Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Book Review - "Every Bride Needs a Groom"

Book Description from the publisher:
Small-town girl Katie Fisher is planning her wedding. Sure, her boyfriend hasn't managed to pop the question just yet, but that doesn't mean she shouldn't enter a contest in Texas Bride magazine to win the dress of her dreams, right? But when her boyfriend breaks up with her and takes a job in another town--the very same day Katie wins her dream dress--her world is turned upside down. Should she claim her prize? And will the hunky former pro-basketball player who runs the swanky Dallas bridal shop--yeah, you read that right--catch on to her humiliation if she does?

Janice Thompson designs a romance sure to delight, with plenty of fish-out-of-water moments, a hilarious supporting cast, and more of the wedding biz world her readers adore.

 
Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson offers an inside look at the wedding business, drawing on her own experiences as a wedding planner. She is the author of the hugely popular Weddings by Bella series and the Backstage Pass series, as well as Picture Perfect, The Icing on the Cake, and The Dream Dress. She lives in Texas. Learn more at www.janiceathompson.com.


My Review:
I have been a huge fan of Janice's books since I read my very first one by her and she just continues to entertain and create wonderful characters and stories in each of her books.  "Every Bride Needs a Groom" is the first book in Janice's new series and I loved every moment of the book.  I felt as if I was right there with Katie and the entire Fisher family; the family dinners on Friday nights, the conversations with Queenie and the expectations placed upon the children.  Janice's style of writing is very entertaining and really holds my attention all the way through and leaves me just waiting to see what story will be shared next. 


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

Book Review - "Whenever You Come Around"

Book Description from the publisher:

Just when Charity's wild imagination failed her, a flesh-and-blood hero walked into her life.
Best-selling author Charity Anderson returns to her hometown of Kings Meadow to defeat a bad case of writer's block. She imagines she'll spend a lonely summer writing and then return to her home in Boise. She soon finds herself caring for Buck Malone, a wilderness guide-and the object of her unrequited teenage crush. But what else can she do? Her dog Cocoa caused the accident that left Buck with a broken ankle and wrist, taking him off the trail for weeks of prime tourist-season work.
Buck and Charity have gone different ways since high school, and at first it seems they have little in common. Buck loves the simple, low-key life he's made for himself in the mountains of Idaho, and she's a woman accustomed to the faster, bustling pace of the city. But spending so much time together has Buck hoping to change her mind about staying in the small town she thought she'd left behind for good.
It's a summer for discovering that young love is a spark not soon extinguished.
About the Author
Robin Lee Hatcher is the bestselling author of 70 books. Her numerous awards include the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award. Robin and her husband currently reside in Idaho. For more information, visit www.robinleehatcher.com.


My Review:
I really enjoyed "Whenever You Come Around" and the return to Kings Meadow in Robin's latest novel.  This is a quick, sweet love story that will leave you smiling and in love with the main characters.  I enjoyed both the storyline and the characters as I felt as if they dealt with real-life issues.  I love the return to one's hometown storyline and also that Charity is a writer.  This story also addresses dealing with past hurts in one's lives and choosing to move on and face fears in order to be happy and take a chance on love.  Also, I absolutely love the cover, so beautiful! 


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

Monday, April 27, 2015

You will be looking at your closet in a whole new way!

I do not see myself as a fashion expert in anyway, but I do want to look nice and feel good in what I am wearing.  Therefore, I was very intrigued when I read the description for Alison Freer's book, "How To Get Dressed: a costume designer's secrets for making your clothes look, fit, and feel amazing" and this book is so much for than I imagined it to be!  This book is filled with advice and tips for not just "getting dressed" but so much more.  There is a section on closet organization, dumb rules that should be broken (including no white after labor day), a section devoted to shoes and a chapter for men even.  Also, I have to mention how much I love the style and look of this book - I love the look of the pages, and the layout of them.  The pictures and designs on the pages are great and make this book look glamorous. 


For more information about this book, go here!


To learn more about the author, go here!


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





Sunday, April 26, 2015

"The Beautiful Daughters" this week!

