"Castle on the Rise"

Book Description from the publisher:

“Enchanting and mesmerizing!” —PATTI CALLAHAN, New York Times bestselling author of Becoming Mrs. Lewis

A storied castle. A band of rebels.
A nation chasing a centuries-old dream of freedom.
And three women who rise above it all . . .
When Laine Forrester travels overseas to attend her best friend’s vineyard wedding, she expects to find the bride on the brink of a fairy-tale life. But after a series of unforeseen setbacks, it seems the storybook lives they’d imagined are suddenly ripping apart.
With hopes of resurrecting a happy ending, Laine agrees to accompany the newlyweds to the groom’s home in Ireland—never expecting she’d be the one drawn in by its wide-open moors, backroads bordering the Irish Sea, and a mysterious castle that dares to keep its secrets hidden.
From the storied streets of Dublin to the shores of the Emerald Isle, Laine is drawn in to the land and its rich history. The castle ruins whisper stories of Issy—a photojournalist battling through the 1916 Easter Rising, and Maeve—the castle’s lady of legend, fighting for survival through the 1798 rebellion that started it all.
Spanning more than two centuries, Castle on the Rise unites the legacy of three women who must risk mending the broken places within for life, love, and the belief that even through the depths of our pain, a masterpiece of a story can emerge.

“Castle on the Rise perfectly showcases rising star Kristy Cambron’s amazing talent! Perfect pacing, lovely prose, and an intricate plot blend together in a delightful novel I couldn’t put down. Highly recommended!” —Colleen Coble, USA TODAY bestselling author of Secrets at Cedar Cabin and the Rock Harbor series
“Cambron’s latest is one of her best. Gripping and epic, this intricately woven tale of three generations seeking truth and justice will stay with you long after the last page.” —Rachel Hauck, New York Times bestselling author

My Review:
This latest snow storm was a perfect time to devour this latest read from Kristy Cambron!  "Castle on the Rise" is such a masterpiece!  Kristy has done another incredible job with  this book as she weaves together stories from various generations, melding together history and present day so seamlessly.  I have never been to Ireland, but after reading this, I had a strong desire to go visit.  Laine is such an amazing character (one of many in this story!) and I found her very relatable and loved being on this adventure with her.  The mysterious castle was such a great backdrop to so many secrets and so many lives throughout the centuries and it was so vividly described that I felt as if I was there wandering the halls and uncovering the layers of stories housed within the walls.  If you have not read a book by Kristy, run out and get all of her stories, but most definitely this one as it is a book you do not want to miss! 

*Thanks to the BookLook Bloggers Program for the complimentary copy of this book.*

"Flights of Fancy"

First of all, Jen Turano's book covers are some of my most favorite ever, consistently they are amazing!  Second, her stories are amazing as well, consistently!

Isadora has lived a life of luxury and is a true heiress in New York.  However, the man pursuing her is much to be desired and a plan is cooked up to get her out of the city and away from him and this unfavorable match.  Isadora takes on the role of a housekeeper, far from her former life and of course results in humorous moments, moments of relying on God and really learning about one's self, not to mention the possibility of true love.
I absolutely loved this storyline and the main characters, Isadora and Ian.  They were both fun to watch as they interacted with each other and as feelings changed.  Jen has a true talent for creating likeable characters and really bringing them to life for the  reader.  The humor that is mixed into the storylines make the book so entertaining to read, and I was not ready for the book to be done once I finished it!  I highly recommend this book, it is one of Jen's very best!

"Secrets at Cedar Cabin"

Book Description from the publisher:

From USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble comes the third book in her beloved Lavender Tides series.

Her mother lied about her identity and her husband wasn’t who she thought he was—can Bailey even trust herself anymore?

Running for her life in the wake of her mother’s murder, Bailey Fleming escapes to the only place she can think of—a remote, dilapidated cabin in Lavender Tides. Intending to finally get to the truth behind the lies of her past, Bailey only finds more questions when bodies are discovered near her cabin hideout along with traces of a dangerous human trafficking ring. In an unlikely partnership with FBI agent Lance Phoenix, Bailey races to understand the mystery surrounding her life and circumstances before the murderer tracks her down.

