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Tuesday, November 29, 2016


KEEP THE FAITH, ELLEN MCGUIRE

As I write this review I am trying to keep my tears from flowing. This was such a timely book for me to read. It reached into my heart and helped old wounds heal . The author has done an amazing job of telling a story with such realism and compassion. The holidays are always very hard for me but this book really helped me see a little clearer . People struggle everyday from being a single parent, abusive and emotional abuse, homelessness , to just being lonely. After reading this touching book, I am thankful that the author wrote from her heart and left me with a message I won't forget.

Ellen is a single parent raising two children on her own. She struggles everyday trying to feed them and making sure they have a place to live. I really liked the children and loved how they were always reassuring their mom that things would get better. Ellen is hoping this year she can buy a few small things for her children to celebrate Christmas. She is devastated when she loses her job. All her hopes are gone and I could feel her despair. I liked thatcher author talked about  Ellen going to a food pantry to get much needed items. It reminded me of how sometimes we have to remove our pride  and let  others help us.

The characters are beautifully written with unexpected people who come  into Ellen's life. Throughout the book I kept reading "keep the faith." That is so hard to do when you feel like giving up. The book is a great lesson on believing ,  compassion and most of all faith.  I loved every word, every character and every emotion this book portrays. I could certainly relate to Ellen , but there are a few other characters that certainly bring hope and love to the story.  Thank you for writing a story that touched my heart and gave me a reason to have faith.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for it.

Saturday, November 26, 2016



1 Vote
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Cat Got Your Diamonds
by Julie Chase

I keep starting and stopping as I write this review. I’m trying to figure out how to adequately express just how much I enjoyed Cat Got Your Diamonds. I’m tempted to gush and run on and on about it, but I also want my words to come across as sincere because this Kitty Couture mystery is outstanding.
~The Girl with Book Lungs
Wow. I really enjoyed this book a lot. The cover on this book is absolutely beautiful and I knew I just had to read it. I am also a animal lover so any good cozy with animals is a my kind of story.
~Books, Dreams, Life
This first in series will have you engaged in the story from the start. The characters bring the charm and wit that will leaving you wanting more.I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one.
~Shelley’s Book Case 
I think I found a new favorite author! This was a really enjoyable book and fast paced.
~Kaisy Daisy’s Corner
With a great sense of humor and an interesting supporting cast, animal lovers, cozy lovers, and just about anyone else should love this book.
~The Book’s the Thing
…you never can tell you which books will draw you in. I would have never guessed that a cozy mystery series about a Kitty Couture shop would be so enjoyable, but Julie made a fan out of me. I’ll be anxiously awaiting next April and more adventures from Lacy!
~Grace. Gratitude. Life. 
The writing of this story is superb and the setting and characters are so believable.
~Melina’s Book Blog
Cat Got Your Diamonds is an entertaining, well-written cozy mystery that’s full of southern charm.
~The Power of Words . . .
This novel is a great example of what I look for in a cozy mystery – a great case that keeps me guessing, a dash of romance, and splashes of humor. Both Lacy and Jack are well-developed and very likable characters with fantastic chemistry between them…
~Reading is my SuperPower
Chase created an interesting cast of characters and a delightful setting with the pet boutique. She also made good use of the New Orleans setting, showing us a New Orleans beyond the touristy stuff and the stereotypes.
~Bea’s Book Nook
Cat Got Your Diamonds is a captivating and fast-paced cozy whodunit tale that has enough quirky characters, witty banter and humor, drama, danger, and intriguing twists and turns that will keep you guessing the identity of the killer cat burglar.
~Jersey Girl Book Reviews
I’ve been looking forward to this book since I first saw it listed on Amazon. A new cat cozy taking place at a couture pet shop in New Orleans…how fast can I get there???
~Melissa’s Mochas, Mysteries & Meows
This was a really good start to a new cozy mystery series and I enjoyed it a lot.
~Books, Movies, Reviews. Oh my!
The path to solving the murder was paved with several potential candidates that had means and motive. There is also a twist to the story that I never saw coming. Bravo, Julie Chase, bravo!!
~Sapphyria’s Book Reviews
What’s not to love about this story? You get the fabulous setting of New Orleans, with all its culture and history, plus a main character who runs a pet boutique and bakery. Then you get a murder mystery on top of that.
~Book Babble
This book was fun, dangerous and the surprising ending has a real twist.
~Laura’s Interests
Cat Got Your Diamonds was the purrfect mystery that was filled with humor, charming characters and a delightful storyline…
~Moonlight Rendezvous
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Cat Got Your Diamonds: A Kitty Couture Mystery

