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Monday, January 30, 2017




Zondervan author Amy Clipston sells 1 Million book units
Author’s momentum continues with May 9 release of “The Beloved Hope Chest” 

(Jan. 2017) The Fiction team at HarperCollins Christian Publishing announced today that sales of author Amy Clipston’s books have exceeded 1 million copies. 
"We are so proud of this major milestone in Amy’s writing career. Amy continues to be among the most beloved voices in Amish fiction,” said Daisy Blackwell Hutton, vice president and publisher of fiction. "Readers are looking for stories that bring them hope, and Amy creates beautiful stories that do just that—inspire and uplift.”
Clipston has published with Zondervan for nearly a decade. She writes both full-length novels and novellas and has written stories for both adult and young adult audiences. 
"I'm so thrilled and honored to call HarperCollins Christian Publishing my home,” she said. “When I received my first offer, I never dreamed my writing career would last this long. I consider the members of my publishing team dear friends, and I'm excited to continue to publish books with them."
Zondervan’s most recent novel from Clipston is “The Cherished Quilt,” published in November 2016. The title is the third installment of her Amish Heirloom series, which culminates with “The Beloved Hope Chest,” releasing May 9. 
Clipston’s writing has been praised by Publishers Weekly and Library Journal, among others publications. Her books have won awards and have appeared regularly on industry best-seller lists, including Christian Book Distributors, Christian Book Association and the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. 
Clipston is New Jersey native and lives in Charlotte, N.C. She holds a degree in communications from Virginia Wesleyan College.

About Zondervan
Zondervan is a world-leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications. 
Zondervan, as part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., delivers transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. -
The Company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, MI. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com .
Zondervan author Amy Clipston sells 1 Million book units
Author’s momentum continues with May 9 release of “The Beloved Hope Chest” 

(Jan. 2017) The Fiction team at HarperCollins Christian Publishing announced today that sales of author Amy Clipston’s books have exceeded 1 million copies. 
"We are so proud of this major milestone in Amy’s writing career. Amy continues to be among the most beloved voices in Amish fiction,” said Daisy Blackwell Hutton, vice president and publisher of fiction. "Readers are looking for stories that bring them hope, and Amy creates beautiful stories that do just that—inspire and uplift.”
Clipston has published with Zondervan for nearly a decade. She writes both full-length novels and novellas and has written stories for both adult and young adult audiences. 
"I'm so thrilled and honored to call HarperCollins Christian Publishing my home,” she said. “When I received my first offer, I never dreamed my writing career would last this long. I consider the members of my publishing team dear friends, and I'm excited to continue to publish books with them."
Zondervan’s most recent novel from Clipston is “The Cherished Quilt,” published in November 2016. The title is the third installment of her Amish Heirloom series, which culminates with “The Beloved Hope Chest,” releasing May 9. 
Clipston’s writing has been praised by Publishers Weekly and Library Journal, among others publications. Her books have won awards and have appeared regularly on industry best-seller lists, including Christian Book Distributors, Christian Book Association and the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. 
Clipston is New Jersey native and lives in Charlotte, N.C. She holds a degree in communications from Virginia Wesleyan College.

About Zondervan
Zondervan is a world-leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications. 
Zondervan, as part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., delivers transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. -
The Company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, MI. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com .

Sunday, January 29, 2017


AN AMISH HOME

The authors in this book have a great story to share that will  give you hope and feel love. Each one is beautifully written and the characters are a treasure to read about. I enjoy when authors join together and write a collection because it gives readers a book that delivers powerful stories all in one treasure filled book. Each story flows so easily and remind us of unconditional love, helping each other and forgiveness. Set back and enjoy a trip to Amish country and enjoy the stories that fill you will joy and happiness.

A Cup Half Full by Beth Wiseman

I loved this story because it showed how a young couple struggles after a tragic accident. Sarah has a lot to overcome as she adjust to her new life in a wheelchair. I loved how the author showed how she was trying to come to terms with her situation. There were times when she was angry and other times when she was ready to give up. would you be angry if you suddenly weren't physically able to do everything you were use to?

 Abram is a very hard working man who has done everything he can to make his wife comfortable after she is released from the hospital. I really liked how he sacrificed long hours to be with his wife and tried to keep up with the bills. What  happens when Abram finds himself in a financial hardship? Can Sarah get past her injuries and look for a bright future?  Will Sarah find her way back to God? I loved the story because the author shows how we can find good in everything.    When our anger and bitterness is gone, we are able to be thankful for the things we take for granted. Sometimes  we have to stop feeling sorry for ourselves and be happy with the blessings around us.

