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Sunday, December 6, 2015


WHOSE ARE YOU? By JAMES BARS

I have tried to read every book this author writes because his writing style is so deep and powerful . I am always blessed after reading one of his inspirational books. This book is one of my favorites and really had me searching inside myself for a deeper meaning of  who I am.

"it is a conscious choice to open your ears to hear, your eyes to see, your mind to know and your heart to understand the truth about who you are and whose you are." What a powerful statement that is We do have choices in life, but do we always make the right ones?

His very vivid description of the throne room was so awesome  I wanted to stay there and feel His presence. Everyday someone is questioning their faith. God doesn't want us to have doubt. Those thoughts are from the enemy and we need to keep reminding ourselves that we are God's sons and daughters. He loves us unconditionally. There is a real enemy out there waiting and lurking to draw us away from God. "He desires that none should perish but that all may enter upon the path of life."

Thank you for writing such an encouraging book that helps us understand how precious we are to God. This will be a book I will treasure and look at often. "Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life."  John 14:6

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.

The Amish Christmas Sleigh Blog Tour With a Giveaway

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The Amish Christmas Sleigh by Molly Jebber,
Amy Lillard, and Kelly Long is a 384 page book
in the Christian Amish fiction genre.
 It contains three separate novellas.






A SLEIGH RIDE ON ICE MOUNTAIN

Kelly Long


For solitary toy-maker Sebastian Christner, hiring Kate Zook as his new 
housekeeper is simply the right thing to do. Now she can support her 
special-needs brother. But one taste of her independent spirit is 
showing him undreamed-of holiday joy—and making him long to 
give her a home for always . . .




A MAMM FOR CHRISTMAS

Amy Lillard


Bernice Yoder has far too much to do to entertain holiday dreams. 
Even if she can help Jess Schmucker outwit his three mischievous 
young daughters, it’s impossible to imagine the handsome widower 
can see her as anything but a scolding schoolteacher. He never guesses 
how a magical Christmas Eve will open his eyes to love or how Der Herr 
will awaken their faith and hope. 




AN UNEXPECTED CHRISTMAS BLESSING

Molly Jebber


As much as Charity Lantz’s children need a father, the young widow 
isn’t sure her new neighbor Luke Fisher can ever be the right choice. 
They’re having more disagreements than snowflakes in December. 
Besides, he’s never given a sign he wants to be more than friends.
Can Gott show them a way past their misunderstandings to a forever love?



 To purchase your copy, click here.

About the Authors





Kelly Long is the author of the acclaimed Amish Patch of Heaven
series and has been a finalist for the coveted Carol Award from
the American Christian Fiction Writers. Her novel 
Lily’s Wedding Quilt was a 2011 Goodreads Favorite Book
of the Year.  Born and raised in the mountains of Northern
Pennsylvania, she’s been married for nearly
twenty-five years and has five children.
Please visit her at kellylongbooks.com





Amy Lillard won the 2013 Carol Award for her 
first Amish romance Saving Gideon.
She was also a Maggie Awards finalist. Born
and bred in Mississippi, she now lives with her
husband and son in Oklahoma.
Visit her at amywritesromance.com.



Molly Jebber is an educational, motivational, and Women’s Christian Connection speaker.She was raised in a small town in the Midwest, and insists if you had blinked twice,you would’ve missed it. She loves God, her family and friends, sunshine, swimming and traveling to the Amish communities. Creating historical Amish characters and throwing them into difficult situations and joyous times has been challengingand fun for her. The greatest reward she’s experienced in becomingan author is meeting wonderful people from all over the world who’ve been encouraging and supportive. http://www.mollyjebber.com/



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I do enjoy books that  several authors contribute to  so you get a variety of writing style.
This is a great collection of stories that will warm your heart during the holidays and
year round.