Publisher: Crooked Lane Books (November 15, 2016)
Hardcover: 304 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1629538426
E-Book ASIN: B01H082DOU
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Synopsis

Grandeur and opulence are everything in the famed New Orleans Garden District where pets are family and no bling is too big. Opening Furry Godmother, pet boutique and organic treat bakery, is Lacy Marie Crocker’s dream come true–until the glitter gun used to make her Shih Tzu tutus becomes a murder weapon. And Lacy becomes public enemy #1.
Now Detective Jack Oliver is hounding Lacy, and her Furry Godmother investor wants out before his name is tarnished by association. To make matters worse, a string of jewel heists with suspicious ties to the murder case has New Orleans residents on edge. To save her dream, Lacy must take a stand, put her keen eyes to work, and unravel what really happened at her shop that night. But can Lacy sniff out the killer cat burglar in time to get her tail-raising designs on the catwalk?
Early Praise:
“In all that New Orleans heat and glitter, there’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing. A fun read.”
Rita Mae Brown, New York Times bestselling author of the Sneaky Pie mystery series

“Everyone needs a Furry Godmother! A delightful new series steeped in the flavor of New Orleans and its old families. Julie Chase’s clever characters are guaranteed to make you smile.”
Krista Davis, New York Times bestselling author of the Paws & Claws mysteries

“A stunning debut… Julie Chase’s new series is a cross between Laura Childs’ Scrapbooking series and Ali Brandon’s Black Cat Bookshop. A fantastic start to what looks like a promising cozy series. Even if you are not a cat/dog lover, you will love this one!”
T. C. LoTempio, author of the national bestselling Nick and Nora mystery series.

julieAbout The Author

Julie Chase is a mystery-loving pet enthusiast who hopes to make readers smile. She lives in rural Ohio with her husband and three small children. Julie is a member of the International Thriller Writers (ITW) and Sisters in Crime (SinC). She is represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyons Literary Agency. Julie also writes as Julie Anne Lindsey.

Purchase Links:



Amazon     BAM!       IndieBound


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I really liked  setting for this story and the author does a good job of describing the town. I instantly fell in love with the characters and couldn't put the book down. The mystery is really good and I must say I was a bit surprised at who the killer was. The story is funny at times and really moves along at a nice pace.

Lacy has come home and opened her dream shop called Furry Godmother. I loved the name of her boutique and it added charm to the story. She is really good at making decadent treats for animals.  I think her fame to glory has to be her beautiful clothes she designs and makes for the furry critters. She has some snotty customers that demand perfection for their precious pets. Lacy really does some exceptional costumes for animals . I loved how Lacy worked hard and didn't want to depend  on her parents for any help.  Everything is going well for the boutique until one evening an intruder disrupts Lacy's life. Who has come into her store unannounced? Why does Lacy feel threatened ?

Jack is a very strong and handsome detective. He gets the call to investigate a body at the Furry Godmother. From the first introduction, Lacy and Jack have a  dislike for each other. I thought the author really did an amazing job of putting these two characters together. Lacy sure does have her defenses up when it comes to Jack. Why does he think Lacy has something to do with the murder? There are many laughs as these two cross paths. It is like a love hate relationship.

The story has several other characters that make the story interesting. It does have several sub plots going that I found to be intriguing. Overall a very written story and yes a surprise ending. The twists and turns in the story kept me on my toes. I am looking forward to more in this charming series which I found to be very fun to read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Great Escapes Book Tour. The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for it.