Home Sweet Home by by Amy Clipston

Oh how I remember when I was first married. We were so broke that we shared a hot dog and a coke at Sonic after saying I do at the Justice of the Peace. As soon as I started reading the story about Mia and Chace I felt like I was transformed back to my early days of married life. Mia is quite surprised to find the cabin they will be living in has no electricity. She is freezing from the icy weather and the baby Kaitlyn, is sobbing as Chace's boss and landlord appears at the home. After losing their apartment it will be a big change for Chace and Mia. I loved how the author described the culture shock . What would you do if you suddenly had to live somewhere where modern conviences were not around? The hospitality that Isaac and his family show  Mia and Chace made me cry. Would it be hard to accept help if you had lost everything ?

The author does  an amazing job of showing how Mia is dealing with the estrangement from her parents. Mia is heartbroken when they turn their back on her and her emotional pain is overwhelming. What would it be like to have your family suddenly stop talking to you? For Mia  and Chace they will have to deal with pride and forgiveness.  Will they  be able to  work together or blame esch other for their situation? The story is filled with such deep emotions and I loved  how the author made the couple so relatable. Can  they  stop blaming each other and work together? Will Mia and her parents reconcile?  I loved the part in the story when Mia has to decide between her parents or her husband. The author really captured the turmoil that some of us face when we have been hurt by our parents. The story will grab you from the start as you journey with Mia and Chace to find happiness , forgiveness and a new beginning.

A Flicker of Hope by Ruth Reid

What an action packed beginning this story is. As the fire burned Thomas and Noreen's home I could visualize the flames shooting into the sky. Noreen barely makes it out of the home thanks to her husband. They are devasted by the loss of their home and I could feel the tension growing between them. Thomas is a stubborn man and there is a slight undertone of bitterness rising  in him. He is determined to rebuild as his his wife blames herself for the fire. I loved how the author showed how important communication is in a marriage.

As the days go by , their bond is strained but they continue to salvage what they can from the fire. I absolutely loved when the author brought precious memories back to the couple of happy times they shared. There was one memory that was especially emotional and the author does a great job of letting readers sense the pain . I thought it was a very touching memory that brought them back to when they were younger and so in love. Have they let their relationship become stagnant? Can Noreen and Thomas find hope in the midst of what looks hopeless? It is a very good story that examines the turmoil a couple can go through and how they allow God to show them how important their dreams and hope are.

Building Faith by Kathleen Fuller

This story reminds me of the old saying"opposites attract." Faith has always loved  being out in the  shop building things. Some may think it is not suitable for an Amish woman but that does stop the determined Faith.  She feels close to her grandfather when she is out in the shop and her heart aches since he passed. I could feel her pain as she felt she could have done something to save him.

Silas is a very gifted carpenter and has taken on running the business since his father has had other pressing matters to attend to. Silas has been worried about bills and prays that God will provide for him and his parents. I loved how the author showed how devoted Silas is to helping the family out as his mother becomes ill. When a friend asks Silas to build cabinets for his new home he feels like it is an answer to prayer.

Through miscommunication  Silas finds Faith at the new home taking measurements . He can't believe what he is seeing. To say that there is tension between the two is an understatement.  How do Silas and Faith both get hired to do the same job? Will they be able to work together after their falling out that led them to avoid each other. I loved this story because the author touches on pride and forgiveness. Pride is a hard thing to overcome and the author does a great job of allowing Faith to examine herself and realize she has been wrong about Silas. Even though Silas is doing his best to keep the family business running, will he ever have enough faith in himself as a carpenter? The story is well written and I loved getting to know Faith and Silas. Will they find a way to forgive the past and work together? The story is very compelling and really showed how important faith is.

I received a copy of this book from author Amy Clipston and Beth Wiseman. The review is my own opinion.

A mysterious killer who calls himself The Artist is assassinating wealthy lawyers in San Francisco. When war veteran Jake Wolfe accidentally takes his picture during a murder, The Artist adds Jake to his kill list and he becomes a target in a deadly game of cat and mouse that only one of them can survive. How far would you go to protect your loved ones from a killer? Jake wants to leave his top secret, violent past life behind him. But the reluctant, flawed hero can't ignore his duty and his personal moral compass.

