be done with no more to read!  Violet is devastated when her brother shows up with a new friend and they do something horrifying and it is clear that her brother is not going to protect her.  This is just the beginning for Violet of romance, danger, stalkers, and the high society life.  Violet's name and life is surrounded by scandal and Vance aims to remedy that by proposing marriage and Violet is taken back that this family will accept her and her sullied name.  Before the wedding can take place, Rowan is determined to cash in on his win, his win being Violet.  Violet is forced to decide who to trust, who has her best interests at heart and the path she really wants her life to take.  Violet is such a great main character and one whom I found myself empathizing with throughout the entire book.  Dawn does an incredible job with character development, creating vivid scenes and mixing suspense and romance. 

To connect with Dawn:
http://dawncrandall.blogspot.com
facebook.com/DawnCrandallWritesFirst
Twitter @dawnwritesfirst

Dawn's previous novels in this series are "The Hesitant Heiress," "The Bound Heart," and "The Captive Imposter."

"One Small Donkey"

Book Description from the publisher:

Little ones can do big things for God!
Your family will love this heartwarming Christmas story told from an unlikely perspective: a donkey carrying Mary to Bethlehem. Though the donkey wasn’t the biggest, fastest, or strongest of all the animals, he had an important job all the same. Adults and children alike will love the message about how God has big plans for little ones.
Dandi Daley Mackall loves God, children, words, and animals. Her nearly 500 books for children and grown-ups have sold more than four million copies worldwide, and her awards include an ECPA Christian Book Award for Best Children’s Book. Dandi writes from rural Ohio, where she lives with her family, including horses, dogs, cats, and an occasional squirrel, deer, or raccoon.




My Review:
"One Small Donkey" is such an adorable story with a great message for kids (and adults!) of all ages.  The little donkey is small and not as fast as he wants to be, but he has such an important responsibility as he is transporting Mary whom is great with child to Bethlehem and then is there for the birth of Jesus.  This is such a nice hardcover edition with vibrant illustrations and rhyming test which is so catchy and will hold even a young child's attention.  This is a story that is sure to become a beloved Christmas story each year. 


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

Melissa Spoelstra’s ‘Total Family Makeover’ Family Fun Night Giveaway

Begin to build your family discipleship and become the key disciple-makers in your children's lives with Melissa Spoelstra's new book, Total Family Makeover. Disciples are made, not born. Whether your children are babes in arms or teenagers getting ready to leave the nest, making disciples at home starts with you! Give your family a makeover with this practical approach to helping your children learn what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

Plan an evening of fun, pizza, devotionals, and games with your family! Melissa is giving away a Family Fun Night Prize Pack.

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Total Family Makeover
• A copy of Deep Blue Family Devotional: Fall 2016 - Summer 2017
• A copy of CEB Deep Blue Kids Bible Bright Sky Hardcover
• A $50 Pizza Hut gift card
• Qwirkle Board Game

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on October 7. The winner will be announced October 10 on Melissa's blog.

Book info

About the book: Total Family Makeover: 8 Practical Steps to Making Disciples at Home (Abingdon, September 2016) Train children in the way they should go; when they grow old, they won't depart from it. ---Proverbs 22:6 God calls us as parents to be key disciple-makers in our children's lives, but if we're honest, some days it's a battle just to get them dressed and ready for school on time. How can you mold their hearts when sometimes you can't even find their shoes? In Total Family Makeover, author Melissa Spoelstra gives parents a way---a sort of spiritual track to run on---when it comes to building family discipleship. She focuses on eight key habits of growth: -Spending Time in Prayer -Reading God's Word -Growing Through a Mentoring Relationship -Finding Community in the Church -Serving Others -Taking Time to Rest -Giving Back to God -Sharing Your Faith Disciples are made, not born. Whether your children are babes in arms or teenagers getting ready to leave the nest, making disciples at home starts with you! Give your family a makeover with this practical approach to helping your children learn what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2d5hLtG   About the author: Melissa Spoelstra is a popular women's conference speaker, Bible teacher, and writer who is madly in love with Jesus and passionate about helping women of all ages to seek Christ and know Him more intimately through serious Bible study. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Bible Theology and enjoys teaching God's Word to diverse groups and churches within the body of Christ. She is the author of the First Corinthians: Living Love When We Disagree, Joseph: The Journey to Forgiveness, and Jeremiah: Daring to Hope in an Unstable World Bible studies and Total Family Makeover: 8 Steps to Making Disciples at Home book. She lives in Dublin, Ohio, with her pastor husband and four kids. Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram My Review: I really enjoyed this book, it was eye opening and also a gentle reminder to enjoy these moments of raising my children and not being too hard on myself.  Melissa's book focuses on molding, and raising children to live their lives as disciples of God.  This book is divided into eight sections, each focusing on a key habit.  One is growing through mentoring and another is serving others.  I found that the Sarah covered so much in this book, but I didn't feel overwhelmed while reading it.  Instead I felt encouraged to train my children and to allow myself to seek out guidance from others.  I really liked how Melissa stressed the importance of mentoring at all stages and this chapter was probably my favorite in the book, as it is an area I want to, I need to focus more on.   The layout of this book is also very "user friendly" as it includes reflection questions and practical steps for trying to instill the principles in my own life.  To read other reviews included on this blog tour, go here! *Thanks to the Litfuse Publicity Group for the complimentary copy of this book and for including me on this blog tour.*