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Tour Participants
November 15 – The Girl with Book Lungs – REVIEW
November 15 – Books,Dreams,Life – REVIEW
November 15 – View from the Birdhouse – SPOTLIGHT
November 16 – Shelley’s Book Case – REVIEW, GUEST POST
November 16 – Kaisy Daisy’s Corner – REVIEW
November 16 – Sleuth Cafe – SPOTLIGHT
November 17 – The Book’s the Thing – REVIEW
November 17 – Grace. Gratitude. Life. by Marie McNary – REVIEW
November 18 – Melina’s Book Blog –  REVIEW, GUEST POST
November 18 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
November 18 – The Power of Words – REVIEW 
November 19 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW
November 19 – Island Confidential  – INTERVIEW, SPOTLIGHT
November 20 – Michelle’s Romantic Tangle – GUEST POST
November 20 – Readeropolis –  SPOTLIGHT
November 21 – Bea’s Book Nook – REVIEW
November 21 – Jersey Girl Book Reviews – REVIEW, GUEST POST
November 21 – Mochas, Mysteries and Meows – REVIEW, INTERVIEW
November 22 – Books, Movies, Reviews. Oh my! – REVIEW
November 22 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – REVIEW
November 22 – A Holland Reads – SPOTLIGHT
November 23 – Book Babble – REVIEW
November 23 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW
November 23 – Moonlight Rendezvous – REVIEW
November 24 – THANKSGIVING
November 25 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, INTERVIEW
November 25 – Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
November 26 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW
November 26 – Community Bookstop –  REVIEW
November 27 – Brooke Blogs – REVIEW, GUEST POST
November 27 – LibriAmoriMiei – REVIEW
November 28 – Classy Cheapskate – REVIEW
November 28 – A Chick Who Reads – REVIEW
November 28 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – INTERVIEW, SPOTLIGHT
November 29 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW
November 29 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW, INTERVIEW 
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Friday, November 25, 2016


ON THE ROPES by HALLEE BRIDGEMAN

What a pager turner this book is. It completely took me off guard and I loved how the suspense kept building to an action packed ending. Ruth seems to have a nice life. She is a surgical resident and loves her job. She likes taking care of people and the staff at the hospital find her to be very compassionate around patients. Her safe world is shattered one evening when she witnesses a horrible crime. Now she must do everything possible to keep her whereabouts secret. Would you give up your safety to testify against someone?

Victor is Ruth's boyfriend and a professional boxer. He has eyes only for Ruth and tries to keep her away from his father's business. Victor's dad is a well known Mafia boss and will do anything to protect his empire. I did enjoy how the author used a violent crime to show how a person can find redemption. Victor knows that Ruth is in danger and wants to protect her. Can Ruth trust Victor? There is a bit of violence in the book, but the author did a great job of describing it to help readers understand the danger Ruth and Victor were in. The story is fast paced and I loved how the author touched on redemption. Will Victor believe he can be forgiven? There are several moments in the book where I gasped at the intrigue. I kept thinking as I read the story about the scripture,"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Get ready for a story that has intrigue, trust and forgiveness with a powerful ending.


I received a copy of this book from Bookfun.org and this is my honest opinion.
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A KILLER LOCATION
By Sarah T. Hobart

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A Killer Location:
A Home Sweet Home Mystery 

Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Alibi (November 22, 2016)
ASIN: B01AQNZQB8
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Synopsis

As this captivating cozy mystery series featuring real estate agent Sam Turner continues, a dream home turns into a crime scene when murder intrudes on an open house.
Thanks to a few sales and a self-help book on becoming a super-agent, Sam Turner is well on her way to becoming real estate royalty in Arlinda, her eccentric hometown on the Northern California coast. And after settling into her new house with her teenage son, she’s finally a homeowner, too. Sure, things aren’t perfect—for example, her sister still doesn’t know that Sam is dating her ex, police chief Bernie Aguilar—but perfect is boring. And Sam’s life is never boring.
When Sam’s boss, Everett Sweet, assigns her an open house in Arlinda’s most exclusive neighborhood, she brushes up on her super-agent tips, hoping to wow potential buyers. But there’s nothing in the manual about stumbling upon the owner’s dead body halfway through the tour. When suspicion falls on her boss, Sam and her co-workers are suddenly out of work, their real estate licenses suspended. Now, with her job on the line and a mortgage to pay, Sam will need every trick in the book to clear Everett’s name.
SARAH HOBART
About The Author –
Sarah Hobart is a real estate agent and former newspaper reporter in Northern California, where she lives with her husband and two children in a majestic fixer-upper overlooking State Highway 101.
Purchase Links:
Amazon      B&N 
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I really enjoyed this funny cozy mystery. The characters are well developed and boy do they give readers lots to laugh about. It's not everyday that a real estate agent shows a house and ends up with more than she bargained for. Let me introduce you to the star of the book. Sam Turner is very sweet and wants to impress her boss. She believes she can be the next top seller of homes and is given a chance to do an open house on her own.