This gripping thriller is full of suspense, plot twists and surprises. It features a cast of interesting characters, including several strong-willed women, two wise-cracking San Francisco Police Homicide Inspectors, one highly intelligent dog, and a philosophical killer who shares Jake's admiration for Van Gogh paintings but still plans to kill him anyway. As Jake gets closer to unraveling a merciless conspiracy, his life gets turned upside down and the danger level increases, adding to the growing suspense. This entertaining page-turner starts out as a murder mystery and then shifts gears into a high-speed action thriller that takes you on a roller-coaster ride to the riveting ending. A good read for those who enjoy mysteries, suspense, action and adventure, vigilante justice, unique characters, witty dialogue and a little romance too. Now on sale in over a dozen countries around the world. Be the first among your friends to read it.

Fans of new Kindle Unlimited novels will be happy to know this book is one of the best financial thrillers in kindle unlimited books.

Available to buy from....
Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk 

Readers are saying... 
"A life and death ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I stayed up half the night so I could finish this book." 

 "An action packed thriller from beginning to end! A cross between the action in the "Die Hard" movies, and the joking relationship between partners in the "Lethal Weapon" movies." 

 "I wish I could have given this book 10 stars--it is that good. If you like playing detective, you will love this book." 

 "This is the best action mystery book I have read. Mark Nolan is a hidden treasure."

About the author
Mark Nolan began his writing career as a successful entrepreneur who created news stories for businesses that were featured in The Wall Street Journal, National Geographic, Parade, Reader's Digest and The Associated Press. Nolan was born in San Francisco, grew up in the Bay Area of California, and has also lived in the Pacific Northwest and Hawaii. He has raised two great kids and one very smart retriever dog. Right now he's busy writing the next book about Jake Wolfe (Book 2), but he also tries to make time every day to answer emails from readers.

Find the author on the following sites...


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I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.

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I definitely had a love, hate relationship with this  book. When I began to read  the book I wasn't very impressed at all. I couldn't really figure out who was who and what the story was really about. So I decided that I needed to continue on in order  to give a fair review. I'm so glad I did. The author has written a very intricate mystery that  kept me guessing throughout the book. The action is explosive and at times very intense.


Jake is a former Marine who has  a keen sense of awareness of his surroundings. I thought his  character was good and had lots of depth. He is smart, decisive, alert and had great instincts. He has a new job as a photojournalist. While following someone he inadvertently stumbles upon an assassin  at large. The assassin does  not like lawyers .  Jake seems to get one step ahead and then takes two steps back in this lively story. Who is the assassin? Why are lawyers being targeted?


I thought the assassin  was a brilliant character because he was so unpredictable. He reminds me of a ticking time bomb. You never know when it will go off but you know when it does , chaos follows. I liked the multidimensional, quirky and very unnerving characteristics he had. What I really like was how the assassin even controlled the people who hired him. With cutting words he was in control and calculated his every move. He does some very ingenious things to divert the attention away from him and on to Jake. Will Jake be able to prove who the assassin is? I recommend this book to mystery lovers who like intrigue and characters that jump off the pages with intensity.

I received a copy of this book from Beck Valley Book Tour. The review is my own opinion.




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Thursday, January 26, 2017

a-fatal-romance-large-banner640

A Fatal Romance
by June Shaw

a-fatal-romance
A Fatal Romance (A Twin Sisters Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
New Series
Publisher: Lyrical Underground
Publication Date: January 24, 2017
Paperback – ISBN13: 9781516100958
E-Book ASIN: B01F0YVQEE
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Synopsis

Fixing up homes can be tricky.
Finding true love can be even trickier.
But finding a killer can be plain old deadly . . .
Twin sister divorcees Sunny Taylor and Eve Vaughn have had their fill of both heartaches and headaches. So when they settle down in the small Louisiana town of Sugar Ledge and open a remodeling and repair company, they think they’ve finally found some peace—even though Eve is still open for romance while Sunny considers her own heart out-of-business.
Then their newest customer ends up face-down in a pond, and his widow is found dead soon after. Unfortunately, Sunny was witnessed having an unpleasant moment with the distraught woman, and suspicion falls on the twins. And when an attempt is made on Eve’s life, they find themselves pulled into a murder mystery neither knows how to navigate.
With a town of prying eyes on them, and an unknown culprit out to stop them, Sunny and Eve will have to depend on each other like never before if they’re going to clip a killer in the bud.

