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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 

Tuesday, July 11, 2017




GROUNDED HEARTS BY JEANNE M. DICKSON | BLOG TOUR AND CELTIC KNOTS GIVEAWAY


What do you get when you mix World War II, a brave midwife, a wounded pilot, and a risky secret? Jeanne M. Dickson’s new historical fiction novel, Grounded Hearts. When midwife Nan O’Neil finds a wounded young Canadian pilot at her door, she knows she’s taking a huge risk by letting him in. Still, something compels Nan to take in “flyboy” Dutch Whitney, an RAF pilot whose bomber has just crashed over County Clare. While she tends to his wounds and gives him a secret place of refuge, the two begin to form a mutual affection—and an unbreakable bond.
Join Jeanne in celebrating the release of her new book by entering to win the Celtic Knots Giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:
Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on July 31. The winner will be announced August 1 on the Litfuse blog.
###

{MORE ABOUT GROUNDED HEARTS}

Grounded Hearts (Waterfall Press, July 2017)
A brave midwife. A wounded pilot. A risky secret.
In the midst of World War II, Ireland has declared herself neutral. Troops found on Irish soil must be reported and interned, no matter which side they are fighting for. When midwife Nan O’Neil finds a wounded young Canadian pilot at her door, she knows she’s taking a huge risk by letting him in. Not only is she a widow living alone, but if caught harboring a combatant, she’ll face imprisonment.

Still, something compels Nan to take in “flyboy” Dutch Whitney, an RAF pilot whose bomber has just crashed over County Clare. While she tends to his wounds and gives him a secret place of refuge, the two begin to form a mutual affection—and an unbreakable bond.
But Nan has another secret, one that has racked her with guilt since her husband’s death and made her question ever loving again. As Nan and Dutch plan his escape, can he help restore her faith?
Jeanne M. Dickson

{MORE ABOUT JEANNE M. DICKSON}

Jeanne M. Dickson was born into an Irish American family, the only girl surrounded by four brothers. She credits her mother, her aunts, and her grandmother with her love of storytelling. Perfecting her craft, she attends many writer’s conferences and over the years, she has won and finaled in numerous RWA romance writing awards including the Daphne du Maurier Award, the Maggie Award, The Molly, The Tara, and she was the overall contest winner of Launching A Star. Today she lives in Coastal San Diego with her fabulous husband, her two wonderful girls, and a dozen disobedient rose bushes.
Find out more about Jeanne M. at http://www.jeannemdickson.com.







Review.jpg


The book is so well written that I could not put it down. I loved the storyline and how the author transports readers back to World War II. The tension was high during this time as planes flew across the skies looking for enemy targets. I especially liked the setting in Ireland. It was hard for the people in the small  town  where Nan lived to find enough food to survive. I have heard of ration tickets before but with the vivid description I could picture families standing in line hoping to get something to survive on.

Nan is a wonderful character. She is a midwife /nurse for the town and gets around on her bike. She has gone through a terrible tragedy that has kept her sad and feeling guilty.  It's hard to forgive yourself when you feel you could have stopped someone from hurting themselves. As the war rages on , Ireland has stayed neutral. It is understood that if you are caught hiding the enemy you will go to jail. Nan stays  to herself in a little cottage so she has nothing to worry about.  That is until the day a handsome Canadian pilot knocks on her door. It is evident that he is injured and Nan must make a decision to help him or turn him in.

Dutch Whitney is in desperate need of help. I thought the author did a great job of keeping the story going with intrigue and watching Nan slowly begin to trust again.  Her decision to go against everything she believed in to help Dutch was very emotional. Can you imagine what it must have been like during the war? Nan was taking a huge risk. Will she get caught?  There is one character in the story that I didn't care for. I will leave it up to readers to see if they feel the same way. I will say that the man is annoying, a bit pushy and downright disrespectful.

Overall the book was quite good and I loved how the author brought a town together to help someone in need. The war was hard and many people suffered, but sometimes we have to help each other and forget our differences.

"We all despair; we all have regrets. We all lose someone we love. That's when we need our faith in God to bring us through."

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