Search This Blog

Tuesday, July 25, 2017


LEMON TART MYSTERY: AMISH SWEET SHOP MYSTERIES

Welcome back to the third installment of Amish Shop Mysteries. I am so excited to share my thoughts about this book. It was quite intriguing and I could not stop reading it. We return to the bake shop where Katie and Freida work. I loved how the author described the baking procedures that Katie worked on. I could see her working the dough and adding lemons to make special desserts for customers. The aroma of peanut butter cookies filled the shop. Can you imagine walking in and smelling fresh bread hot out of the oven? 

If you have read the previous books you may remember that there was a relationship blooming between Mrs. Simpkins and Mr. O'Neal. Well maybe I assumed they were getting closer, because it seems they are not quite talking to each other. Katie and Freida notice a distance between the two and wonder what is going on. Katie thinks she needs to interfere, oh I mean help the couple out. I loved the scene when Mrs. Simpkins and Mr. O'Neal are seen in a heated conversation right outside the bake shop. What are they arguing about? How long will it take for the town to start gossiping? 

I enjoyed how the author included something from the previous book about Katie and her fear of coming into the store early by herself. She thought she had gotten over that, but something is making her feel uncomfortable. Is there something going on with Mrs. Simpkins and the bakery? 

One of my favorite parts of the book was getting to know Freida better. She is a good person, but likes to gossip a bit. She is a big help at the bakery and wants to learn as much as she can. Freida is struggling with joining the church and getting married. I loved the talks she has with Katie about her struggles. Katie is having her own doubts about joining the church as well. Her prayers are so genuine and filled with hope. The book is a wonderful story filled with surprises that caught me off guard. I loved the theme of family, friendship and faith . This is one story you don't want to miss. Make sure you try out the recipes in the book. They sound delicious. 

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

MY HEART BELONGS ON MACKINAC ISLAND by CARRIE FANCETT PAGELS

I love when an author can sweep me away to a different era and make me feel like I'm part of the story. Yes I felt like I was watching the story unfold as Maude tries to prove to her father that she is capable of running their Inn. Her father of course doesn't believe a woman can do such a huge undertaking. I loved how Maude was determined to prove him wrong no matter what she had to endure. Her father still thinks that in order to run the Inn Maude must be married. Well we can forget that for now. What does  her fiancĂ© do to let Maude know he is not interested in her anymore?

I absolutely loved Frederick Konig . He has led everyone to believe that he is a wealthy German , but what secret is he hiding? I loved the intrigue that surrounded him and his heroism in saving lives. He has shown the town that he can be trusted  and people begin to embrace him.  The description of the island is breathtaking. I can imagine the beautiful scenery and the ships as they come  to dock. As Frederick and Maude get to know each other, will they share their secrets? What does God have in store for them? Will Maude find out why her father's plans are for the Inn ? There are secrets among people who could have a devastating affect on others. I loved how the author gives us wonderful subtle hints along the way that make readers wonder what was to happen to the Inn after Maude's mother passed away.  Will the Inn stay in the family or will someone else take it over? What is in a letter that is addressed to Maude? It seems official but will she receive it, or will someone hide it for their own benefit.

The story captures the true meaning of trust, and forgiveness. You don't want to miss this enchanting visit to Mackinac Island.

"Sometimes God has to put us in a place where He can mold us ready us for something new."

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing. The review is my own opinion.

Sunday, July 23, 2017


SWEETBRIAR COTTAGE by DENISE HUNTER

I think this has been one of the best books I've read from this author. She captured the hurt and shame of a young woman who carried a secret for a long time When Josie  was introduced I immediately identified with her. She is tough, has trouble with relationships and trusting others is not easy for her.

Noah is what every woman longs for. He loves unconditionally and never gives up. He works hard and his tender side really showed up in this story. I loved when Josie  went to deliver divorce papers to Noah after a mix-up determined they were still married. All Josie wanted to do was get Noah's signature and be done with another bad relationship. I could feel the tension between the two and knew they had some unfinished business.