The Beautiful Daughters by Nicole Baart
I have been a part of Nicole's street team for her newest novel, "The Beautiful Daughters," which is releasing this week!! And now I would love to give away my advance copy of the book to one of you to read! All you have to do is leave a comment on this blog post telling me if you have read one of Nicole's novels before and which one(s) if you have!  That's it! Just be sure to leave a comment in the next few days as I will pick a person on Thursday, May 30th! 


Now onto sharing my thoughts of this book...there is no way to simply share my thoughts as this book is so complex and so well-written and overall a thoroughly engrossing story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.  "The Five" formed in college and there was such a bond among them, but also secrets as we all find out later on.  Adrienne must return home following the death of the woman whom would have been her mother-in-law, as she was engaged to David, handsome rich David.  Adrienne returns home and faces the past and the guilt that she has been living with.  Both Harper and Adrienne agreed to move on and not connect again; however they have both been coping in different ways with the guilt they feel over David's death.  However, secrets hidden in David's life come to light as well.  Nicole immediately hooked me on the story and held my attention as she slowly shared details and unraveled pieces of the entire story of The Five meeting, spending time together and then the horrific incident that changed all of their lives.  
I really enjoyed this book.  It is not a light, fluffy read by any means as it discusses difficult topics; however it is not one you will want to miss as it is really tugs at your heart and will remind you of days spent with your closest friends, but also remind you just how fragile life is and how others' "picture perfect lives" may not be as perfect as you believe.


"The Beautiful Daughters" releases on Tuesday!  Do not miss out on this great book and just leave a comment below for a chance to have it mailed to you!




Saturday, April 25, 2015

"God, Me, And Sweet Iced Tea"

Book info
About the book:
God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea (Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, July 2013)

In the South, nothing is more refreshing than a glass of sweet iced tea. Nothing, that is, except experiencing God in those small, everyday moments.

God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea is a deeply personal collection of spiritual treasures designed to help readers experience new mercies each morning. Seasoned with insight and grace, this tender devotional points to the divine presence of God in everyday moments. God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea will help readers develop a daily habit of turning to God in those quiet moments of reflection.

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/1Do6Hzd

About the author:

Rose Chandler Johnson's
devotions, poems, and articles have appeared in numerous Christian publications. She enjoys writing for her popular blog, Write Moments with God, and engaging with her readers. Rose is from a tiny Georgia town, and has lived near Augusta, Georgia, for the last twenty-eight years. For the last twenty years, Rose has been a French and English teacher. She's also worked as a counselor, librarian, and ESOL teacher. Rose enjoys baking, gardening, and spending time with her six children and their families.

Find Rose online: website

My Review:
Rose Chandler Johnson's devotional, "God, Me, And Sweet Iced Tea," is a wonderful collection that is inspiring, refreshing and reassuring as each day is a gift, yet it also comes with trying moments as well. I loved the title as it took me back to my days in college in the south where sweet iced tea was the drink of choice.  When I opened the book and began to read it I loved the book for what it was: a devotional with journaling questions and plenty of room to write.  The chapter titled "be still and know" was one in particular that spoke to me as I find myself constantly caught up in the busyness of life, everyday.  I highly recommend this devotional for those whom may need help with seeking God and really experiencing His love and presence in the everyday moments. 

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.*

Thursday, April 23, 2015

A New Series from Colleen Coble | ‘The Inn at Ocean’s Edge’ Tour, Giveaway, and Party

Inn Ocean's Edge Colleen Coble
Someone—maybe everyone—is hiding something from Claire Dellamare, and it will cost her everything to drag the truth out into the light. Colleen Coble's new book, The Inn at Ocean's Edge, is a must-read for mystery and suspense readers. As Claire and Luke put together the pieces of a decades-old mystery, they discover that some family secrets refuse to stay buried. And some passions are worth killing for.

Celebrate the release of The Inn at Ocean's Edge by entering to win a Kindle Fire and RSVPing to her May 5th author chat party!

oceansedge-400

One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire
  • A copy of A Heart's Disguise
  • A copy of A Heart's Obsession
  • A copy of The Inn at Ocean's Edge
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 7th. Winner will be announced May 8th on Colleen's website. Plus be sure to clear your calendar on the evening of May 5th because Colleen is hosting an author chat party on Facebook to celebrate her A Journey of the Heart series and the release of The Inn at Ocean's Edge! RSVP here!

oceansedge-enterbanner

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 May 5th!

