Search This Blog

Friday, February 9, 2018

ECHO OF DANGER by MARTA PERRY

I really enjoyed the book. Deidre and her son are trying to pick up the pieces after her husband dies. I loved how the author portrayed her as a strong woman who doesn’t roll over when a crisis hits. Her fierce protection of her son is extremely well written. What happens when your father-in-law is a very powerful judge? Deidre finds that her father-in-law is very controlling. He wants to have his grandson live under his roof and will do anything to have that happen. 

I did like Jase but sometimes he irritated me. Is he there to help Deidre or secretly gathering information for the judge. It won’t me easy to fight such a powerful person but Deidre hopes Jase will prove to be someone she can count on. When an accident involving Deidre’s son puts his life in danger, she must find out who is trying to harm him. I loved the Amish references in the book and how Deidre still held her upbringing as an important part of her. The book is packed with intrigue and danger that leads to a exciting ending. Who can Deidre trust? Find out in this action packed book that delivers a high intensity thriller .

Thursday, February 8, 2018

THE MAYFLOWER BRIDE by
KIMBERLY WOODHOUSE



Many of us have heard about the people who boarded ships to travel to new land. They had hopes of a better life and dreams of owning their own land. The book was a big eye opener for me. I never realized how much the people went through as they traveled on treacherous waters at times. I can’t imagine seeing water seeping up to a point where you fear you may drown. The author has done an exceptional job of making this story so accurate with historical facts. I was mesmerized by the dangers everyone was willing to take a to find a new beginning.

Mary Elizabeth was my favorite character. She was someone you could rely on and pitched in when needed. After having to depart from one ship that kept sinking to board the Mayflower was a daunting task. I was so emotional as I read of all the sickness these people endured. The accommodations were crowded and supplies were dwindling. I know Mary Elizabeth was happy to be traveling with her family, but will they be able to get to their destination as storms thrash the ship with waves that could cause devastation? I loved knowing that Mary Elizabeth had her best friend with her. They were abłe to gather strength from each other when times were almost hopeless as sickness and death surrounded them.

William was a delight to read about. He is so kind to Mary Elizabeth and helps her as much as he can when so many people become ill. The story is filled with tragedy, hope, trust and a dream of a bright future. Grab a copy of this book and travel with a group that were willing to risk their life for a better future.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing abs was under no obligation to post a review.

Liza's Second Chance FB Banner copy

About the Book

7-19-2017 from John S. Liza's Second Chance
Title: Liza’s Second Chance
Author: Molly Jebber
Genre: Christian Amish Fiction
Release Date: January 30, 2018
The sweet welcome of straight-from-the-oven sugar cookies and hot cocoa. The warm invitation of apple pie and fresh cold milk. In 1912 Ohio, the Amish Charm Bakery is the heart of a close-knit, faith-nourished community, where people can find a refuge, a place to start again—and love that can make their lives new . . .
For Liza Schrock, the bakery her late husband bought was an unexpected haven from their unhappy arranged marriage. Now she’s perfectly content to cook up mouth-watering delights for her hometown, give to those alone or in trouble—and remain happily unwed. And though she’s willing to give handsome, newly-arrived widower Jacob Graber all the help he desperately needs, she is sure they can stay just friends . . .
But as Liza also tries to aid Jacob’s troubled teenage daughter, she starts caring far too much for his gentle ways and steadfast hopes. And when a wrenching secret she must keep comes between them, can Liza find the faith to risk opening her heart again—and reach for one more chance at real love?
Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

6-10-2016 leaning good shot greenshirtMolly Jebber’s books have been featured on Publisher’s Weekly’s Best Ten Recommended Reads, in USA Today’s HEA, Romantic Times and many other media sites. She’s tours and speaks about Amish history/traditions, writing, marketing, publishing, and about her books. She loves God, her family, friends. She enjoys swimming, golf, reading, and says yes to butterscotch pie and parasailing, but no to coconut and skydiving! Visit www.mollyjebber.com for a complete list of her books and speaking events.