I loved how the author gave great details about showing homes and allowing Sam to really shine throughout the story. Ok it's her big day. Hair in place. Check. Keys to the house. Check. House ready to show. Check. Potential buyers arriving check and check. This is where the fun really begins. I have gone to a couple of open houses just to see what it looks like inside.  I wanted to see the decor and dream of owning the perfect house. Perhaps these potential buyers will find their dream home. Sam is ready for her flood of customers so let the bidding begin.

There seems to be an assortment of people parading through the house but is anyone really there to buy ? Perhaps the couple who accidental borrowed some  of the  paintings, vases etc will come back . I'm sure they just wanted to look at the beautiful things to help them decide if they wanted to buy the house. Or perhaps the lovely person who brings their flea infested, muddy paws dog into the home wanted to see how dirty a carpet could get. The list of characters goes on and each with their own quirky agendas for being  at the open house.

One of the best parts of the book is when Sam decides that the house needed an aroma of baked cookies. So off she goes to the kitchen to bake cookies and suddenly everything stops. What did Sam find in the cookie mix? Will it lead to a possible crime? Will  the discovery of a dead body in the backyard put a halt to the open house?

The story moves at a great pace and has enough mystery to keep readers glued to the pages. It is always fun to try to guess who the killer is in cozy mysteries but this one was a hard one. I loved how the author had you so sure you had figured out the killer then boom, another suspect hits you in the face. Make sure and grab your copy of this fun mystery.

I received a copy of this book from Great Escapes Book Tour. The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for it.



Tour Participants
November 21 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – INTERVIEW
November 22 – Community Bookstop – REVIEW
November 22 – Readsalot – SPOTLIGHT
November 23 – Shelley’s Book Case – REVIEW
November 23 – Books,Dreams,Life – REVIEW, SPOTLIGHT
November 24 – THANKSGIVING U.S.
November 25 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW
November 25 – A Blue Million Books – GUEST POST
November 26 – Booklady’s Booknotes – REVIEW
November 26 – LibriAmoriMiei
November 27 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW
November 28 – MysteriesEtc – REVIEW
November 28 – A Holland Reads – GUEST POST
November 29 – Readeropolis – INTERVIEW
December 1 – Cassidy Salem Reads & Writes – REVIEW
December 1 – Brooke Blogs – GUEST POST
December 2 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW, SPOTLIGHT
December 2 – T’s Stuff – SPOTLIGHT
December 3 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW, SPOTLIGHT
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Thursday, November 24, 2016


TIDEWATER SUMMER by JO HUDDLESTON

With a heartpounding opening the book grabs your attention and never lets go. The author does an amazing job of describing a horrible situation with real emotion . Rose is happy until one day her fiancé Walter becomes violent. Talking about physical abuse is never easy but the author did a great job of showing how devastating it can be.  Rose is a school teacher and such a sweet and caring person.  She decides that she needs to get away from Walter. Rose goes to the one place that she feels safe and comfortable. She travels to her Aunt Clara's beach house .

I loved the time period of the early 1950s and how the author made me feel like I was back there enjoying the simpler times. The people on the island were so nice and seemed like you had known them forever. I  loved the mention  pedal pushers . My mom loved to wear them and she loved going to the beach. The beach house sounded so lovely I was ready to move there and keep Rose company. Rose has a lot of thinking to do and being there at the beach is the perfect place. She has decided that she will just hide away at the beach house and avoid men. After her encounter with her ex-fiancé she does not trust men at all. Will she forgive Walter?