The best part of the  entire story is when they get trapped in a snow storm and are left to rely on each other. The author does an amazing job of allowing readers to feel the cold and wet snow as her words were so vivid. I could see them shivering and hope disappearing as the day turned to night. Josie has hidden something from Noah during their marriage that has a major impact on their relationship. When Josie begins to let her guard down and tell Noah the terror she went through as a child, I cried. I knew how she felt not believing she was important and wondering where God was. Will Noah forgive Josie for the things she did in their marriage to push Noah away? Can Josie forgive herself  and allow God to heal her heart? This is one book that I will never forget. The author does a great job in telling a story about a subject that is painful . She does  it with grace and compassion and shows  how unconditional love  heals wounds. This story could have been written about me, because I lived through what Josie  endured starting at age twelve. I can assure the author that she did the story justice and helped me get closer to emotionally healing from wounds that have left me broken for years. To all the Josie's  out there, don't give up. To the Noah's out there, thank you for loving unconditionally.

I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild. The review is my own opinion.

THE BLESSING : AMISH COOKING CLASS

I have come to really love this series. I love how the author brings strangers together for a cooking class. They all meet in an Amish home where Heidi and Lyle live. Heidi is such a sweet and compassionate person. Her heart is full of love and kindness. After a devastating loss, Lyle thinks it is time for Heidi to teach another cooking class. The description of the Amish lifestyle is very well written and shows how much the author knows about the Amish culture.

As each student was introduced, we get a little background on their life. Each one comes from different places, but they each  were seeking, acceptance, love, friendship and for some , forgiveness. I loved how each character blended well into the story. I have to say that I wanted to be in the kitchen as one of the students. I could feel how much Heidi loved to share her cooking skills . She made everyone feel welcome and had that tender touch of listening and guiding her students to overcome their obstacles. It was nice to have a few previous students visit in the story. The author has a wonderful style of writing which brings readers right into the story. After each class, Heidi gives the students a recipe card with a scripture on the back. I loved how those scriptures impacted their lives.

I don't have a favorite character because I felt they each played a key role in the overall story. Each character has something they are dealing with that centers around forgiveness and disappointment. At the end of the book the author has included discussion questions. I loved reading them and thinking about my answers to them. As an added bonus recipes are included at the end also. I know there are several I am going to try. Overall the book was very touching and I loved how the characters were able to open up and trust each other. I am looking forward to the next book in this wonderful series.

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

A Letter from Lancaster County Kate Lloyd



About the book:
Two sisters get a second chance at life and love

Angela--- Her mother's untimely death, a struggling marriage, a strained relationship with her sister, Rose, and regrets over what might have been haunt her. Despite being a wife and mother, she feels she has little to show for her life.
Rose-- Still single, she longs for a husband and children. But Angela has all that and still isn't happy. Rose wants to be closer to her older sister, but she and Angela couldn't be more different. Both strong women, will their sibling rivalry ever end?
* * *
When a letter arrives from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Angela and Rose decide to visit Aunt Silvia, their mother's Mennonite sister, in the heart of Amish country. This vacation could provide the opportunity both sisters need to sort out their issues. And yet instead of finding a new way of connecting with each other, Angela and Rose discover surprising family secrets that add to their strife and threaten Rose's romance with a new beau.
Through it all, the two sisters must find the faith necessary to face their personal problems and allow God to restore hope and healing to their hearts and relationship as only He can.