Meanwhile, Lance is determined to rescue his sister, Ava, who was abducted after running away from home as a teenager. An unexpected lead brings him to the remote cabin, and he wonders if Bailey—with her suspicious past and strange connections to his sister’s case—is really who she claims to be and if she can somehow lead him to Ava.

Filled with Colleen Coble's custom blend of suspense and romance, Secrets at Cedar Cabin takes us back to the evocative landscape of Washington's coast where nothing is quite as it seems.

"Secrets at Cedar Cabin is filled with twists and turns that will keep readers turning the pages as they plunge into the horrific world of sex trafficking where they come face to face with evil. Colleen Coble delivers a fast- paced story with a strong, lovable ensemble cast and a sweet heaping helping of romance." —Kelly Irvin, bestselling author of Tell Her No Lies

"Once again Colleen Coble has delivered a page-turning, can't-put-down suspense thriller with Secrets at Cedar Cabin! I vowed I'd read it slowly over several nights before going to bed. The story wouldn't wait—I HAD to finish it!" —Carrie Stuart Parks, award-winning, bestselling author of Portrait of Vengeance and Formula of Deception

My Review:

Colleen Coble is a must-read author for me, and her books just keep on getting better and better!   I liked Bailey from the very first page as she was caring for her patient, her kindness and her true heart just shone through right from the start.  As her story comes out in pieces, from meeting Kyle and their interaction and then the murder of her mother, my heart hurt for Bailey.  Bailey is faced with all of this suddenly and she finds herself not even knowing what is true about her past, her life, herself.  Lavender Tides is the place she goes to think, to try to uncover the secrets and find out the truth, but she finds even more than what she went for.  

This is a novel that will keep you turning the pages as you try to uncover the truth and at the same time pray that Bailey is safe and everything will turn out fine.  I could not read fast enough as I just wanted to know more and more of the story as I was reading.  The storyline flows nicely with twists and turns and I love the romance and suspense that are interwoven together.  The cover is absolutely gorgeous as well and that along with the descriptive writing had me right there in Washington with the characters.  I highly recommend this book and this series by Colleen, you will not be disappointed!

*Thanks to the BookLook Bloggers program for the complimentary copy of this book.*

"Texas My Texas"

About the Book

Title: Texas my Texas  
Author: Caryl McAdoo  
Genre: Christian Historical Romance  
Release date: February 11, 2019

He who puts his trust in God will possess the land and inherit the blessings. Scripture tells a husband to love his wife, but what if she loves the memory of a dead man? Lured to the Texas frontier by more free land than they could ever buy, four families struggle to carve a home and a living out of the wilderness. And though love isn’t always easy coming, like bees to sweet flowers, a neighbor and his partner swoop in hoping to steal the hearts of the clan’s two young beauties. Will their infants spoil the ointment? Wild animals, Indians on the warpath, and living hand-to-mouth never make it easy, but my oh my—Texas my Texas! What a land!

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Caryl McAdoo prays her story brings God glory which is what she lives to do. Her award-winning, best-selling novels enjoy a lion’s share of 5-Star ratings from Christian readers around the world. With thirty-eight titles, it’s obvious she loves writing almost as much as singing the new songs the Lord gives her—listen to a few at YouTube. She and high school sweetheart Ron celebrated fifty years of marriage in June 2018; they share four children and eighteen grandsugars. The McAdoos live in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas, waiting expectantly for God to open the next door.

Guest Post from Caryl

It’s always good to give thanks. And I’m thankful for you! I appreciate you stopping by my awesome Celebrate Lit Blog Tour! I’m thankful for each of the bloggers who signed up to participate in the tour for my January release Texas My Texas, book two in my new Cross Timbers Romance Family Saga series! And I’m so thankful the Lord is blessing Celebrate Lit as Sandy Barela blesses so many Christian authors! She is deserving of all God’s best! In Book One, Gone to Texas, I got seventeen souls to their new home in the Republic. Texas My Texas has all the same pioneers with a few new added as they establish hearth and home in the wooly, untamed Trinity River Bottoms of North Central Texas—which later in history, becomes the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. They’re settling in what now is Irving—my home for fifty-plus years. Only a few months has passed for my characters, Book One ends in November, Book Two picks up in March, 1841. In real life, it’s been just that long since Book One launched, too! It debuted in September and Book Two launching now is also four months! Isn’t that fun? Originally, I’d planned a different January title but pushed it back a couple of months to release Texas My Texas on the heels of Gone to Texas. In this new story, the two young women—Gabrielle and Isabel Harrell—elicit the attention of suiters who come calling even in the wild west territory. Thomas Baldwin (a neighbor introduced in Gone To Texas) has an eye for Gabrielle and uses many excuses to visit, including taking his friend Monroe Humble to the clan’s little settlement to meet the lovey, hardworking Isabel. But Gabrielle is pining hard for her love back home and deals with pretty severe melancholy—what they called depression back in those days. In Texas My Texas, readers will spend time with the characters they came to love in Gone To Texas. As always, I pray my story gives God glory! And that readers will enjoy the new even better than the old! BLESSINGS!