juneshaw_2
About The Author

From the bayou country of South Louisiana, June Shaw previously sold a series of humorous mysteries to Five Star, Harlequin, and Untreed Reads. Publishers Weekly praised her debut, Relative Danger, which became a finalist for the David Award for Best Mystery of the Year. A hybrid author who has published other works, she has represented her state on the board of Mystery Writers of America’s Southwest Chapter for many years and continued to serve as the Published Author Liaison for Romance Writers of America’s Southern Louisiana chapter. She gains inspiration for her work from her faith, family, and friends, including the many readers who urge her on. For more info please visit juneshaw.com.
http://www.ekensingtonbooks.com/author.aspx/31823


Review.jpg


This is my first time to read a book from this author. I really like her creativity and how the story flowed so easily. This cozy mystery was a bit more serious than I am use to and I have to say I really enjoyed it. The characters were great and I loved the twins so much. The author did a great job of describing them and I found them to be enchanting. It can be very hard to figure out who is who when you are dealing with twins. I remember in high school there were a set of identical twin boys. They loved to fool teachers and their friends.

Sunny and Eve have opened a remodeling and repair company together. They are very gifted at their work and have clients lined up.  I loved the spunkiness of one of the twins. She was very outgoing and looking for love. The other twin was a bit more reserved and not as trusting as her sister. The author really showed how close they were and I loved how they could sense when something was wrong with the other.

The story surrounds the mystery of who killed their client . What I really liked was the well meaning  neighbors,  and the detective who wanted them to stay out of the investigation. Neighbors love to think they are helping when giving information but sometimes they can really be well too chatty.   The police are suspicious of Sunny and Eve. What makes everyone suspicious of the twins? Why do they start losing business? They soon realize they are in danger when one of them is injured by an unknown person.

I loved the banter between Dave who comes  to install an alarm system in one of the twins houses. He seemed to be an honest person but when the alarm doesn't work he became my number one suspect. I loved how the author gave us several suspects and I had a hard time figuring out who the killer was. Before the suspect is caught another murder occurs. Who is the unfortunate person who becomes victim number two?

The twins will have to watch each other's backs as they try to stay one step ahead of the killer. Why does someone want one or both of the twins dead? It is a great mystery with twists that draw the reader into the story with action and intrigue. There was a part in the story that piqued my interest. Several times the author mentioned an older sister of the twins who was shot and killed in a drive by. This has bothered the twins for a long time because the murder was never solved. I'm hoping the author will write a story about this unsolved case and give closure to the twins. The ending is a shocker to me and I loved how the author was able to stump me on figuring out the killer.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from The Great Escapes Book Tour . The review is my own opinion.


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WITH THIS RING by DEBRA CLOPTON

I love reading books by this author. They are always clean, nice and wonderful stories that  tug  on your emotions. Her characters are well developed and come to life. They are relatable and I love how she writes them with struggles that readers can relate to. This book is not only about finding love but having faith.

Jessica and her son Kevin have gone through a tragic loss. Losing her husband in a terrible accident was devasting and she decides she needs a fresh start. I loved revisiting Windswept Bay again. The town is quaint and full of delightful characters. Jessica takes a teaching job at her son's new school. She hopes the move will help Kevin adjust to the loss of his dad. Jessica is a sweet person who wants the best for her child. She is still trying to get past Christmas when Kevin asked Santa and God for a new daddy. The faith of a child is special and the author really showed how important Kevin's faith was to him.

Levi is the chief of police and through an unexpected invite, finds himself at Kevin's school for show and tell. I remember when I was younger kids would bring their favorite toy to share. Levi is doing a great job of interacting with the children until someone shouts out something that has him scrambling for words. What was said that have Jessica and Levi denying rumors? This makes for a fun adventure as  Levi  seems to get deeper in trouble with women in the town. He has become the number one bachelor in town and the single women are flooding him with homemade food to win his attention. This  makes for some fun moments in the story .

Jessica seems to be running into Levi everywhere and he starts to grow close to her and Kevin. The author does a great job of showing how Levi doesn't push or pressure Jessica. It must be hard to have feelings for someone and know their heart isn't ready. Will Jessica learn to trust Levi? Can he win her heart? Will Kevin get a new daddy?  Make sure you grab a copy of this book about loss, faith and learning to trust .

I received a copy of this book from the author . The review is my own opinion .