About the author:

Kate Lloyd is a bestselling novelist whose books include "A Portrait of Marguerite" and the Legacy of Lancaster trilogy. A native of Baltimore, she enjoys spending time with friends and family in rural Pennsylvania and is a member of the Lancaster County Mennonite Historical Society. She now resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband.
Find out more about Kate at http://katelloyd.com.
Like us on Facebook  Follow us on Twitter




Review.jpg

What a wonderful story of two sisters who find themselves learning to accept each other . The invitation to visit their aunt  must have surprised the sisters, but it will be a trip they will never forget. I loved how the author described the town and all the beautiful landscape. Aunt Silvia is one tough lady. She is fragile and quite ill but so wants to share memories with the girls. Right away you can see the different qualities Rose and Angela have . Rose is a sweet girl who sometimes is not sure of her abilities. She longs for a family and seems to be a bit jealous of her sister. Angela seems to have the perfect life. She has a wealthy husband and two children she adores, but both sisters are unhappy with their lives.

I loved the times that the girls spent with their aunt at her place. It was definitely a culture shock with no electricity or modern conveniences.  As the sisters start to go through things in the attic a secret is revealed. Will this secret destroy the family? Can Rose and Angela learn to forgive someone close to them ? It is a wonderful story that explores the dynamics of two sisters and their jealousy towards each other. It's funny how they each want happiness and think the other has that. The lessons in the story are good as Rose and Angela start to open up to each. Will they be able to repair their relationship? Can aunt Silvia find a doctor that can help her overcome her illness?

The book is filled with life lessons and reminded me of how we think someone else's  life looks better than our own. As the sisters start to look at their life, they find that they need to work on making themselves happy and being thankful for what they have. There are some emotional moments that really capture the essence of bonding with family. I enjoyed the ending and am looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received a copy of this book from LitFuse. The review is my own opinionLanding page:





 



One grand prize winner will receive:


  • A copy of A Letter from Lancaster County

  • A Kindle Fire

Another grand prize winner will receive:


  • A copy of A Letter from Lancaster County

  • A queen-size Amish quilt


 



Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on July 27. The winner will be announced July 28 on the Litfuse blog.







Tour Schedule:

7/7 
Chantal | this chattanooga mommy saves
Leah | As We Walk Along the Road
Debra | 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy,& Sissy, Too!
Laura | Lighthouse Academy
Mary | The Mary Book Reader
Dela | Pastries and Novel Thoughts
Jalynn | A Simple Life, really?!
Stacey | Books,Dreams,Life
Cheryl | cherylbbookblog
Amy | A Day of Small Things
Molly | Cafinated Reads
Margaret | Frugal Shopping and More

7/8
Vicky | deal sharing aunt
Diana | Diana's Tea time Reviews
Julia | Christian Bookaholic

7/9
Lady | Little Lady Plays
Gayle | BOOKS REVIEWS ETC

7/10
Amanda | Inklings and notions
Dawn | ReadLove
Meg | The Caffeinated Librarian
Maureen | Maureen's Musing

7/11
Sarah | Running Through The Storms
Billy | Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

7/12
Dianna | Savings in Seconds
Megan | Pursuing Intentional Living

7/13
Sherry | My Journey Back
Karen | Ting's Mom Books

7/14
Amy | Pause for Tales
Kristie | Moments

7/15
Angela | A Holland Reads
Carole | The Power of Words
Hayley | Hanging Off The Wire
Pam | Southern Gal Loves to Read
Carol | centraleast2
Janice | Janices book reviews

7/17
Kathleen | Reviews From The Heart
Nicki | Confessions of a Teenage Bookworm

7/18
Amy | A Nest in the Rocks
Joy | Splashesofjoy
Kelly | God's Writer Girl
Chastity | Chas Ray's Book Nerd Corner
Wendy | Life at Rossmont

7/19
Lisa | Seeking with All Yur Heart

7/20
Andrea | Two Points of Interest
Kim | Kd316
Athena | The Loose Screw
Denise | The Help Meet Wife
Dawn | Inventing Insight
Kemi | Homemaking Organized
Carrie | Reading Is My SuperPower
Erin | For Him and My Family

7/21
Charity | Giveaway Lady
Alison | NOVA Frugal Family
Annie | Just Commonly
Stephanie | Have A Wonderful Day
Amanda | The Talbert Report