My Review:
"Texas My Texas" is such a great read, a true historical novel.  I love reading stories that depict frontier life and the trials and struggles faced, but also the rewards and joy that can come as well.  This is book #2 in the series and I highly recommend reading  it in order  as you will spend time with some of the  same characters and be introduced to new ones; personally I love this style of writing with series as I am never ready to say goodbye to characters at the end of the book.  Gabrielle and Isabel are both characters that were easy to like and root for throughout the story.  The interactions with potential suitors were some of my favorite interactions in the book.  I highly recommend this series and am looking forward to book #3 coming out!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 12

The Mimosa Blossom, January 12

Inklings and notions, January 13

Jennifer Sienes: Where Crisis & Christ Collide, January 14

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, January 15

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 15

Moments, January 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 16

Captive Dreams Window, January 17

Robin is Bookish, January 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 18

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 19

Bigreadersite, January 19

My Devotional Thoughts, January 20

Bibliophile Reviews, January 20

Texas Book-aholic, January 21

Janices book reviews, January 22

Margaret Kazmierczak, January 23

Carpe Diem, January 24

A Baker’s Perspective, January 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Caryl is giving away

Grand Prize – $50 Gift Amazon Card,

1st Prize – Signed, Paperback copy of CHOICE of all my books,

2nd Prize – Signed copy of Texas my Texas,

3rd Prize – eBook copy of Texas My Texas,

4th Prize – eBook copy of CHOICE of all my books,

5th Prize $5 Amazon Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d941/texas-my-texas-celebration-tour-giveaway


*Thanks to Celebrate Lit for the complimentary copy of this book.*

"Teal Paisley Tights"

"Teal Paisley Tights," written by Barbara Brutt, is the start of hopefully many, many books from this author!  This was such a fun book to read and at the same time so relatable!  Jadyn is living life on her own following graduation and hoping to pursue her dreams and work in her chosen field, but things so not always go on plan, or ever that smoothly for anyone in all honesty.  Jadyn finds herself working for a demanding and shall we say a boring boss, seriously who doesn't love fun, patterned tights?!  This is not the job of her dreams as she is a true artist at heart, but she needs this job to pay her bills, and then wait she cannot pay all of her bills even with this job and has to move in with her sister.  As Jadyn struggles to figure out life, she finds herself in the midst of a love triangle as well adding romance to her life and even more decisions to make. 
This is such a great book, I can't say that enough!  The storyline flows so nicely and I was immediately hooked on the story on the very first page, I'm all about patterned tights and coffee!  Barbara has a talent for creating characters whom the reader can relate with and storylines that are just like real life. This is a great story of finding one's self, pursuing dreams and balancing out life's responsibilities and demands along with living your life. 

*Thanks to the JustRead Publicity Tour for the complimentary copy of this book.*

"Swimming in the Deep End"

"Swimming in the Deep End" is such a moving story of lives that intersect and the grace that can be shown to ourselves and each other and the power of that.
It is so easy to think that a choice, that one decision that we
made is only impacting ourselves and it not that big of a deal;
however every choice that is made has a consequence, whether
positive or negative for ourselves and for others around us.
This is shown through this book, as Jillian, Izzy, Margaret and
Stacey are all dealing with things in their personal lives and also
together as they are connected.  Jillian and Margaret are mothers
and they are facing heartache and struggling to come to terms
the loss of a child and beginning of a new life which was not
planned, but nevertheless a human being created by God.
Izzy is facing a pregnancy that was not wanted as she is only a 
teenager and she is facing the loss of her love.  Stacey has been
unable to conceive a child and longs for one of her own.
As these women face these trials and experience loss and hurt, I
found myself experiencing all these emotions right along with
them.  It was so easy to feel so connected to these characters
and become completely immersed in the story and in the
characters' lives.  Christina Suzann Nelson has done an
incredible job with creating well-developed characters whom
just come to live in the story and the storylines were so real
that it was as if this was real life and friends or neighbors whom
I would be interacting with in real life.  I highly recommend this
book as it is an emotional read that will have you crying with the characters, cheering for the characters and left feeling hopeful and knowing that God is here every step of the way.