Guest Post from Molly Jebber

Here’s a little about Liza’s story:
Hello Friends,
I loved writing about Liza. She has a lot to overcome in this book, but her faith in God, and compassion for others helps her to arrive at her decisions through difficult and happy times. I enjoyed visiting Charm, and it makes for a good setting for this story. The bakery is fun with all the sugary pies, pastries, and breads. The unique customers, and the place where friends are made, and where trouble happens. Most of all, I hope I’ve done a good job entertaining you as you read “Liza’s Second Chance”.


Review.jpg


Whenever I find out that one of my favorite authors has a new series coming out, I’m all giddy with excitement. I couldn’t wait to start the first in a very promising series. I commend the author for writing a story about an Amish marriage that was not perfect. Some of us may glamorize the Amish life, but they have problems just like everyone else when it comes to marriage. I’m thankful that the author showed a different side to an Amish marriage that is hardly written about. I know as you read the story you will discover the secret Liza kept from everyone. It’s very typical in a situation like her’s , to hide the truth because of fear. This is one story that has all the elements of a book that draws you in at the beginning and tugs on the heartstrings as you want to hug Liza. 

Liza is one tough character. I admire her for wanting to protect her family while hiding something that is emotionally and physically hurtful. I loved her character and wanted to walk beside her and tell her that everything would be ok. I wonder why some people judge others when they haven’t walked in their shoes? It’s a mystery that I will never understand but hope someday we will all work together and help those that are hurting.

I adored Jacob as soon as he was introduced. He has his hands full with his disrespectful daughter Ellie. Maybe things will be better for them in the new town. I loved how they were welcomed in the community and especially by Eliza and her family. The story is full of surprises and sadness at times. My heart went out to Ellie. She is defiant but under that tough exterior is a young girl crying out for acceptance and love. I adore stories about second chances and this one has been written with a few characters praying for just that. Isn’t it nice to know that if we mess up, God is right there to give us another chance? If only we could forgive as quickly as God does, then our loved ones would find happiness sooner. Don’t miss this wonderful story about friendship, forgiveness, patience and second chances. 

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

Blog Stops

A Rup Life, January 30
Books n Baubles, January 30
margaret kazmierczak, January 30 (interview)
Simple Harvest Reads, January 30 ( Guest post from Mindy Houng)
Vicky Sluiter, February 1
Splashes of JoyFebruary 1
Mary Hake, February 4
SusanLovesBooks, February 5
Carpe Diem, February 5
Reading is my Super Power, February 5 (interview)
Bibliophile Reviews, February 7
A Greater YesFebruary 7
Pursuing StacieFebruary 7
Texas Book-aholic, February 8
Janices book reviewsFebruary 9
cherylbbookblog, February 10
Red Headed Book Lady, February 10
BigreadersiteFebruary 10
Jeanette’s Thoughts, February 11
A Reader’s Brain, February 12

Giveaway

e5f4939d-cd96-45de-b748-8fb15bc1a0af
To celebrate her tour, Molly is giving away a $75 Amazon gift card!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c6d1

Tuesday, February 6, 2018

Their Daring Hearts FB Banner copy

About the Book

TheirDaringHearts2
Author: Sharlene MacLaren
Genre: Christian Historical Romance (Civil War)
Release Date: Jan 9, 2018
Levi Albright rebelled against his Quaker roots to fight for abolition in the Union army in the first year of the Civil War. Two years later, 19-year-old destitute orphan Josephine Winters, with her chopped hair, boy’s clothes, and new name, “Snipp,” enlists in the Union army out of desperation. 
Just over five feet tall and barely weighing as much as a newborn calf, Snipp seems to Levi to be barely old enough to hold “his” gun. But despite being teased by the regiment, Snipp quickly earns admiration for skill with a musket and unequaled bravery. When Levi explains one night that he is a Quaker leading a regiment, it leads to a late-night discussion of faith and a developing friendship.
But Snipp’s secret can only be hidden for so long. After an injury forces Josie to reveal her real identity, Levi is angered by her deception. Worse, Josie is marched out of the company without a chance to explain—or even say goodbye. Will their friendship survive? Or will the hatred saturating the war-torn nation affect even the heart of a peace-loving Quaker?
Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