7/22
Meagan | Meagan Davenport

7/23
Julie | More Of Him
Deana | Texas Book-aholic

7/24
Carla | Working Mommy Journal
Barbara | i'm Hooked on Books
Margaret | The World As I See It

7/25
Vicky | Walking in Grace
Nancy | sunny island breezes
Becky | Living Outside the Lines
Missica | Through the Open Window

7/26
Beth | For the Love of Books
Barbara | Fic Gal
Mindy | A Room Wihtout Books is Empty
Bree | Bibliophile Reviews
Connie | Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting

7/27
Renee | Little Homeschool on the Prairie
Keri | My Table of Three
Bethany | The perfect beginnings
Elisha | Rainy Day Reviews
Vicky | Vicky Sluiter
Paphapin | Feeling in Red
 

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

My Summer Bucket List by Deana Dick


There are so many books I want to read but I will narrow them down to four for my must read summer list.

Summer Storms by Amy Clipston. I saw this book on Amazon and instantly knew I had to read it. I know it will encourage me and I always feel good after reading one of her books .

The Writing Desk by Rachel Hauck because she is an author that consistently writes beautiful and memorable stories.

The Blessing by Wanda Brunstetter because each book in this series brings characters from different walks of life and shows unconditional love, grace and friendship.

Hurricane by Janice Thompson because I love her writing. I found this book through another blog and ordered it right away. It talks about the hurricane from 1900 that devastated Galveston, Texas. I live about an hour away and knew that Janice would write a story with historical details and characters that I will fall in love with.


Golden Dreams by Darlene Franklin . I have come to love her books so much. I am amazed at her stories that come to life and I feel like she puts readers right in the era she writes about. She has a gift and I hope to read more from her.

The Gift of Love by Amy Clipston, This story I have wanted to read for awhile. It has been on my TBR pile and I have decided it is time to read it. I know it will bring tears, joy and grace as I get lost in an inspiring story.

Well I have so many more books I wanted to add and I know that I said I would only list four. It is hard for me not to mention some of the gifted authors I have come to love.

This project was for Amy Clipston Bakery Bunch Challenge.



Sunday, July 16, 2017


STEPHEN : UNLIKELY MARYTR by KATHERYN MADDOX HADDAD

I always get excited when I start to read a book from this author. Her writing shows how much research she has done and makes the characters so vivid. I didn't know much about Stephen but was so mesmerized by the story I couldn't put it down. The beginning of the book is hard to read but an important part of Stephen's life. It is  hard for him to understand the torture that his friend is enduring. He cries out in agony for his friend and can't watch as the brutal treatment continues. I do remember reading in the Bible about many people who were ridiculed, beaten and tortured because they would not back down from their beliefs. It is hard to understand why people would be tortured for their beliefs.

The author has brilliantly written Stephen's story and helped me to understand him better. I loved how he was always concerned for the safety of his parents. As the family travels on a ship, the description of the sea made me feel like I was standing beside Stephen feeling the waves crash and the wind blow as the storm became fierce. I loved reading how Stephen honored his parents and respected them as they tried to keep him safe on the ship. It must have been hard fir the family to live on the meager food they had.

I enjoyed the talk between Stephen and his father. Stephen witnesses how the Jews are treated in the city they have come to. Ezekiel in his wisdom encourages his son to always stand up for his beliefs. Even though Stephen has seen friends lose their  life, Ezekiel explains that he must not get discouraged. It made me think of all the people today who are in foreign lands spreading the Word of God. They have chosen to be martyrs  no matter the cost. This is a lesson that Stephen will come to embrace. I loved reading how he grew in his faith and matured into an adult who wouldn't back down. He does have a stubborn streak at times  and  his actions cause riots to break out.

As you can see I completely lost myself in the story and loved the history that the author provided . Stephen is a true martyr and his actions were not unnoticed. He is a strong man who stands up for the rights of everyone and let's everyone know how much he loves God. The author writes his story with knowledge, grace and great compassion. I look forward to reading the next book from her.