"Twilight at Blueberry Barrens"

Book Description from the publisher:

“I need you to keep these girls safe . . .”
Kate Mason has devoted herself to caring for her family’s blueberry barrens. But after her fields stop producing fruit, she’s forced to come up with alternative ways to make a living.
Renting out the small cottage on her property seems an obvious choice, but it won’t be enough. When entrepreneur Drake Newham shows up looking not only for a place to rent but also for a nanny for his two nieces, it’s almost too good to be true. And maybe it is—because Drake brings with him dangerous questions about who might be out to kill his family. The more time Kate spends with Drake and the girls, the more difficult it becomes to hide her attraction to him. But a family crisis isn’t exactly the ideal time to pursue a romance.
Meanwhile, Kate learns that her uncle—in prison for murder—has escaped. Add to that a local stalker who won’t leave her alone, and Kate is looking over her shoulder at every turn. With threats swirling from multiple directions, she wonders if her blueberry fields will ever flourish again . . . or if this twilight is her last.
Set on the beautiful coast of Maine, Twilight at Blueberry Barrens brings together suspense, romance, and the hope that one day new life will come again.


My Review:
"Twilight at Blueberry Barrens" is the third book in Colleen Coble's Sunset Cove series and in my opinion it is the best one in the series.  This book is jam-packed with suspense and romance.  This continues to tell the story of Kate and her twin sister Claire while adding in Drake and his daughters along with those whom are threatening their families.  I loved the characters, the setting and how the storyline continued on from book #2 and also new twists.  Kate is such a strong individual and a perfect main character and one I immediately found myself rooting for and also scared for as she finds herself in danger and is dealing with things from the past.  She becomes so real to me throughout this book and I know her story will stick with me for a long time to come.  I highly recommend this book for those whom enjoy romantic suspense.  


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

"The Night Voyage"

This is such an amazing adult coloring book!  The details and the variety of pictures in this book is wonderful.  I could not wait to get started on the very first page, of course after I had looked through it start to finish checking out all the pictures and the text to go along with it as well.  These pages all tell a sweet and whimsical story of a little girl distributing gifts around the world with the conductor on her toy train.  I did not realize that this was a third book in a series, but I was thrilled with I read that and cannot wait to order the first two!  This book will take hours to complete and will provide hours of smiles, relaxation and beauty.  The pages are heavy weight and the details so intricate that I cannot wait to add color to each and every one.  This would make an excellent gift as anyone is sure to love it!


Click here to learn more!




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

Janine Mendenhall’s ‘Starving Hearts’ Giveaway

Will Annette's search for love and acceptance replace the loss and hurt in her heart? Find out in Janine Mendenhall's book one, Starving Hearts, of the Triangular Trade Trilogy. Since her assault, Miss Annette Chetwynd has been plagued by nightmares and worries about an arranged marriage. But she yearns to find her anonymous rescuer. Unfortunately, her health and intellect prevent it. Both repel suitors and cause Annette to doubt God’s existence, at least until He answers her prayers in an unusual way. . . .

Join in the search for love and acceptance with Janine and Starving Hearts by entering to win the Delightful Heart Gift Pack Giveaway.

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Starving Hearts
• A bottle of essential oils
• An essential oils diffuser necklace
• A chiffon scarf
• A shoulder handbag
• A copy of Jane Austen's World

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on September 12. The winner will be announced September 13 on Janine's blog.

Book info

About the book: Starving Hearts (Heritage Beacon Fiction, May 2016) Since her assault, Miss Annette Chetwynd has been plagued by nightmares and worries about an arranged marriage. She yearns to find her anonymous rescuer. Unfortunately, her health and intellect prevent it. Both repel suitors and cause Annette to doubt God's existence, at least until He answers her prayers in an unusual way. . . . Mr. Peter Adsley is joining the clergy, and he desires a godly wife by his side. After a failed attempt to obtain one, he engages in a clandestine meeting with the bewitching young woman who keeps crossing his path. But she is so unsettling. Destined for disappointments, Peter and Annette both endure disgraceful situations. Will Peter's faith sustain him through overwhelming setbacks? Can Annette overcome her doubts? Or will their starving hearts yield to the machinations of a mad man? Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/28OtflH   About the author: Janine Mendenhall teaches teens English, of all things! Sometimes she sleeps, but most nights she reads, writes, or watches movies like Pride and Prejudice and claims she's researching her next book. Splickety Love and Splickety Prime have published her flash fiction. She and her husband, Tom, live in North Carolina where they and their two golden retrievers help gratify the needs of their five children and two cats. Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram My Review: "Starving Hearts" immediately drew me into the story and transported me back in time and to England and the way of life centuries ago.  Annette is struggled with nightmares and this is impacting her life in so many ways.  I found myself empathizing with her, laughing, crying and hoping for the best for her.  Peter is looking for a woman to be by his side, and has standards, but others think many would just be a fine, suitable match.  As Annette and Peter's paths cross I loved their interactions and watching their friendship and relationship grow.  They have to fight against their feelings, follow society rules and still try to find their heart's desire as well as God's will in their lives.  This is a book that held my attention from start to finish with a sweet love story, a storyline involving mystery and the way of life in England in the late 1700's.  To read other reviews included on this blog tour, go here! *Thanks to the Litfuse Publicity Group for including me on this blog tour and for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*