Wednesday, January 25, 2017


WEST OVERSEA by LARS WALKER

This is not my typical genre to read but I found the writing to be so descriptive I had to continue on. I love books that allow readers to travel to different eras and explore different cultures. I knew few little about the Vikings and what their beliefs were. The author does a great job of telling a story that makes you feel like you are  right there with the characters. They are bold, strong and fierce and have a determination to enjoy  their adventure on the high seas.

I am not a fan of the ocean and have no desire to ever travel on a ship. I don't even know how to swim. It was easy for me to sympathize with Father Ailiil who is not thrilled with the turbulent waves as the water splashed continually. He just couldn't get a break. It was intriguing to learn that he was willing to get on a ship when he gets news of his sister . He has long though to be dead but rumors have given him hope . It sure would have to be something really important for me to  want to step on a ship and travel . Will he find his sister? The story is captivating and really has some great action throughout the story. What object is discovered that will have an impact on characters?

I really found myself intrigued by the mystery in the book and the action that kept a great pace during the story. There are several characters in the book that I found to be interesting and at times a bit funny with a sarcastic tone. It made the story  lively and I have now found a new author to read .

I received a copy of this book from Bookfun.org. The  review is my honest opinion.

JUST A LITTLE GIRL by VICTORIA SARVADI

What an emotional book this was. The author did an amazing job of keeping readers interested as she told her story. There were times in the book  that I was able to relate to her and I loved her openness and honesty during her struggles.  The book is well written and takes us inside the life of a woman who sees her guardian angel and how her life was changed by the encounter. We hear all the time that people can see an angel or have an out of body experience during a life threatening event. I like how the author described her encounter and how encouraged she became from the words the angel spoke to her.

Throughout the book I knew she was a very strong and determined woman by never giving up. Her hunger to have a deeper relationship with God was very evident. There was one relationship that definitely had an impact on her life. Her father always treated her like she couldn't do anything right . She felt like she could never please him and was continually made to feel "like a little girl." I never had a good relationship with my dad and I could feel her pain as she tried so hard to repair that relationship.


I was very impressed by the success she and her husband have achieved over the years. It took prayer and perseverance to overcome some of the obstacles on their journey. I was very intrigued by her desire to learn about the Hebrew studies and to understand the Bible with a clearer understanding. There were times as I read all the different  responsibilities she had, that I began to feel overwhelmed. Sometimes we think we are doing these things to honor God; we get involved in every ministry in the church and before we know it we have forgotten about our family . I loved how she realized that she was doing things for the wrong reasons and needed to get back to having a one on one relationship with God. I loved the book know that I I will reread  it because it has so many great nuggets of wisdom throughout the book. The book is a journey of family, business, emotional stress, success and healed relationships.  I wrote down a couple of things from the book that really touched me and I will end my review with those.

"Sometimes God puts us in places to intentionally shake things up."

Sometimes life is about filling -in-the-blanks-, and once that's accomplished you can move on.

I received a copy of this book from Bookfun.org. The review is my honest opinion.

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

About the book: 

The Mark of the King (Bethany House, January 2017)

Sweeping historical fiction set at the edge of the continent

After being imprisoned and branded for the death of her client, twenty-five-year-old midwife Julianne Chevalier trades her life sentence for exile to the fledgling 1720s French colony of Louisiana, where she hopes to be reunited with her brother, serving there as a soldier. To make the journey, though, women must be married, and Julianne is forced to wed a fellow convict.

When they arrive in New Orleans, there is no news of Benjamin, Julianne's brother, and searching for answers proves dangerous. What is behind the mystery, and does military officer Marc-Paul Girard know more than he is letting on?

With her dreams of a new life shattered, Julianne must find her way in this dangerous, rugged land, despite never being able to escape the king's mark on her shoulder that brands her a criminal beyond redemption.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2iKM4uj

About the author:




Jocelyn Green inspires faith and courage as the award-winning author of ten books to date, includingWedded to War, a Christy Award finalist in 2013; Widow of GettysburgYankee in Atlanta; and The 5 Love Languages Military Edition, which she coauthored with bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman. A former military wife herself, her passion for military families informs all of her writing as well as her numerous speaking opportunities. Jocelyn graduated from Taylor University with a BA in English and now lives with her husband and two children in Iowa.


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I have read very few historical fiction books set in the colonial days. After reading this book, I think we need more set during that time. I found the book to be extremely fascinating and  the details were very well defined .  I was swept back to a time where life was very hard and people were treated with little respect. I couldn't believe the conditions that people endured during that time period. The colonists worked hard and had to overcome lack of food, horrible weather conditions,  danger from others and diseases that seem to rapidly spread throughout the colonies. Some of the men in the colonies were rough, stole from others and tension was thick among the people.