SharHS552x784Born and raised in western Michigan, Sharlene MacLaren graduated from Spring Arbor University then traveled nationally with a contemporary Christian vocal ensemble. She married Cecil, with whom she’d grown up in Spring Arbor, and the couple had two daughters. Shar embarked on a teaching career that would span over 30 years. As she contemplated retirement, Shar sought God’s guidance, praying for a vocation that would provide the kind of fulfillment and joy she experienced as a teacher and mother. A lifelong gifted story teller, she began to write Christian romance novels. Her first book, Through Every Storm, published in 2007, was met with critical acclaim and brisk sales. The rest, as they say, is history. Whitaker House’s bestselling fiction author, she’s subsequently published 18 books, mostly historical romances. Shar enjoys reading, singing in her church choir and worship team, traveling, and spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. She’s very interactive on Facebook and Twitter. For more: www.sharlenemaclaren.comwww.facebook.com/sharmaclaren, Twitter @ sharzy_lu.



Review.jpg


I really enjoyed the concept of the story. Josephine was a wonderful character and I admired her determination. The author depicts the Civil War with vivid accounts of what soldiers went through. I never thought about how little food they had to live on as they fought a battle that would cost lives. Josephine or Snipps as she is called in most of the story is a person to be reckoned with. She doesn’t back down from whatever chore or duty is given to her. I wondered how long she would be able to keep her secret. As the story progresses, Snipps soon discovers that someone doesn’t like her in the unit. Why would someone want to harm her? 

Levi was very passionate about God and keeping his troops safe. I liked that he shared God in a subtle way without being preachy. It was interesting to see a friendship develop between him and Snipps. I loved Levi’s leadership and how he took Snipps under his wing . I dont think I would have lasted very long out there with the sound of gunfire and sometimes weather that was unbearable.

The men seemed to get along pretty well with Snipps even thought many questioned why he didn’t have facial hair or whether Snipps was really old enough to be there. I had to wonder why someone didn’t figure out who Snipps really was. One of the best parts of the story for me is when a spy is discovered in the midst of everyone. How would you react if you knew someone among you couldn’t be trusted? I know I would be looking over my shoulder constantly. I didn’t figure out who it was and I was surprised when the person was revealed. Overall the book is a great story with details of the war that were accurate and made you feel transported back in time. Will Josephine be found out? How will Levi react when secrets are revealed ? This is a good story with a bit of action and mystery that kept me entertained. I look forward to the next book in the series. 

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

Blog Stops

Genesis 5020, January 25
ASC Book Reviews, January 26
Multifarious, January 26
Remembrancy, January 27
Carpe Diem, January 28
Inklings and notionsJanuary 28
Mary Hake, January 31
Daysong ReflectionsFebruary 1
Pause for Tales, February 2
Cafinated Reads, February 3
Bibliophile Reviews, February 4
My Wrtier’s Life, February 5
Simple Harvest Reads, February 5 (Guest Post from Mindy Houg)
Pursuing StacieFebruary 6
A Greater YesFebruary 6
Texas Book-aholic, February 6
BigreadersiteFebruary 7
Janices book reviewsFebruary 7

Giveaway

840ae240-8560-476e-ac12-7dfdc106f1ba
To celebrate her tour, Whitaker House is giving away:
Grand Prize Package: Their Daring Hearts (Forever Freedom Series) #2 by Sharlene MacLaren; Summer on Sunset Ridge (Forever Freedom Series #1) signed by the author, Sharlene MacLaren, Abba Jerusalem Hyssop 6” Pillar Candle.
1st Place: Their Daring Hearts (Forever Freedom Series) #2 by Sharlene MacLaren; Heart of Mercy (Tennessee Dreams #1) by Sharlene MacLaren; Whitaker House/Anchor Coloring Book with Colored Pencils.
2nd Place: Their Daring Hearts (Forever Freedom Series) #2 by Sharlene MacLaren; Whitaker House/Anchor Coloring Book with Colored Pencils.!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c602
Her Good Girl copy