A Sleigh a Ride on Ice Mountain is about Katie Zock and her young brother who is
disabled due to a buggy accident.  She tries to make ends meet as best she can,
but it is a struggle at times. When she runs into Sebastian Christner she is offered
a job as his housekeeper. She accepts it knowing the money will be a much needed
relief and help. Sebastian is a toy maker and does amazing work that everyone likes.
There seemed to be a big rush to get Sebastian and Katie together and I was somewhat
surprised at the sexual implications in the story. The characters are well written and
you can't help but love them. Katie uncovers a secret about Sebastian that  could
pull her away from him. What secret does she find out? Will they find a way to make
a lasting relationship? There is a great line in the book that Sebastian says that I thought
the author wrote brilliantly. He saud, "I always think of kaleidoscopes as being a little
bit like life and faith- you can take what's broken and meld it together to bring about
something new and who,e, an ever-changing picture but an unchanging love of
yourself and others."

A Mamm for Christmas is a delightful story thst will feel you with warmth
and love. Jess Schmucker has three young daughters. Their names are Constance,
Hope and Lilly Ruth. They are all hurting from losing their Mamm a year ago. The girls
decide it is time to find a new Mamm and they scheme to help their daed find one.
I laughed at their shenanigans and their playfulness. Those girls meant business and
they have picked out who they want their daed to marry. There is one problem though.
Their dad needs to be pushed a little to agree to marry again. Bernice is their teacher
and becomes concerned for the girls when they come to school unkempt everyday.
What happens when she decides to address the issue with Jess?  Will the girls
matchmaking work? Will the children have a new Mamm for Christmas? This is a lovely
story that will bring a smile to your face. I loved the children and their pure hearts.
The writing is so graceful and filled with love and a feeling of hope.

An Unexpected Christmas Blessing is so well written, I couldn't stop reading it. Yes I
cried in a few spots and smiled in others. The author  has done a great job of sharing
the joy of Christmas in a truely remarkable story.
Charity Lantz lost her husband and husband and is raising her children, Josiah and
Beth on her own.  When a new neighbor moves in near her, he becomes a
welcome help to Charity. Luke Fisher is a hard working man who moved to get away 
rom a past that has left his heart broken. Will he be able to trust a woman again?
I loved the interaction between him and the children. He genuinely likes to be around
them and it doesn't hurt that he gets to eat some of Charity's delicious meals.
The relationship between Josish and Luke are very special. Josiah hungers for a father
and takes to Luke right away. When a disagreement arises between Chariry and Luke in
regards to discipline, will that put a stop to their attraction to each other? Take a 
journey with Charity and Luke and experience hope, forgiveness and love as they
try to find happiness .

Thank you to Celebrate Lit for giving me a  copy of this book to read for an honest review.



Celebrity Lit has blessed us with an awesome Giveaway
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FIDDLER'S FLING by LINDA WOOD RONDEAU

This is my first book to read from this author and I can say that without a doubt this story will forever stay with me. I was not t sure what to expect from this book, but I have found an author that can write a story so focused on family and the turmoils that happen that I didn't want the book to end. It is a short read, but packed with betrayal, unforgiveness, lost love and emotions that will grab your heart as you feel the characters pain and struggles.

Jolene is set to marry a very important up and coming political figure. She has been planning her wedding when she gets a call that her dad is very ill and she needs to come home. After being estranged from her father for awile, she is hesitant to go home. Jolene is not sure how her father will take her homecoming, but she goes because she loves her dad. With his diagnosis of cancer, he doesn't have much time left. Can they find a way to forgive each other before it is to late? Will pride and stubbornness keep them from rebuilding their relationship before it is to late?


With help from Dwight, Jolene begins to find out that something is not quite right with her dad's company. Is someone trying to destroy it? Who wants revenge on Jolene's dad? This story has many dimensions and the author tackles family issues with a clear direction and shows us how forgiveness can break down hardened hearts. I hope you have tissues while reading this book as you will need them as you read this powerful book about relationships that only God can restore. When  we let pride and stubbornness get in the way, it almost seems impossible for restoration. Allow this story to fill your heart with hope and know that it is never to late to say you are sorry to someone. I loved the ending and I know that with God nothing is impossible. He can repair broken relationships, restore  faith and give you hope for a new beginning.