I absolutely fell in love with Julianne right away. I can't imagine being accused of a crime you didn't commit and know you have no hope to prove your innocence. She is a sweet person with a compassionate heart and is known as a great midwife. The decision she made to gain freedom came  at a harsh price. Would you do anything to gain your freedom? I loved how the author wrote her as a strong woman determined to make a better life for herself regardless of her circumstances.

There are some very emotional moments in the story that really captured the essence of the struggles of the colonists . I can't say enough good things about how beautifully written this book was. Julianne wants to be loved and sometimes she felt that would never happen. When Marc-Paul was introduced into the story , I was quite intrigued by him. Being a French military officer is prestigious and I thought his character was wonderful and especially loved his faith that he drew strength from.

The book captures perfectly a time period in Louisiana during the early colonial days. I was mesmerized by the history and culture during that time. I don't know if I could have survived fighting off mosquitoes, going through swamp land, facing enemies  and having to find ways to get food . I encourage everyone to grab a copy of this emotionally charged historical book that touches on faith, forgiveness, survival , betrayal and love.

I received a copy of this book from LitFuse. The review is my honest opinion.


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Amy | Pause for Tales

2/4
Andrea | Two Points of Interest
Mimi | Woven by Word
Sue | Thoughts from Mill Street

2/5
Mindy | A Room Wihtout Books is Empty

2/6
Stacey | WORD Up!
Rebekah | Backing Books
Lydia | Noveltea
Michelle | Our Little Corner of the World
Kari | From the TBR Pile




Sunday, January 22, 2017


LOVE, LIES , & TYPEWRITERS by HEATHER BLANTON

Even though this book is a bit different from the authors  usual historical westerns, I was very pleased to see a book from her about an era that many people love to read about. There is something very romantic about the hero coming home from war and wanting to find his true love. The story is set in the 1940s during WWII. I loved the description the author gave of the era and with her words the story came to life right before my eyes.

Lucy was raised on a ranch and has had a crush on Dale for so long. He has just returned home from the war and through a chance meeting he saves her life. I have to say that was a funny moment in the story and I'm not sure Lucy was completely in control of her emotions. Can you imagine the man you have liked for so long, suddenly saves you from certain danger?  This chain of events starts a whirlwind adventure for both of them. Can you see the headlines that read "Local hometown hero saves damsel in distress?" Well a newspaper sees a way to get recognized with a sensational love story and gets Bryce to cover the story. Of course Bryce had others stories he would much rather be writing.  I can't tell you much about the story because I don't want to give any surprises away but I can say that it is well written with characters that each have dilemmas to work through. Will Lucy follow her heart or will fame get in the way? Can Bryce stand up to his father and follow his dream? What will Dale do when temptation offers him fame and fortune?

I loved how the author based this story on her parents life's and showed how difficult it was during that era.  The mention of bonds was a big part of the era and she cleverly found a way to show  the different ways people used to sale them. The story has a great theme about listening to God and doing the right thing. Sometimes we let pride get in the way which leads us to wrong decisions. I loved how the author took a story and made it captivating, romantic and an ending that will bring smiles to everyone.

I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion and I was not asked to write one.

Saturday, January 21, 2017


MORE THAN A MARRIAGE by AMY LILLARD

I love going back to Wells Landing and finding out what is going on with this tight knit group. I love how the author writes about people and situations that some of us have had to deal with. We all want our spouses to give us attention and listen to us. Sometimes we can feel left out and our mind starts to convince us that we aren't happy in our marriage.

Tess is such a sweet woman who wants to be the perfect wife for her husband Jacob. I found myself really seeing myself in her. At the beginning of my marriage I thought I was doing everything right. I slowly let little things start to bother me and  found myself thinking my husband didn't want to be with me anymore. I loved when Tess was talking to Jacob and says, " Were you even listening to me?"  "Of course I was ." Jacob frowned. " I just didn't hear what you said."  I thought that was a brilliant come back and made me realize how many times I've asked my husband the same question. Jacob was listening to her voice but he sure wasn't concentrating on what Tess was saying.