Frank is a well known person on the island and liked by everyone. When he comes to Rose's place to do some minor repairs I could feel the electricity between the two. Rose may have been a bit uneasy around him, but she didn't miss how attractive he was. Frank and Rose slowly to get know each other and I absolutely adored how the author showed their vulnerable side. Rose must learn to trust again. Can Frank break through her wall and win her trust? Will Rose find her way back to God? I loved how the author wrote such a graceful and enduring story that showed how Frank's faith was very important to him. I hope you sit down and visit with Rose and Frank and follow their story as they experience  friendship, trust, faith and love that lasts a lifetime.

"Thoughts are important because they're where our words and action begin."

I received a copy of this book from Bookfun.org and this review is my own opinion.

Tuesday, November 22, 2016


HOW TO MAKE VICTORIA SPONGE by MARGARET KAZMIERCZAK

This is a different style of book that I thought I would not like.  But as soon as I started reading , I became infatuated with the beauty of the writing. It is written as a journal of a woman  and her daily life as  a mother and wife. The author did a great job of having prayers to start each day and I loved how the character prayed throughout the day about different situations. There are times where I laughed so hard  as I could relate to what she was going through.  It is quite funny that when a mom gets hurt or sick, it seems like the family suddenly is at a loss of what to do.

When Victoria fell  over the vacumn cleaner and hit her head I could see myself doing the same thing. Of course the family was very concerned. After a trip to the doctor she is instructed to go to bed and get lots of rest . That is when the shenanigans in the household begin . The story was so real,I found myself reliving a time  when I became sick and stayed in bed. You get all comfy, snuggle with the covers and start to nod off. Suddenly you hear noises from downstairs, smoke billowing in the hallway and you know that mom is now on high alert. Well so much for rest.

One of the subjects the author writes about is bullying. Johnny has been hurt, called names and made to feel insecure and worthless. My tears flowed from my eyes as I read this. No parent wants to see their child hurting and it made me think of my own child. I remember just like Johnny's parents, going to school to face the principal and demand something be done. I loved how the author used the story from the Bible about Jesus. He went without a fight with his captors because he knew what his destiny was. Through the meeting that transpired for Johnny we saw how forgiveness came. Oh if only we could learn to forgive as quickly as Jesus does.

As Victoria goes through her days she lovingly takes time to pray and have a relationship with God. Her character goes from happy moments to making hard decisions. I loved her fierce love for  her family and how she relied on God for direction. The story about the man who committed suicide was so hard to read. There are people that feel there is no hope, they are unloved and the only answer for them is to leave this earth. God is right there with each of us in our darkest hour. He can feel our pain, and His heart grieves for His children as they seek an end to their pain.  He is the answer to our prayers and will take the pain away .

The book is well written and each story and each prayer speaks to your heart and really opens your eyes to the unconditional love that God has for us. I'm thankful that I had an opportunity to read such a powerful book that I will read many times over. There were many great prayers in the book but I will leave you with this one.

"Oh Lord, crushed and broken as I am You are always gentle with your handling of my life.  You may have to prune hard at times, but it is always with our growth in mind that You tend to our souls. No matter what mess I make with handling things you will always be there to pick up the pieces if I ask You to."

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit . The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for it.

Monday, November 21, 2016


BUYING LOVE by TONI SHILOH

Nina is a very smart, pretty and wealthy woman. But she is missing something in her life. She is over thirty and feels her biological clock ticking. She is anxious to be married and have a family. Nina has never known what it is like to have a family.    Have you ever felt lost and longed for  a family? For  Nina  that pain has been with her since birth.  Will she ever find true love? The author shows us how vulnerable she is at times and that her past has left a scar on her heart. I really like her character a lot. She has a big heart and her love for God is reflected in her daily actions. It is hard to meet the right one sometimes and Nina thinks she has the perfect plan to find her mate.

Dwight  is good looking ,helps run a family restaurant and has the weight of the world on his shoulders as the threat of losing the family business is looming over his head. I found his character to be very strong, family oriented and his faith very grounded. The author did an amazing job of developing the characters and I could relate to them very well. I really enjoyed reading about the restaurant and wanted to go visit it. The details were so vivid I could smell the maple chicken as it was placed on plates.