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

Saturday, July 15, 2017


COMING HOME -A TINY HOUSE COLLECTION

Love Is Sweeter in Sugar Hill is part of a collection from Coming Home. The story by Ann Mulligan is a delightful read. I loved Lindsey and her dedication as a nurse. Her tiny home sounded so comfy and inviting. It seems to be a big business right now to own a tiny home and  I for  one would love to have one. I loved how the author described the cute home with plenty of room to relax in.

The story is intriguing as we follow the day to day duties of a nurse. Lindsey is very compassionate and wants to make sure her patients get the best care. The nursing staff is short and Lindsey  goes to see the hospital administrator . Carter is a hard working man who has his hands full running a busy hospital. I liked the interaction between Lindsey and Carter. It was funny to read about them trying to out maneuver each other in negotiations for more nurses.

Lindsey is guarded around Carter as she starts to have feelings for him. What happened in her past that has kept her from falling for someone? I loved the description of the inner workings of the hospital and staff. There is a very special person you will meet in the story that I adored. This person was wise, caring and shared her faith with others. What happens that puts  a patient and nurse in danger? Can Lindsey allow herself to overcome her hurt and learn to forgive? Carter has always done what was expected of him. Through the story the author gives us glimpses of Carter starting to believe in himself and learning to trust God. The story was a quick read but packed with a wonderful story filled with forgiveness, love and hope. I can't wait to read the rest of the stories in this book.

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

ROAD TRIP OF DELUSION by JEAN ANN WILLIAMS

Every time I think about this book I get a big lump in my throat. The story made me think of my grandmother and how much I miss her. She was a small woman much like granny in the story. She couldn't see over the steering wheel and had pillows she sat on. I loved how the author took us a journey with emotions and faith as stories were shared and memories were made.

Granny is determined to take a trip in her Caddy even though she shouldn't be driving anymore. Her granddaughters can't just let  her go alone, so off they go at 3:00 am on a trip they will never forget. The author made me feel like I was in the car with them.i could fell the excitement Granny had until the car decided to stop running. I laughed as the  group went to a restaurant to eat. Granny wanted to have pea soup and requested that each girl try some. I can see the looks of their faces as the first taste went into their mouth. I must say pea soup doesn't look appetizing and it is an acquired taste.

The best part of the book for me was when they were snowbound and found an empty lodge to seek shelter. That is when the depth of faith and love really showed. The gentle care the girls showed for their granny was real  and made me realize how much they loved her. There are some comical moments in the book that had me laughing out loud. Granny talked about having to warsh something. I say warsh all the time and my kids are always correcting me. I grew attached to the characters and the author had me on edge while they were trapped at the lodge. The story is very well written and I loved how the author showed how important family and faith go hand in hand. This  will be a book I will not forget. It gave me some good memories of my grandmother and how she loved to tell stories like Granny did with her granddaughters. Thank you for writing a book that reminds us about perseverance, faith and the importance of family.

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

Book info
About the book: 

A suspenseful tale of an Amish man who will risk all to protect the woman he loves.

Mark Fisher has returned home to Hart County, determined to put the past behind him. Two years ago, after being wrongly accused of assault, he left the Amish community, though never forgot his home. When the one person who had helped him through his rough times asks for help, Mark returns. But it is pretty Waneta Cain who makes him want to stay...
Neeta is one of the few people in Hart County who doesn't believe Mark is guilty of hurting anyone. However, his worldliness and tough exterior do make her uneasy. As she begins to see the real man behind all the gossip and prejudice, she wonders if he is the man for her.

Just when Mark starts to believe a new life is possible, a close friend of Neeta's is attacked. Once again, everyone in the community seems to believe he is guilty. But what hurts most is Neeta's sudden wariness around him. When another woman is hurt, a woman who is close to both Neeta and himself, Mark fears he knows the real culprit. And time is running out. Will Mark be able to find him before Neeta becomes his next victim?