Jacob is a very hardworking man who adores his  wife. He does seem to pay a lot of attention to his cell phone. Every time he looked at the cell phone I could feel Tess tense up. She began to wonder why the phone was more important than her.  The author did a great job of showing both sides in the marriage and it sure opened my eyes to some things in my own life. I complain about my hubby not spending  time with me because he is always watching the news. What I failed to remember is that I usually have my nose stuck in a book and barely glance at him when he comes home.

One of the most important things the author shows us is through Tess. She is always comparing her marriage to others. Sometimes we forget that we need to be content with what we have.  Will Jacob and Tess be able to find happiness in their marriage? Should Tess be comparing her marriage to her friends marriage? The story is so beautifully written and I loved the characters so much. The author does a great job of showing readers that marriage isn't always easy. There has to be compromise and communication . This book was very hard to put down and I loved how the story was engaging . This is one story that I found myself completely mesmerized by and thought the story line was written with such eloquence.

 "Don't let your pride get in the way of your marriage. "

I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.



Settle in for some winter reading and enter to win a copy of Keith's book and a Kindle Fire!


 



One grand prize winner will receive:


  • A copy of Eden

  • A Kindle Fire

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on January 24. The winner will be announced January 25 on Keith's blog.






Korman1

Social Media Blasts:  

Experience the Gospels in a way that you never imagined in Keith Korman's new book (plus a #Kindle #giveaway): http://bit.ly/2jqMp2L

Recapture the feeling the first time you opened the Bible with Keith Korman's new book AND a Kindle Fire #giveaway! http://bit.ly/2jqMp2L

Book info
About the book: 

Eden: The Animals' Parable (Liberty Island, April 2016)
"Ask the animals, and they will teach you." -Job 12:7
Experience the Gospels in a way that you never imagined.
In this beautifully inspired retelling of the Gospels, we see Jesus and his disciples in the Holy Land through the eyes of the animals---especially his intrepid and loyal dog, Eden.
With a wise, old donkey, innocent lambs, and legions of curious field mice---the animals follow their master's journey across Galilee and onto Jerusalem, rapt with awe and wonder and bearing great tidings---even if they don't fully comprehend the divine events they witness.
Simple, clear, and spiritually profound, Eden is for readers of all ages, this artful retelling is captivating, moving, and alive with the joy you felt the first time you opened the Bible.

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

About the author:




Keith Korman is a literary agent and novelist. Over the years he has represented many nationally-known writers of fiction and non-fiction at his family's literary agency, Raines & Raines. The idea for Eden first came to him as a child when he saw the little calf jump across the stable in the prelude to William Wyler's Ben Hur. And he's been thinking about it ever since.




Review.jpg


I really enjoyed this book and the way the author used animals to retell stories from the Bible. It was very easy to read and understand. I had to stop at the beginning when there was a warning that the animals needed to move because there was danger coming. Sheba was concerned about her puppies because there were so many of them. How were they going to save all the pups? I loved the answer, " We shall carry them no matter what. None shall be left behind ." That reminded me of the passage in the Bible of the one sheep  that had gone astray and God went after the wandering sheep. He said that no sheep would be left behind. It  make me think how a simple passage in a story told by animals made me realize how true it is that God wants to leave no one behind. I loved the way it was told and thought how easy it would be for a young child to understand it.

Eden is especially endearing and I loved following the journey with this sweet  dog. The animals are used  well to tell different parables from the Bible. I found it to be a book that could be enjoyed with children as their parents read it to them. It makes a great tool to use for discussing what the parables mean from the Bible. As you read to your child what better time then to discuss what the Bible says in parallel to the book. Overall I found the book very well written and definitely one I recommend for all ages. Parents get a copy and enjoy the book with your children. They will love listening to the animals  talk and learn about Jesus in an easy to understand story that will keep their attention.

I received a copy of this book from LitFuse. The review is my honest opinion.

 Blog Tour Schedule

Blog Tour Schedule:
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Michelle | New Horizon Reviews
Debra | 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too!
Nancy | sunny island breezes
Stacey | Books,Dreams,Life
Janelle | Milk & honey meadows

1/11 
Gayle | BOOKS REVIEWS ETC
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1/14 
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Mark | Thoughts of a Sojourner
Carole | The Power of Words
Beth | For The Love of Books
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1/16 
andrea | Two Points of Interest
Crystal | Our Perfectly Imperfect Life

1/17 
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Stacey | WORD Up!
Bethany | Perfect Beginnings
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Lena | A Christian Writer's World
Cathy | Two Girls and a Book