Book info
About the book:
The Inn at Ocean's Edge (Thomas Nelson, April 2015)
Claire's visit to a luxury hotel in Maine awakens repressed memories, threatening all she holds dear.
In 1989, Claire Dellamare disappeared from her own fourth birthday party at the Hotel Tourmaline on the island of Folly Shoals, Maine. She showed up a year later at the same hotel, with a note pinned to her dress but no explanation. Nobody knows where Claire spent that year---and until now, Claire didn't even know she had ever been missing.
But when Claire returns to the Hotel Tourmaline for a business meeting with her CEO father, disturbing memories begin to surface . . . despite her parents' best efforts to keep them forgotten.
Luke Rocco lost his mother under equally mysterious circumstances---at the same time Claire disappeared. After a chance encounter reveals the unlikely link between them, Claire and Luke set out together to uncover the truth about what happened that fateful year.
With flashbacks swimming just beneath her consciousness and a murderer threatening her safety, Claire's very life depends on unscrambling her past . . . even if her family refuses to acknowledge it. Someone-maybe everyone-is hiding something from Claire Dellamare, and it will cost her everything to drag the truth out into the light.


Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1PDMkED

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:
I am a huge fan of Colleen Coble's books and "The Inn at Ocean's Edge" was another winner from Colleen!  This story was completely engrossing and held my attention from the very beginning to the very end.  Claire and Luke both have secrets and unanswered questions in their lives and I found the entire mystery surrounding them and their journey for answers very intriguing.  I also enjoyed their characters and liked how Colleen intertwined their stories and built their relationship.  The setting of the book was well described and I felt as if I had been transported to Maine and the beautiful coast.  I highly recommend this book for fans of Colleen's books and also for romantic suspense fans. 


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.*


Monday, April 20, 2015

‘A Sparrow in Terezin’ by Kristy Cambron | New Book Plus a Book-Inspired Giveaway


Sparrow Terezin Kristy Cambron
Bound together across time, two women will discover a powerful connection in Kristy Cambron's new book, A Sparrow in Terezin. Connecting across a century through one little girl, a Holocaust survivor with a foot in each world, two women will discover a kinship that springs even in the darkest of times. In this tale of hope and survival, Sera and Kája must cling to the faith that sustains and fight to protect all they hold dear—even if it means placing their own futures on the line.

Kristy is celebrating by giving away a basket filled with goodies inspired by her new book!

sparrow terezin - 400 

One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A set of poppy notecards
  • A poppy pin
  • A copy of I Never Saw Another Butterfly
  • A copy of the Mrs. Miniver DVD
  • Literary tea bags
  • Tumbler
  • A copy of A Sparrow in Terezin
sparrow giveaway bastet 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 28th. Winner will be announced April 29th on Kristy's blog.

sparrow terezin-enterbanner

{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}
Book info
About the book:
A Sparrow in Terezin (Thomas Nelson, April 2015)

Bound together across time, two women will discover a powerful connection through one survivor's story of hope in the darkest days of a war-torn world.

Present Day---With the grand opening of her new art gallery and a fairytale wedding just around the corner, Sera James feels she's stumbled into a charmed life---until a brutal legal battle against fiancé William Hanover threatens to destroy the perfectly planned future she's planned before it even begins. Now, after an eleventh-hour wedding ceremony and a callous arrest, William faces a decade in prison for a crime he never committed, and Sera must battle the scathing accusations that threaten her family and any hope for a future.

1942---Kája Makovsky narrowly escaped occupied Prague in 1939, and was forced to leave her half-Jewish family behind. Now a reporter for the Daily Telegraph in England, Kája discovers the terror has followed her across the Channel in the shadowy form of the London Blitz. When she learns Jews are being exterminated by the thousands on the continent, Kája has no choice but to return to her mother city, risking her life to smuggle her family to freedom and peace.