*Thanks to the JustRead Publicity Tours for the complimentary copy of this book.*

"Real Change"

The title of this new Bible study is what grabbed my attention: "Real Change: becoming more like Jesus in everyday life;" I feel like this is a continual goal of mine. 
This book is divided into 6 chapters, each one focusing on a broad concept which is then gone into detail and further broken down.  Each chapter begins with a sentence or two stating the aim of the chapter.  I like this as I know from the start what I am to get out of the reading.  In the later chapters there is also a recap, a sentence reminding you of the previous chapters.  There are readings, discussions, Bible verses to look up and read and questions to answer in relation to that and homework to work on before the next study.  There is also a leader's guide included in the 2nd half of this book.
The layout of this book is very straightforward and easy to follow and work through.  I really liked how direct it was and it was a nice amount of material included for each section as it was not much that it was overwhelming, but it also wasn't so little that it seemed like not enough; it was a perfect amount for each section. 
I worked through this book on my own, and I feel like I benefited from this.  However, I really think working through this book in a small group setting would be very beneficial as well and maybe I will in the future!

*Thanks to New Growth Publishers for the complimentary copy of this book.*

"A Bound Heart"

Laura Frantz writes such beautiful historical fiction stories and her latest, "A Bound Heart," is a beautiful story and such a beautiful cover to the book as well!
This story begins in Scotland, and it is vividly described and the reader is transported there and back in time to the late 1700s.  Magnus and Lark have grown up here on the Isle of Kerrera; however now they are both adults and hold various roles.  When they both get caught up in accusations following the death of Magnus' wife, life drastically changes as they are sold as indentured servants and are starting over a new life in the colony of Virginia.
Laura does a fantastic job with creating such vivid pictures of the hardships these characters faced.  It was so easy to become lost in the story while reading and to really "see" the story in my mind. The historical details based upon her research really shines through as well and I love how real everything seems.  "A Bound Heart" is a sweet story filled with hardships, loss, courage and hope; this is a must read for historical fiction fans!

*Thanks to the Revell Reads Blogger Program for the complimentary copy of this book.*

"We Hope for Better Things"

"We Hope for Better Things" is an excellent debut novel from Erin Bartels and she is going to be an author to follow!  Every generation in every time period struggles with highs and lows and always the wish is for a better live for those to follow after.  This book is a snapshot of this very sentiment.  Racism and political issues, among numerous other issues, are prominent in today's society, and have been issues in past time periods as well.  The reader meets Elizabeth, a journalist, who agrees to meet with an individual thinking she is getting a story.  However, she is unprepared for this meeting as she is given photographs that belong to an estranged relative.  Elizabeth finds herself on a journey to meet a relative and also investigating the riots that took place so many years ago, but their impact is still so strong.  As the story continues, the reader is introduced to more characters and taken on a journey from the Civil War, to the 1960's, to present day exploring the injustice and trials faced by these individuals. 

This book is very moving, and filled with historical detail from the various time periods.  At the same time, the theme of forgiveness is woven throughout out and the impact that choices have not only on ourselves, but on others.  This is a great novel and I am excited to see what Erin will write next!

*Thanks to the Revell Reads Program for the complimentary copy of this book.*

"Sabotaged Christmas"

Book Blurb:

Toni DeLuca, the Italian owner of DeLuca Construction, finds herself confronted with doubts about her

father and his possible deceptions  —

all because of the mysterious pink notes she's been receiving.

Relations with Perrin Douglas who has a troubling history

—but the first man in years who's interested

her—is building to a peak. Yet Perrin's own personal problems and his doubts about women and God,

keep getting in the way.

Gossip, a Spanish proposal, an inheritance,

and a sabotaged construction business may ruin Christmas

for Toni's employees as well as her own happiness.