I received this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.

Saturday, December 5, 2015


BE THE MIRACLE by DELORES LIESNER

This is one book I will return to repeatedly to be reminded  of God's love and provision. I really enjoyed this book and it helped me to be more aware of His voice and prompting. I have had several occasions where God has told me to buy someone's meal or do something that takes me out of my comfort zone.

In the book, the author encourages us to be prepared everyday for an opportunity to love others and basically be His hands and feet. I wonder how many missed opportunities I had to bless someone because I wasn't sure or I ignored the voice that  clearly spoke to me? Her stories were so uplifting and gave me a new confidence to listen to God without hesitation. Everyday there is someone praying for a miracle and we could be that  answer to prayer with words of understanding or even a small gift that blesses them. We don't know what others are going through, but God does. He can use anyone to deliver his blessing and we need to be ready to answer the call.

Thank you for including Life-Changing Lesson, Life-Changing Verse, and the life-Changing Challenge after each chapter. It will be a treasure to go back and re -read the chapters and apply the tools to enrich my life.

"Next time you have a nudging from God, take the step of obedience and watch God work ."

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.

RISING DARKNESS by NANCY MEHL

I am  thrilled to be reading one of Nancy Mehl's books again.  She always delivers an intricate mystery with characters that are multi-dimensional . They grab your attention and take you on a thrill ride of intrigue and action.

This story takes place in Sanctuary, Missouri. I love the name of the town. It gives you a feeling of safety and peace. We find Sophie Wittenbauer who left or perhaps ran from her very strict and strait laced community in Kingdom. Sophie has always dreamed of being a top notch crime reporter. She lands a job at the newspaper office and changes her name hoping her past won't catch up with her.  When she receives a tip that  a criminal could be hiding out in the town, she becomes a little concerned. It seems that criminal is someone who could identify her. Will her past catch up with her? Can she trust anyone in Sanctuary?

As luck would have it, she runs into the pastor of the community who happens to be an old flame from her childhood. She can't seem to catch a break in this town. Jonathan , the pastor is a very kind and gentle person. Can Sophie trust him enough to ask for help when she realizes her life could be in danger. As the are talking Sophie tells Jonathan, "We all wear masks, Pastor. The person we present to the world is rarely the person we really are." I'm sure we have all found ourselves wearing a "mask" in order to be someone different in order to be accepted or to hide from something painful. I love how the author weaves the true love that  God has for each of us.

The book is another great adventure of intrigue , learning to trust and letting go of the past. The  author always delivers a story that captivates your attention and draws you into the story with her allure of mystery and intense action.  Thank you for writing a book that tackles the issue of trying to overcome your past and show readers that God loves us and as Sophie says," My real value is in God , and in the people He put in my life. "

I received a copy of this book from the author and The BookClub Network for an honest review.







THE SEAKEEPERS DAUGHTERS by LISA WINGATE

Have you ever been so successful at your job, that you decide to branch out? Whitney Monroe is just that  person.
She has decided with the help of her cousin, that  they should venture out and open another restaurant. They are excited and begin to make plans for the new place. Not everyone is happy about their new restaurant though. Some of the local business owners can't handle competition and devise a scheme to sabotage them. They hit dead ends with building codes and other things that  could prevent the place from passing inspection. Seems somebody is jealous of their success.

While Whitney is fighting inspections and total chaos she gets a call about her stepfather. Why are they calling her about him? They have never been very close and she has little to do with his kids. The caller explains that her stepfather fell in the bathroom and had been laying on the floor for four long days. That seems very sad to hear that someone you know, has been helpless for a long period of time. Whitney makes a decision to travel to the hotel in Maneto, North Carolina to go through her grandmothers belongings. While she is there she can check on her stepfather since he lives in the building . This is not going to be a pleasant trip and old feelings start to surface for Whitney. What secrets will Whitney uncover? Will she be welcomed there without any problems?