Connecting across a century through one little girl, a Holocaust survivor with a foot in each world, these two women will discover a kinship that springs even in the darkest of times. In this tale of hope and survival, Sera and Kája must cling to the faith that sustains and fight to protect all they hold dear---even if it means placing their own futures on the line.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1a1Mk02

About the author:

Kristy Cambron
has been fascinated with the WWII era since hearing her grandfather's stories of the war. She holds an art history degree from Indiana University and received the Outstanding Art History Student Award. Kristy writes WWII and Regency era fiction and has placed first in the 2013 NTRWA Great Expectations and 2012 FCRW Beacon contests, and is a 2013 Laurie finalist. Kristy makes her home in Indiana with her husband and three football-loving sons.

Find Kristy online: website, Facebook, Twitter










My Review:
I loved this book, it is so wonderfully written!  Kristy has such a gift for writing as she is able to seamlessly go back and forth between two different time periods and different characters and brings both worlds to life.  "A Sparrow in Terezin" is a continuation of Sera James' story and another Hidden Masterpiece novel.   Sera is newly married, but is not living a typical newlywed life.  Kaja has had to escape from her home and leave family behind, only to have the terror show up where she is as well.  As these two women face unimaginable trials, they have to learn to have faith and fine strength.  Kristy does an amazing job with bringing historical details to life and connecting two women across decades. The fear and other emotions are  so real and I found myself completely lost in the characters' lives and completely immersed in their worlds.  I have loved both of Kristy's books and am looking forward to reading more!


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.*

Sunday, April 19, 2015

"Go Ahead & Like It"

Wow, what a fabulous book!  "Go Ahead & Like It" by Jacqueline Suskin is a wonderful collection of pictures and lists of things that the author likes.  In addition to this are ideas and plenty of inspiration for the reader to make his or her own lists and to reflect on things that he or she likes in the moment.  I love the front and back covers on this book - the layout, the blurb, the graphics, everything!  This book is wonderful for anyone whom is trying to purposely be more positive.  I also like the thought of reviewing the lists that I make later on and remembering the day that I wrote them and thinking about whether I still like the same things and how the things on the list made me happy and were things I liked in that moment. 
I have enjoyed paging through this book and I am eager to begin making my lists. 


For more information about this book, go here!


To learn more about the author, go here!


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







‘A Heart’s Obsession’ Kindle Giveaway


Heart's Obsession Colleen Coble
Can a woman held captive by her family make it back to the one man she knows she can trust? Find out in book two, A Heart's Obsession, of Colleen Coble's Journey of the Heart series. When Sarah Montgomery’s father succumbs to his long illness, Sarah is faced with a life-altering choice: submit to her brother’s will and marry the deceptive Ben Croftner . . . or escape through the dangerous American West to reclaim the heart of her beloved Rand Campbell at Fort Laramie, Wyoming.

Celebrate book two in Colleen's A Journey of the Heart series by entering to win a Kindle Fire and RSVPing to her May 5th author chat party!

heartsobsession-400

One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire
  • A copy of A Heart's Disguise
  • A copy of A Heart's Obsession
  • A copy of The Inn at Ocean's Edge (blog tour coming in mid-April)
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 7th. Winner will be announced May 8th on Colleen's website. Plus be sure to clear your calendar on the evening of May 5th because Colleen is hosting an author chat party on Facebook to celebrate her A Journey of the Heart series and the release of The Inn at Ocean's Edge! RSVP here!

heartsobsession-enterbanner

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 May 5th!

Book info
About the book:
A Heart's Obsession (Thomas Nelson, April 2015)

Will Sarah's journey west lead her back into the arms of the one man she can trust?

When her father succumbs to a long illness, Sarah Montgomery is freed from duty to family. At last she can be with the love of her life, Rand Campbell, who has gone out west to Fort Laramie, Wyoming. Sarah and her younger brother Joel make the arduous journey filled with hope.

But at Fort Laramie, the reception Sarah meets isn't what she had hoped for. Her friend Amelia is thrilled to have her, but Rand seems to be in the clutches of Jessica DuBois, the scheming daughter of the post commander.