About the author:

Shelley Shepard Gray is a  New York Times  and  USA Today  bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail.
















Review.jpg



The book grabs your attention right away and never lets up. I loved the intrigue in the story and found myself so engrossed that I blocked everything around me out. The author has once again delivered a story that kept me emotionally invested and on edge of my seat at the same time. Her writing style is filled with details that made me feel the story was playing out right in front of me. Each scene took on a vivid picture and placed readers right in front viewing the story with anticipation.

Waneta is a wonderful character. She is fair, hardworking and filled with faith. Some people may think she is stuck up but once you get to know her, you sense her sincerity and compassion. I loved her relationship with her parents and how they represented a family of unconditional love. She is a great worker and loves helping others.

Mark has come back to  town after being away for awhile. Oh my this character tugged on my heart so much. His upbringing was horrible and painful. The many beatings and lack of food and clothing that his parents made him  and his little brother endure was very hard to read. As kids they suffered as others picked on them and made fun of them. The author did an amazing job of writing about child abuse with grace and allowed readers to see how damaging it can be to a child. I loved how Mark showed courage when he returned after being accused of hurting a girl. Even though he was found innocent , will the town accept him?  One of the great things about his character is that he has continued in his faith.

I thought the friendship between Mark and Waneta was so special . As she realizes that she has been judging Mark, she knew God was directing her to be Mark's friend and to show forgiveness. One of the best parts of the story is when Mark is struggling with acceptance and learning to forgive himself. Will Waneta be able to help Mark and show him that real friends never never up? Overcoming his childhood is painful and his desire to make a better life for himself was incredible to read. I loved his determination and willingness to not give up.

When another woman is attacked, the townspeople start gossiping and spreading rumors. All to quickly Mark seems to be at the center of the investigation. Can Mark prove his innocence? Will Waneta stick by him? Who is abusing women in the community? Don't miss this exciting book that takes a look at childhood abuse, domestic violence and allows God's grace to turn judgment and fear into forgiveness and trust.

"We all need to stop judging others and casting stones. We also need to seek forgiveness."


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


Landing page:



Blog Tour Schedule: 

7/6
Britney | Buzzing About Books
Debra | 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too!
Jalynn | A Simple Life, really?!
Kav | Best Reads (2010-2017)
Stacey | Books,Dreams,Life
Meagan | Meagan Davenport

7/7
Chastity | Chas Ray's Book Nerd Corner
Vicky | Deal Sharing Aunt

7/8
Connie | GCCBookworm
Dianna | Savings in Seconds
Gayle | BOOKS REVIEWS ETC
Laura | Lighthouse Academy
Margaret | The World As I See It
Pam | Southern Gal Loves to Read

7/9
Karen | Karen's Korner

7/10
Angela | A Busy Mom of Two
Billy | Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer
Jeremy | Christian Fiction Addiction
Mary | The Mary Reader
Sherry | My Journey Back

7/11
Kelly | God's Writer Girl
Nancy | sunny island breezes
Wendy | Wall-to-wall books
Zac | Buy, Borrow, Skip

7/12
Amanda | The Talbert Report
Amy | A Nest in the Rocks
Joy | Splashesofjoy

7/13
Becky | Living Outside the Lines
Charity | Giveaway Lady
Hallie | Book by Book
Kristin | A Simply Enchanted Life
Kemi | Homemaking Organized
Maureen | Maureen's Musings
Wendy | Life at Rossmont

7/14
Alison | NOVA Frugal Family
Cheryl | cherylbbookblog
JoJo | JoJo's Corner
Kristie | Moments

7/15
Andrea | Two Points of Interest
Angela | A Holland Reads
Brittany | Britt Reads Fiction
Deana | Texas Book-aholic
Erin | For Him and My Family
Patty | tammycookblogsbooks
Veronica | Veronica's 'Views