Will a mysterious person succeed in pulling off the biggest scam Appleton, West Virginia has ever

seen? And will this culprit destroy Toni's last

chance at happiness with the man of her dreams?

 

 

Praise for the book:

 In

Sabotaged Christmas

, Carole Brown

weaves an enticing web of intrigue, romance

and faith guaranteed to keep you reading until

the very last page. Though set in the dead of

winter, this book is sizzling with action,

mystery and down-to-earth characters that will

keep your imagination spinning and the

questions flowing. With its focus on family and

the idea of building new relationships, this

book is a great example of “love conquers all.”

Dana Rongione, author

The Giggles and Grace series

The Delaware Detectives Mystery series

 

 Sabotaged Christmas

involves sabotage on

the work site, romance, and dysfunctional

families ... how could that combination result

in a warm, fuzzy Christmas ending?

Characters I loved and wanted to have their

dreams come true. Others, I wanted to keep

my distance from and hoped they would get

their just deserts. Plot twists I didn’t see

coming kept me reading past bedtime! I

especially liked the ending with all the threads

tied together! Well done, Carole.

Carol A. Brown (the other Carol Brown)

Author of The Mystery of Spiritual Sensitivity

Highly Sensitive and The Sassy Pants Series.

Retired Educator.

 

 

My thoughts:

"Sabotaged Christmas" has it all - family issues, romance, work issues and  mystery,

and set during the Christmas season!  Toni is an excellent main character

who is easy to connect with and one whom you want to root for right off from the very start.

This is a quick read that will keep you turning the pages as you try to unravel

the layers of the story, those involving the family relationships, the sabotage at work

and the things that are holding Perrin back.  Even though Christmas is over, this is just

the book to help kick off a new year as it is still a Christmasy mindset and feel to the air

and who doesn't love a good romance and mystery any time of the year?!

 

 



 

"The Better Mom"

Book Description from the publisher:

As a mom, you always want to give your best to your family. The Better Mom Devotional will help you focus who you are becoming rather than what you are accomplishing. Find freedom from mom-guilt, the myth of perfection, and the endless to-do list of motherhood, and step into your greatest adventure yet: becoming The Better Mom.
Rediscover the gift of motherhood with The Better Mom Devotional by trusted author Ruth Schwenk. As a busy mom of four, she understands the constant needs of raising a family, but she has uncovered a secret: becoming a better mom starts not with what you are doing but with who you are becoming.
As you read The Better Mom Devotional, you will find:

How God changes you from the inside out 

so you can increasingly experience His presence Intentional ways to grow deeper faith in this busy time of life The true calling of motherhood: training, disciplining, and loving your children well The life-giving impact of fostering honest, loving friendships The importance (and simplicity!) of creating a welcoming, functional, and beautiful home for your family—no Pinterest boards required!
One hundred devotions will encourage and inspire you with Scripture, reflection questions, and journaling space to jot down your thoughts and prayers. Each devotion, filled with Bible teaching, personal stories, and application, will help you open your heart to experience more of God’s love, truth, and grace.
Find freedom from mom-guilt, the myth of perfection, and the endless to-do list of motherhood, and step into your greatest adventure yet: becoming The Better Mom.

My Review:
This devotional is one that I am so excited to be kicking off 2019 with reading and working through!  Every day I find myself questioning how I parent, how I respond to situations and comments, if I am getting the message across that I am hoping to, just in general if I am doing my best for my children. I think that is probably a normal feeling for most mothers, but that doesn't mean that it is good or productive.  Therefore, I was excited to see this new book and read about it and instantly knew it was one I needed to be reading! 
First of all, this book is a beautiful, hardcover edition with an attached ribbon page marker.  There are 100 readings included in this book, each reading being about 1 1/2 pages, and then followed by  prayer and a couple of personal reflection questions.  There  are not lines/space to write out responses to the questions, so I am keeping a journal along with this book and I like that approach as I feel like this will be a book that I will work through at another time in the future as well.  There is such a variety of readings in this book including one on home being a fun place, a place where the children actually want to be, as well as disciplining with love.   I highly recommend this devotional book for all moms out there, a great way to start out the year of 2019!

*Thanks to the BookLook Bloggers Program for the complimentary copy of this book.*