Sarah resolves to remain at Fort Laramie and try to win Rand back. But things will get tougher before they get easier . . . especially when her ex-fiancé Ben Croftner arrives in Wyoming, obsessed with having her back in his arms.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1PsjoPR

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 Obsession" is book 2 in Colleen Coble's Journey of the Heart saga and it is exciting from the very beginning to the end.  Sarah and Joel have escaped from Wade and the future that he desires for them with Ben; however Sarah is discouraged when she arrives and finds that Rand is engaged to be married to someone else.  Sarah stays and finds purpose in her life, but she has not escaped Ben.  I really enjoyed this book and it left me hanging and I am eager to read book 3.  This book was so full of emotion and I was completely drawn into Sarah's life and her interactions with the other characters at Fort Laramie.  Sarah and Rand have both been hurt and are struggling to sort out their feelings in the midst of their commitments they have made to others and each other and their past together.

To read other reviews included on this book 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.*

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Book Review - "The Legacy"

"The Legacy" is the conclusion to Dan Walsh & Gary Smalley's Restoration Series and it is a great ending to the series and the time spent with the Anderson family.
Doug is in college and finding his place in the world and he finds himself just floating and split between his two worlds.  Courtney looks good on his arm at parties and at school; yet Christina really listens and talks with him while he is home and over Facebook.  However, he cannot live in both worlds and have a connection with both of these girls, until he if faced with having to make changes in his life.  So many people are trying to live dual lives and find that balance and yet still be happy and guilt-free.
I loved how this was Doug's story, but yet the rest of the family all played a role and their stories continued as well.  I have loved this series as they all are confronted with and have to cope with realistic issues in their lives.  The entire Anderson family became so real and I am looking forward to the next books that these authors may write.


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

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Book Review - "Never a Bridesmaid"


Book Description from the publisher:

Meet the people who make it all happen - the planners, the photographers, the musicians who have helped orchestrate the perfect day for countless couples as they find their own happy endings in the second Year of Weddings novella collection. Can one bridesmaid undo the disasters caused by a poorly chosen maid of honor and save her sister's wedding from disaster?
Mari's older sister Crystal is getting married, and Mari is one of her bridesmaids - actually, the last in a lineup of five bridesmaids, but that doesn't really bother her. Much. But Sienna Jameson as the maid of honor? Really? She might be Crystal's best friend, but she's ditzy and undependable on her best days. When the best man turns out to be hunky Derrick Richardson, the right fielder for the Houston Astros and one of Houston's most eligible bachelors, Sienna abandons her duties as maid of honor to chase Derrick, and it's up to Mari to make sure Crystal's wedding day goes off without a hitch.
While Mari is wrapped up in dress fittings, bridal showers, and bachelorette nights, Derrick has taken notice of her devotion to her sister and her determination to make the wedding perfect. But between dodging Sienna's advances and watching Mari running around like a madwoman, Derrick is left to steal moments whenever he can to get to know this beautiful bridesmaid.
When the maid of honor shows up to the ceremony late and more done up than the bride herself, Mari fears her attempts to make her sister's wedding perfect have all been for naught. Will the bride be up-staged by the maid of honor? Will the fifth-in-line bridesmaid ever be recognized for all the work she's done? And will Mari finally have a moment to revel in the magic of a wedding and dance in the strong arms of a man?
About the Author
Janice Thompson got her start in the industry writing screenplays and musical comedies for the stage. She has published over ninety books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historicals, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, children's books, and more. She particularly enjoys writing light-hearted, comedic tales because she enjoys making readers laugh. In addition, she enjoys public speaking and mentoring young writers. She lives in Spring, Texas, where she leads a rich life with her family, a host of writing friends, and two mischievous dachshunds. Visit her website at www.janiceathompson.com. Twitter: @booksbyjanice Facebook: Janice Hanna Thompson's Reader Page


My Review -
I am a huge fan of Janice Thompson's writing and I was not disappointed with her novella, "Never a Bridesmaid."  Crystal is getting married; however she is not exactly getting the wedding of her dreams.  Crystal's future mother-in-law in dictating much of the wedding details and planning including who Crystal's maid of honor is to be.  Crystal's sister Mari is a planner, she is used to taking care of details and doing for others.  When Crystal becomes engaged Mari assumes that she will naturally be the maid of honor and she is not given this honor or role, she finds herself taking care of the duties that go along with this position as the appointed maid of honor comes up with one excuse after another and is more focused on herself.  I really enjoyed this story and found myself empathizing with the sisters throughout this book.  How often so many of us are dealing with feeling unappreciated or feeling as if our lives are being dictated for us?  Humor and romance are sprinkled throughout this story making this an excellent, quick read to cozy up with. 