7/16
Lady | Little Lady Plays
Lisa | A Rup Life

7/17
Denise | The Help Meet Wife
Karen | Ting's Mom Books
Keri | My Table of Three
Lisa | Seeking With All
Carrie | Reading Is My SuperPower

7/18
Annie | Just Commonly
Sarah | Running Through the Storms
Vicky | Vicky Sluiter

7/19
Kathleen | Reviews From The Heart

7/20
Alex | Inspiration Clothesline
Athena | The Loose Screw
Jennifer | Mother of Three
Julie | More Of Him
LeAnne | Rockin' My Mom Jeans
Leslie | Did YOU Hear About the Morgans?
Rachel | EmpowerMoms
Renee | Little Homeschool on the Prairie
Inderpreet | Eloquent Articulation
Janice | Janices book reviews

7/21
Amy | Pause for Tales
Heather | Misadventures of the Dynamic Uno
Molly | Cafinated Reads
Stephanie | Have A Wonderful Day

7/22
Barbara | I'm Hooked on Books

7/23
Mindy | A Room Without Books is Empty

7/24
Bethany | The Perfect beginning
Brandi | The She Revelation Blog

Book info

About the book:
A thrilling tale of two women longing to follow God's
 leading, make the most of second chances, and find 
true love at last
Virginia, 1864
Therese Jennings cannot abide the thought of owning slaves.
 When her widowed mother inherits a plantation,
Therese flees to Civil War Richmond, where she works
as a governess by day and tends to wounded
soldiers at night. But when trouble befalls her family,
 can she reconcile her obligations with her beliefs?
 And will love-whether with an old beau or a
 handsome new suitor-ever fit in her broken world?
Virginia, present day
Nicole Talbot's life is back on track after years of substance abuse. Home from college for the summer, she's finally ready to share a shocking secret, one that raises new questions about a traumatic childhood experience. But when facts she uncovers cast doubt on her family's legacy, she must risk all that she's gained-her fresh start, her family's trust, and her growing relationship with a new man-to unlock the secrets of the past.

About the authors:

Mindy Starns Clark is the bestselling author of more than 20 books, both fiction and nonfiction, with over a million copies sold.
 Mindy and her husband, John, have two adult children and live in Pennsylvania.
Find out more about Mindy Starns at http://mindystarnsclark.com.
Like us on Facebook  Find us on Pinterest
 
Leslie Gould,
a former magazine editor,
is the author of
 numerous novels,
including "Beyond the Blue"
 and "Garden of Dreams." She received her master
 of fine arts degree from
 Portland State University 
and lives in Oregon with her husband, Peter, and their four children.

Find out more about Leslie at  http://www.lesliegould.co


Review.jpg

The best way I can describe this book is to think of a needle and thread. You need both to create and finish a beautiful project. As the needle goes through the material, the thread connects the previous one until the end result is a woven piece of beauty. This story weaves past and present into an emotional and vivid account of the Civil War and brings it to the present in an intriguing way. I found myself at times wiping away tears as I read about the slaves. The inhumane way they were treated was so hard to imagine that I wept for their suffering.

Out of all the characters in the book one character captured the very essence of compassion. Therese was the most caring, giving and strong woman I have read about in awhile. The authors have gifted readers with a story that spans several generations and connects them in a book that will not be easy to forget. It is amazing how Therese and Nicole's story was so perfectly written and kept me on my toes. The way they described how much suffering Therese saw was like being right beside  her as she attended to soldiers suffering in the hospital. It must have been hard when Therese's brother was brought in. I loved how the story included spy's and surprised me with their identity.

Nicole has struggled with addiction and hopes she is on the path to recovery. Her story was very intriguing because as a child she witnessed something that has haunted her for years. Unlocking her memories will find her exploring her family history and become front and center to a mystery that has long been hidden. I loved every moment of this book and without giving anything away will say that the story is well written with historical facts that make the story come to life. I encourage readers to read this book and get swept away as the explosive family history is exposed and secrets are revealed.