Whitney begins a trip down memory lane  as she is going through old papers and soon discovers secrets that  are troublesome. How is it possible that  her mother and stepfather knew each other before her dad was in the picture? Something doesn't add up and she wants answers. A project that Roosevelt's Federal Workers  Program had in the 1930s somehow have ties to her grandmothers story. What has Whitney stumbled into?

 This is Lisa Wingate at her best as she perfectly delivers two stories at the same time and tie them together like a pristine bow. The history in the story is very detailed and is brought to the present to make a story that gives you mystery and action. The author has given us two characters from the past that will have an impact on Whitney's life. What secrets do they hold? Is there danger for Whitney? Will history change her family dynamics?

I look forward to reading books from Lisa Wingste because I know she will sweep me on a journey with details and twists that  make the story so intriguing and hard to put down. This is another master story teller at the top of her game .

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.

Friday, December 4, 2015


FIRE AND ICE By MARY CONNEALY

If you have not read any of this author's books, you are missing out on a great read. Her characters are funny, smart, and sometimes down right stubborn. I love a book that can create characters that are  believable and full of life. Fire and Ice delivers that with a burst of energy and flair.

We visit Bailey Wilde in the final saga of the Wild at Heart Series. As the story opens , Bailey has Gage Coulter at gunpoint. Now that is a way to grab my attention.  They seem to be at odds over who has control of the land that nears the grasslands in the canyon. That land happens to be close to Gage's place. Seems there might be a standoff brewing in this story.

Bailey is one tough woman and can do any task on the land that is necessary . She is feisty and waiting for a fight with Gage. But that will have to wait when Gage desperately needs her help in fooling his mom. What did he tell his mom that would cause him to want Bailey's help? His mom is coming to town for a visit and she is expecting to meet his wife. I laughed at that knowing he has gotten himself in a pickle and has to grovel to Bailey for help. Will they be able to come to an agreement? Can two "enemies" become civil and work together? There is a lot of action in this book and someone will soon find out their life is in danger.  Don't miss this laugh out loud story of working together, overcoming anger and maybe a love connection.  I'm sad to see the series end, but I look forward to what the author has next. It is always a fun journey reading her witty and faith filled books.

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.

Thursday, December 3, 2015


A DASH OF DARING by ELIZABETH MADDREY

What a treat to read another book from this very gifted storyteller. Each book in the series gets stronger and more enjoyable. Elizabeth Maddrey has a gift of delivering a great  story with characters that enrich us with compassion.

Zach Wilson takes a job in Washington as part of a forgiveness program, to help pay  off his student loans. He is a man of honor and his faith is very important to him. He encounters Amy Harris at his work. She is a substitute teacher who loves her job. The annual school program is coming up and she persuades Zach to help her with it.

As they begin to work closely with each other, sparks start to ignite between them. Is romance in the air for these two? Zach certainly seems smitten with Amy, but she has some reservations about becoming involved with Zach.
Zach is trying to understand why Amy is hesitant , but she at times seems to pull away from him.

The author has done an amazing job of tackling an issue that  is sensitive to some with grace and wisdom. She centers on the two main characters and delves into a topic with openness and sensitivity. I am always encouraged by her thoughtfulness to readers as she writes with a heart for clear understanding and grace. This is not only a story about a developing relationship, but touches on an  issue of judgment . Will Amy be able to overlook their differences and give Zach a chance? Can she look at the inside of a person and see their kindness? Will true love happen for Zach and Amy?

"Love doesn't have guarantees. You make a choice that  you're going to love and then work, every day, to be true to that choice . Some days it's easy. Other days it's not."

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.

MISTLETOE JUSTICE by CAROL J. POST

Carol Post has become one of my favorite romantic suspense authors. In her newest book, she delivers a powerful story that will grip you from the start. Get ready for a ride that  you will never forget in this super charged action packed book.