I loved the concept of how Nina and Dwight  meet and what their plans are to further their relationship. It seems like a win win for both until Dwight's  mom is introduced to Nina. Oh my that was one scene that I felt the energy of a mama bear protecting her child. Let's just say Nina was not well received by Dwight's  mom at all. That lady kinda scared me with her quick tongue and cold eyes. Her character  is very well written and I have to say she became my favorite character.

There are many emotional roller coasters in the story that are handled with grace and prayer. I loved that the author wrote a story about two people that were looking  for love and how God guided their journey. The story is filled with family dynamics, past hurts and love that is pure and unconditional. I am looking forward to the next book from this very gifted author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for it.

WHISPER TO MY HEART by JoANN DURGIN

Have you ever been so overwhelmed with your life that you wanted to take a break from it?  In this beautifully written story that is exactly what Anna  does after  traveling throughout the year. She decides it is time to get away and just be a normal everyday person. She finds herself in the quaint little town of Darling, Georgia. I so much enjoyed the intricate details of a concert pianist. Anna has such a God given talent and I love how she closes her concerts out with a hymn. As I read the story ,my granddad came to mind. He was a piano tuner and loved his job. He would always tell me he got to hear beautiful music everyday of his life. I do enjoyed the piano and loved the moments my grandmother spent with me teaching me how to play. Those memories I had long forgotten were brought back to the surface as I felt myself watching Anna's hands glide with with emotion. The author really knows how to make  her characters become real and allows readers to become part of their life.

Anna has come to the sweet little town of Darling, Georgia to get away from her very hectic life. Ii was fun to read all the mishaps she had at the Darling Diner as a waitress. Being a waitress is not an easy job and Anna really found out how hard it was as plates fell, coffee was spilled and perhaps a few orders were mixed up. What I loved about the diner were the locals who seemed to really welcome Anna and show her kindness . How many times have we been waited on, and took our frustrations out on the wait staff? It really reminded me to treat others as you would want to be treated . Anna has a big secret about herself and is trying very hard to hide it. What  happens when her true identity is revealed? One of the best things about Anna is her faith and how much she shared it with others.

Weston is in the town for a few weeks working at a construction site. I immediately fell in love with this character. He is handsome, charming and as the biggest heart ever. He is not ashamed to say he is a Christian and his respect for women  is so wonderful I wanted to tell him,"thank you for being a true gentleman. " I loved how the author gave Weston a pure heart and standards that he was not willing to compromise . He is someone you would love to be friends with and his love for God is evident in everything he does.

The author uses beautiful scriptures in the story that speak to the heart and make the story glisten with honor and faith. I felt liked I had been whisked away to a charming little town where I could easily stay. The description the author uses to describe the characters  made me feel like I was right there among the people of the town. I think I would love to move there and be quite content in that little town. The story is so exquisite I decided to slow down in reading it. I wanted to experience every moment of this sweet story. The chemistry between Anna and Weston is evident , but I appreciated how the characters were faithful to their beliefs and took it slow. The story is one that takes you on a journey about trust, changes and love that is priceless. Whisper To My Heart will leave you with a feeling of happiness and  pure delight as you journey with Anna and Weston.

Sunday, November 20, 2016


A LOVE MADE NEW BY KATHLEEN FULLER

It is always nice to revisit old friends and that is how I felt about this book. The author makes her characters come alive and you get invested in them. They become friends and it's nice when you can sit down and catch up . I'm glad to be back in Birch Creek and find out answers about my friends.

Abigail is finally home after helping her sister recuperate after an injury. It has been hard for Abigail to be away from Joel who she adores. When she arrives to see him, she can sense that something has changed between them. My heart broke as I felt her pain when she realized that Joel didn't want to be with her anymore. Why did Joel break up with her? Was it because Abigail has gained weight ? Did he find someone else while she was away from home ? The author really gives readers a feel for the heartbreak Abigail experiences. It is always hard when you get rejected by someone. You blame yourself and start to believe that no one will ever love you again. It was hard to read about how Abigail became almost like a recluse and had a hard time trusting anyone.  There are definite moments in the story where I felt tears come to  my eyes. How many of us have believed lies that we were ugly, not smart enough or maybe our weight was an issue? I really admire the way the author showed that love is not about looks, but about our heart.