ILanding page:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/ClarkGould received a copy of this book from Litfuse. The review is my own opinion.



Celebrate the release of Mindy and Leslie's new book by entering to win the $75 Visa Cash Card Giveaway (details below) and by attending their author chat party on August 1!


One grand prize winner will receive:
  • One copy of My Daughter's Legacy
  • One $75 Visa Cash Card
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 1. The winner will be announced at the My Daughter's Legacy Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Mindy, Leslie, and other readers, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word-tell your friends about the giveaway via social media and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 1st!




Tour Schedule:


7/12 
Colleen | ColleenRichman.com 
Debra | 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too ! 
Jalynn | A Simple Life, really?! 
Karla | Karla Ezell Cook: Roads to Everywhere 
Margaret | The World As I See It 
Stacey | Books,Dreams,Life 
Vik Tory | Manuscript Tunes 
Amy | A Day of Small Things 
Julia | Christian Bookaholic
7/13 
Vicky | Deal sharing aunt
7/14 
Cheryl | Cherylbbookblog 
Gayle | BOOKS REVIEWS ETC 
Jennifer | Mother of Three 
Leah | As We Walk Along the Road 
Molly | Cafinated Reads
7/15 
Amy | A Nest in the Rocks 
Connie |  My   Daughter 's  Legacy 
Deana | Texas Book-aholic 
Dianna | Savings in Seconds 
Karen | Karen's Korner 
Michelle | To Everything A Season 
Pam | Southern Gal Loves to Read
7/16 
Amanda | Inklings and notions
7/17 
Chantal | thischattanoogamommysaves 
Connie | Connie's History Classroom 
Hallie | Book by Book 
Kelly | Leafy Not Beefy
7/18 
Billy | Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer 
Pamela | Daysong Reflections 
Rachel | Cranberry Tea Time
7/19 
Megan | Pursuing Intentional Living 
Maureen | Maureen's Musings
7/20 
Becky | Living Outside the Lines 
Elisha | Rainy Day Reviews 
Kasey | Four Seasons of Blessings 
Wendy | Life at Rossmont
7/21 
Carole | The Power of Words 
Kelly | God's Writer Girl 
Lena Nelson | A Christian Writer's World 
Stephanie | Have A Wonderful Day
7/22 
Denise | Rejoice in the Little Things 
Patty | tammycookblogsbooks 
Carol | centraleast2
7/23 
Carla | Working Mommy Journal
7/24 
Suzanne | Suzanne Woods Fisher 
Barbara | I'm Hooked on Books 
Julie | More Of Him 
Kristie | Moments 
Lisa | Seeking with All yur Heart
7/25 
Erin | For Him and  My  Family 
Sherry |  My  Journey Back
7/26 
Marissa | The Review Stew
7/27 
Beckie | By The Book 
Iola | Iola's Christian Reads
7/28 
Amy | Pause for Tales 
April | Dixie n Dottie 
Katrina | The Math Lovin' Momma 
Marjorie | The Writer's Tool 
Nicki | Confessions of a Teenage Bookworm 
Stephanie | Finding  My  Yellow 
Sue | Thoughts from Mill street
7/29 
Meg | The Caffeinated Librarian
7/30 
Renn | Heart to Heart Books 
Bree | Bibliophile Reviews
7/31 
Mindy | A Room Without Books is Empty 
Meagan | Meagan Davenport
8/1 
Amanda | The Talbert Report 
Andrea | Two points of interest 
Barbara | Fic Gal 
Bethany | The Perfect beginnings 
Brandi | The She Revelation Blog 
Keri |  My  Table of Three 
Kim | Window To  My  World 
Lydia | Noveltea 
Nancy | sunny island breezes 
Paphapin | Feeling in Red 
Summer | Raining Butterfly Kisses 
Tammy | A Fold in the Spine