Darci Tucker has found a new job at a company working in accounting. She really likes her job and the medical insurance it provides. Her son is autistic and with the insurance she is able to get him the care he needs.  Her quaint and stable life is about to turn ugly when she discovers that she is being set up for embezzlement. Who is behind this plot to make her the fall guy?

Conner works at the same company as Darci, and has an agenda of his own. It seems while his sister worked for the company, she disappeared without a trace leaving behind a son. Did she find out something about the company that put her in danger?  I loved when Darci tells Conner, "We can always find something to be thankful for if we look hard enough." Even in the midst of turmoil, Darci is able to rely on her faith and trust that something good will come to those that believe.

When Darci and Conner team up to uncover the mystery they find themselves in danger. Someone wants to keep them silent  and the story takes off on a thrill ride of twists and turns. Someone from Darci's past shows up to cause chaos. Who is this person and why do they want revenge?  The book is very well written with dynamic characters that add depth to the story. Carol knows how to weave a story that makes you heart race as she cleverly makes the story come to life with vivid details. The ending is a powder keg of action that  will have you guessing till the end. This is a must read for all fans of romantic suspense and those looking for a great story of greed , deception and trust.

I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.

Lone Star Literary Life Blog Tours

present


THE DOOR OF THE HEART

by

Diana Finfrock Farrar


Married for twenty years, Tammy & Ed Sloan suddenly find themselves on opposite sides of a hot button current social issue when their high school aged son is punished for bullying a fellow athlete who is gay. The wife of a conservative Texas politician, Tammy begins to reexamine her values after the incident blows up in the media and embarks on a mission not just to view LGBT issues through a loving Christian perspective, but to become an active participant for positive change. A generous look at the gay community through a Christian lens, Diana Finfrock Farrar’s novel interweaves multiple story lines that feature endearing characters, both gay and straight, each confronting the consequences of homophobia and demonstrating a need for the understanding and the embracing of the LGBT community, especially in the heart of Bible-belt reactionaryism.


BUY LINKS



REVIEW LINKS





First time novelist, Diana Finfrock Farrar, is a native Texan and financial adviser representative who loves snow skiing and traveling, competes in sprint triathlons, and is an ordained deacon and elder in the Presbyterian church (PCUSA) where she sings in the choir every Sunday.  Blessed to have been born into a family that taught her how to live a life of faith, love and relationship — the idea of family has always been at her center.  Feeling called to make a difference, Farrar has penned her first novel with the hope of educating her readers on issues of empowerment, injustice, and compassion. She and her wife, Charlotte, were married in Ontario, Canada in 2010.  They live in Texas and share five children and three grandchildren.



WEBSITE    AMAZON    GOODREADS  

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By Deana Dick

I am glad that I was able to read such an informative and touching book about a subject that has long been at the heart of many people in this country. Whatever your belief is about the LGBTQ community, this book will give you reason to search your heart and perhaps open your mind to thinking differently.

This story could be in any city USA as many teens struggle to fit in because they are considered different. After a teen is bullied at school because he is gay, the issue comes to the forefront when a politicians family from Texas is involved. Ed and Tammy's son has been accused of bullying and is sent to an alternative school as punishment. He is also not allowed to be on the football team anymore. His father is furious and thinks it is unfair that his son should be punished . What I found ironic is once their child also started getting bullied, did it really hit home how bullying can cause distress and ultimately discourage a child.

I am impressed with the details the author gives readers about the two sides on this heated issue. She writes with compassion and shows us that there is another way to look at things instead of being so religious you get lost in what matters most. We all have our  opinions about what is right and wrong, but the author delivers a book that gives both sides without prejudice. Everyday we make choices and decisions based on what we belief. I've always believed that everyone has the right to be accepted and loved without judgment because of their lifestyle. This book will be heartbreaking at times and uplifting at other times. The characters will touch you and open your heart to true compassion for everyone. Does everyone agree that all people should be treated equally? The answer is up to each of us. We must decide if we can love one another no matter what race, religion or sexual preference we are. Thank you for writing a powerful book that makes people look at their selves and remind each of us  that we are not to judge, but to love and accept each other without prejudice.