Asa was a great character to get to know better.  God had a plan for Asa to return home so he gave up everything and obeyed God. I wonder if we would give up everything and follow God ? I'm sure there were doubts in Asa's mind but he was determined to do as God said. I loved how Abigail and Asa's paths crossed. Little did they know that they would help each other with their emotional baggage. One of the strongest messages in the story is about forgiveness. It is one of the hardest things to do when you have been hurt. The author does an exceptional job of allowing characters to explore their hurt and allow God to soften their hearts.


One of the other messages I found throughout the book was about acceptance. I'm sure we can each say we have felt at one time that people have  judged us because we had sinned. We hold our head down in shame and start to feel like no one wants us. Once again the author delivers very strong characters who will journey through feeling unwanted, unloved and  a strong sense of low self esteem. I loved this book so much because the story flows so easily and each character was very relatable. There are several more characters you will meet in the book that play pivotal roles in the story. I highly recommend this book to readers who love a great story about forgiveness , trust and a bit of intrigue which I found to be very well written.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from The Fiction Guild. The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for it.

Monday, November 14, 2016


Ace Collins The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year Plus Giveaway


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 Make this upcoming Christmas holiday a Christ-filled season of joy and wonder with the help of Ace Collins' new devotional, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year. From December to New Year’s Eve, reawaken the Christmas season with daily scripture and inspirational readings of stories behind popular Christmas traditions, carols and movies. Enjoy a wealth of fun activities to help make the most of the season, including heartwarming holiday recipes and homemade gift ideas. Download a free sampler of the book by clicking here.


About the book: 

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (Abingdon, October 2016)

Celebrate 31 days of a Christ-filled Christmas season.

For Christians worldwide, the month of December is filled with joy and wonder as we anticipate the celebration of Christ's birth. There is no other time of the year that can compare to the Christmas season for both the young and young at heart.

From December to New Year's Eve, reawaken the wonder, joy, and magic that is Christmas with daily scripture and inspirational readings of stories behind popular Christmas traditions, carols and movies. Enjoy a wealth of fun activities to help make the most of the season, including heartwarming holiday recipes and homemade gift ideas.

With this soon-to-be-cherished holiday devotional, best-selling author Ace Collins will capture your imagination and help to make each day of December more memorable and meaningful to you, and those you love, by shining a light on the real spirit of the season.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2frWQG8

About the author:




Ace Collins defines himself as a storyteller. He has authored more than sixty books that have sold more than 2.5 million copies. His catalog includes novels, biographies, children's works as well as books on history, culture and faith. He has also been the featured speaker at the National Archives Distinguished Lecture Series, hosted a network television special and does college basketball play-by-play. Ace lives in Arkansas. 


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What a beautiful book this is. As the holidays get closer , I am always looking for something to read to lessen the stress of the holiday rush. When I started going through this treasure, I immediately knew this would be something I would return to every year.

I love that the book is a devotional that you can share with your family. The recipes look great and  the book is filled  with wonderful stories that fill your heart with joy. Sometimes holidays can be hard for people, but this book will certainly cheer anyone up. I loved how each day in the book is a different topic. The Christmas songs that are in the book are so nice to see and really gives families a time to talk about their favorite Christmas song. One of the traditions my family does  every year for Christmas is attend the Christmas Eve service and then return to our home. We have light snacks and a special gift for each kid to open. The kids are grown now  with spouses, but we still do this every year. It is a nice time to spend with our  family  relaxing and enjoying  being together.

 I loved when the author said. " The warmth of your home is the warmth others will first see in you." It  is such a great reminder for us to spread joy to others by being kind and make them feel loved and welcomed. Make sure you pick up a copy to enjoy with your family and grab an extra copy for a friend.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from LitFuse. The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for it.





Join Ace's Christmas festivities by entering to win the Magic of Christmas Prize Pack. Create new traditions this holiday season with your family and friends with the goodies included in the giveaway.


One grand prize winner will receive:
Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on November 21. The winner will be announced November 22 on the Litfuse blog.

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