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

Book Review - "The Creole Princess"

Book Description from the publisher:


Torn between loyalties to family and flag, one young woman is about to discover that her most important allegiance is to her heart.

It is 1776, and all along the eastern seaboard the American struggle for independence rages. But in the British-held southern port of Mobile, Alabama, the conflict brewing is much quieter--though no less deadly.

Lyse Lanier may be largely French in heritage, but she spends most of her time in the company of the ebullient daughter of the British commander of Mobile. When a charming young Spanish merchant docks in town, Lyse is immediately struck by his easy wit and flair for the dramatic. But is he truly who he makes himself out to be? Spies abound, and Spain has yet to choose a side in the American conflict. Is Lyse simply an easy mark for Rafael Gonzalez to exploit? Or are his overtures of love as genuine as Spanish gold?

With spectacular detail that brings the cultural gumbo of the Colonial Gulf Coast alive, Beth White invites you to step into a world of intrigue and espionage from a little-known slice of the American Revolutionary War.


Beth White is the award-winning author of The Pelican Bride. A native Mississippian, she teaches music at an inner-city high school in historic Mobile, Alabama. Her novels have won the American Christian Fiction Writers' Carol Award, the RT Book Club Reviewers' Choice Award, and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award. Learn more at www.bethwhite.net.


My Review:
This is the second book in Beth's Gulf Coast Chronicles series and I feel like it is an excellent addition to the series.  Lyse is torn between loyalties and conflict is all around and within her heart.  This story dives right into the drama and the scene is set, both the summer heat and the tension and fear.  The historical details are so complex in this book and it really brought this time period to life.  Also, I loved the style of writing as the story is told by several characters and I really liked this approach as I felt like I got to know the characters better and was really a part of the story.  This is great historical fiction that historical romance fans will not want to miss out on. 


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

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Book Review - "Dauntless"

"Dauntless" is book 1 in Dina L. Sleiman's Valiant Hearts series.  This is a Robin Hood type tale and full of action, adventure and love.  Although it is teen fiction, it is still enjoyable for adults to read and I found myself engrossed in the story.  Lady Merry is an enemy to the throne and Timothy is hoping to capture her in order to make a name for himself as he is the ninth child in his family and wants to be his own person.  Thus begins a grand adventure that is not exactly as planned.
This is fun, exciting book that is filled with adventure, loveable characters and a great setting. 


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

Book Review - "Better All the Time"

"Better All the Time," a Darling Family novel, written by Carre Armstrong Gardner is a feel-good story that will draw you into the lives of these sisters.
Sephy is a caretaker, that is her identified role in the family and she has found her niche just being a part of the background and caring for others.  However, Sephy begins to look at her own life and begins a journey of change.  Amy is also beginning a new chapter in her life as well, but not everyone seems to be as committed to the project as her. 
These two girls are the main focus of the story; however the entire Darling family is a part of the story.  The family dynamics are well-written as they are realistic and portray struggles and triumphs within a family. Carre has a great style of writing as the story flows well and the writing is so descriptive bringing the setting and characters to life.


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

Book Review - "Buried Secrets"

Irene Hannon's start to her new series, Men of Valor, is excellent and fans of romantic suspense do not want to miss out on!
"Buried Secrets" begins with a tragic event and then the story jumps ahead years when the event comes to light.  Lisa and Mac meet as they are both working this case and they find a mutual attraction simmers between them.  However, they have their own pasts as well.
I really loved this book; it was hard to put down once I started reading.  Mac and Lisa are both such great main characters and I love the parallel story as well with Jessica and Erika and the struggles in their lives, both current and their history together.  Mac's brothers add an additional element to the story as well and I am looking forward to their stories.  Also, I have to mention the amazing job the design team did with this cover with the textured design to it; wow!  This is a must-read book and I am looking forward to book #2 in the series coming out next spring!