I received a copy of this book from the Lone Star Literary Life Blog Tours for an honest review



blog tour services provided by



Tuesday, December 1, 2015


CELEBRATE LIT PRESENTS THE
HUCKLEBERRY HEARTS TOUR AND GIVEAWAY BY JENNIFER BECKSTRAND
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It is always nice to continue a series that you have fallen in love with. The beautiful writing of this series has been a nice relaxing time of getting to know the characters and their many lovely and sometimes quirky traits. What would it be like to have a grandmother who was determined to find you a mate? This book gives us a glimpse of one family that will find out what lengths a grandmother will go through to find happiness for her granddaughter. Let the games begin.

Cassie has been away from her old lifestyle as an Amish for a long time. She went away to pursue her dream of going to college and find a promising career. When she receives word that her grandmother, Anna,  has a cancerous spot on her foot that will require surgery and  care, Cassie  comes home to take care of her. She doesn't know what she is in store for. Her  grandmother has decided to play matchmaker. Will Anna's plan work to bring true love to her granddaughter?

Zach is the handsome doctor that has been taking care of Cassie's grandmother. He has really made an impression on Anna and guess who she picks for Cassie to match her with ? I loved the part where Cassie and Zach had both attended the same college. Zach it seems had a reputation at the college that was not well received by Cassie. She wanted nothing to do with him. That is such a minor detail, because Anna has decided they will make a perfect couple. After all, grandparents only want the best for their grandchildren and Anna believes she has found the perfect match for Cassie.

The book is filled with hope, twists that keep you guessing, faith and an unforgettable love between family. Will Cassie return to her Amish faith? Can Zach win Cassie's heart? I really enjoyed the story  that flowed smoothly and kept my interest till the very end. You are in for a treat as you read this story that will give you a sense of  strong family and the desire to find happiness for those you love.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Blogging Team for an honest review.



Huckleberry Hearts by Jennifer Beckstrand is a 352 page novel in the Christian Amish fiction genre. It is published by Zebra Publishers and was released on November 24, 2015. To purchase your copy, click here.
“Full of kind, sincere characters struggling with the best ways to stay true to themselves and their beliefs.” –Publishers Weekly
About the Book
Young-at-heart octogenarians Anna and Felty Helmuth never miss the chance to find a perfect match for one of their grandchildren. And when their beloved Cassie returns to Huckleberry Hill, Wisconsin, Anna has a feeling they might soon have a doctor in the family…
Though Cassie Coblenz left her Amish community to go to college, Mammi and Dawdi’s farm will always feel like home. It’s the ideal place for an extended study break—at least until her grandmother’s handsome Englisch doctor becomes a regular distraction. Zach Reynolds is the kind of heartbreaker Cassie has learned to avoid, no matter how charming he may be.
Unlike every woman Zach has met in recent years, Cassie doesn’t fall at his feet. Strong, generous, beautiful within and without —she’s everything he could want. Yet the gulf between them deepens when a tragedy shakes his faith. Now the good doctor has one goal—to become a man who could be worthy of Cassie’s love…
About the Author
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Jennifer Beckstrand is the bestselling Amish romance author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series for Kensington Books. Huckleberry Summer was nominated for the RT Book Reviews Reviewer’s Choice Award and the 2015 RITA® Award, and Huckleberry Hillwon the 2014 LIME Award for Inspirational fiction. Both Huckleberry Hill and Huckleberry Christmas appeared in Examiner.com list of top ten inspirational books for 2014.
Jennifer has always been drawn to the strong faith and the enduring family ties of the Plain people and loves writing about the antics of Anna and Felty Helmuth. Jennifer has a degree in mathematics and a background in editing. She and her husband have been married for thirty years, and she has four daughters, two sons, and four adorable grandchildren, whom she spoils rotten.