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

Friday, April 3, 2015

"Double Cross"

"Double Cross" is the second novel in Diann Mills' FBI: Houston series and I absolutely loved it!  This is a book that you will not be able to put down once you start reading. 
Laurel is investigating a scam and it leads her to an individual from her past.  Daniel is trying to protect his grandparents from becoming the latest victims of a scam and his job as a police officer throws him into working with Laurel but also into the midst of danger with her. 
There are twists and turns and not knowing who to trust and if people have changed or not making this an exciting read.  Diann Mills is a must-read author for those whom enjoy suspense with a touch of romance.


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

Rethink Inner Beauty with Barbara Roose’s ‘Enough Already’ and a Weekend Getaway Giveaway


Enough Already Barbara Roose
Learn how to recognize your own outer and inner beauty as defined by God, not the media or others, in Barbara Roose's new book, Enough Already. What would it take for you to believe you are enough already? Most women know God loves them, but might he love them more if they finally lost that last ten pounds, or got their hair to lay right, or finally found a pair of jeans that looked good and let them breathe? Well, maybe God doesn’t care about jeans, but women do, and all the talk about inner beauty hasn’t kept all of us from staring into a mirror and taking an inventory that never quite measures up.

Barbara is celebrating the release with a giveaway! One reader will receive a cash card and writing supplies for her own inner-beauty weekend getaway!

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One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A $100 cash card for your own inner-beauty weekend getaway
  • A notepad/pencil set for your inner-beauty quiet time
  • A copy of Enough Already
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 12th. Winner will be announced April 13th on Barbara's blog.
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Book info
About the book:

Enough Already (Abingdon, March 2015)

Recognize your own outer and inner beauty as defined by God, not the media or others.

Most women know that God loves them, but might he love them more if they finally lost that last ten pounds, or got their hair to lay right, or finally found a pair of jeans that looked good and let them breathe? Well, maybe God doesn't care about jeans, but women do, and all the talk about inner beauty hasn't kept all of us from staring into a mirror and taking an inventory that never quite measures up. Enough Already will:

-Elevate the soul-freeing, spiritual truth that God is the Creator of beauty and that women are called to appreciate and care for themselves as his own.
-Enable women to accept God-given beauty so that when they look in the mirror they see his handiwork, not their flaws.
-Equip women to win the ugly struggle with beauty once and for all.
Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1Eqr5Tw

About the author:

Barbara Roose
is an African-American, wife, mother, and pastor with a passion for creatively communicating God's truths in a manner that is relevant and easy for people to apply to their lives. In February 2002, she joined the staff at Cedar Creek Church in Perrysburg, Ohio. Currently, she is the Directional Leader and Pastor of Spiritual Formation. For the past eight years, she has had the privilege to serve as periodic teaching pastor to 10,000 (average) weekly attendees. Since 2010, she has spoken at various women's conferences in the U.S. and Honduras. In October 2012, she was a guest speaker for best-selling author and former Women of Faith speaker, Nicole Johnson's Seasons Weekend Experience. Barbara and her husband, Matt, have been married 21 years and live in Toledo, Ohio.

Find Barbara online: website, Facebook, Twitter

My Review:
I really enjoyed Barbara L. Roose's book, "Enough Already."  This is an excellent book for individual reading, but also for a small group to read and discuss together.  This is filled with so many thought-provoking points and so many reminders of what true beauty really is.  Barbara makes so many valid points throughout the book and I am looking forward to reading back through it and really taking my time reading through it this time. There are personal reflection questions, bulleted lists, tips and group discussion questions throughout this book; I loved these aspects as I was really drawn into the book and it became very personal to me. This also makes me more aware of the message that my daughter and other girls receive on a daily basis.  I highly recommend this book.

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.*

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

"trisha's table"

"Trisha's Table: my feel-good favorites for a balanced life" is a great collection of recipes and a must-have for fans of Trisha Yearwood.  This is packed full of recipes that have gorgeous pictures to go along with each recipe.  Each recipe has a little story to go along with it as well as tips from Trisha.  There is a wide range of recipes from hummingbird pancakes to dill pickles to crepes to chocolate orange cake to brownie batter cookies.  Trisha shares her philosophy for eating which is eating and making healthy choices 80% of the time and splurging 20% of the time.  I really enjoyed looking through this cookbook and I plan to try so many of these recipes. 


For more information about this book, go here!


For more information about the author, go here!


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