About the Book

estock-72dpi-1500x2000
Title: Her Good Girl
Author: Elaine Stock
Genre: Family Life, Contemporary fiction, Coming-of-age story of a whole family
Release Date: January 22, 2018
Sometimes digging deep frees you to bloom.
Sadie Tremont’s will to survive is killing her. Almost 18, she’s battled one mysterious illness after another. Tara-Lynn, her mom, insists she’s the only one with the ultimate cure. Sadie can’t depend on her dad to help when his only interest is underground caving. Her grandmother too easily counts on God to help, but Sadie has stopped waiting for miracles. Callie, a café owner and new friend, might help but can she be trusted?
Then there’s Sky, Sadie’s new boyfriend who offers a sliver of joy, peace, and self-respect. When he schemes that the only way for Sadie to be happy is to escape with him from her native West Virginia hills by killing Tara-Lynn, she’s trapped.
She can’t partner with Sky to hurt the mom who has hurt her for years . . . or can she?
When tragedy strikes and threaten Sadie’s dad’s life and the shaky ground the Tremont family stands on, will they pull together or give in to the weakened earth beneath their feet?

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Elaine StockElaine Stock is the author of Always With You, which released in January 2016 and has won the 2017 Christian Small Publishers Association Book of the Year Award in fiction. And You Came Along, a novella, released in December 2017. Her novels fuse romance, family drama and faith in a clean fiction style. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, and Women’s Fiction Writers Association, and contributes to the international “Happy Sis Magazine” and “InD’tale Magazine.” In addition to Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads, she hangs out on her active six-year-old blog, Everyone’s Story, dedicated to uplifting and encouraging all readers through the power of story and hope.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, Elaine has now been living in upstate, rural New York with her husband for more years than her stint as a NYC gal. She enjoys long walks down country roads, visiting New England towns, and of course, a good book.

Guest Post from Elaine Stock

How to Bloom Against the Odds by Elaine Stock
Show tunes warm my heart and create a happy buzz in my mind. Ever since I can recall, I adored musicals, whether live performances or movies. Throw in amazing choreography and I’m definitely a happy camper! Hmm. I’m thinking you’re probably wondering why I’m kicking off a blog tour about my novel, Her Good Girl, a coming-of-age story about a whole family against the odds, chatting about actors belting out foot-tapping songs?
her good girl pic 1
Here’s another favorite of mine: Liza Minnelli. Remember her from the movieCabaret? A few months back I ran across this quote from her: Reality is something you rise above. These words hit home, zinged my soul. Life is not about what you’re dished out, but what you do with it instead. See, I was born into a troubled family. My mother slipped deep into the prison of mental illness; my father worked 8 days a week. Throw in a few other dysfunctional barbs and… well… that was my beginning. Is it my present? Will it be my future?
In Her Good Girl, centers on Sadie, a girl on the cusp of becoming a woman. Her life revolves around her mother’s abusive Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MBP) until Sadie discovers a way out… or is it an escape to something deeper and worse by the hands of someone else?
This is what I wrote in the “Author’s Note” section of Her Good Girl:
I first became aware of Munchausen By Proxy (MBP) several years ago when I read an article about what I thought was an emotional disturbance. Research shows that this is maltreatment (abuse and/or neglect) when a person—usually a parent—seeks emotional fulfillment by inflicting an illness on another, often one’s child, and often resulting in death. Recent cases such as the 1996 arrest of Kathy Bush for making her then nine-year-old daughter, Jennifer sick; the 2014 death of five-year-old Garnett by his mother Lacy Spears, and the recent Baby Jax case of a woman, Jessica Valik, who tampered with her son’s feeding tube, are one too many. Yet, I have not written about this type of tragedy and sadness to become a sensationalist.
Stories about the complexities of families draw my attention. I strive to tell stories that inspire others that, through the love and grace of God, one can move forward, families can heal, that there is hope, and that there is no reason to go back. Goodness can, and does, happen to troubled families.
While my mother didn’t suffer from MBP, she was controlled by the terrors of paranoid schizophrenia (I touched upon this as well in Her Good Girl, although, again, it was not autobiographical). I didn’t know about my mother’s condition until I turned 18 and she was first diagnosed at that time. However, what I did know during my childhood was that this was my family’s “normal.” Yet, it still didn’t feel right.
I wanted to rise above this emotional feeling that felt like a trap.
Enter God.
Actually, God and I clicked when I was six (that’s as far back as I can remember His grasp on me). But, it wasn’t until I was baptized into the Christian faith in my early 20s did I start feeling as if I was indeed beginning to rise above my circumstances.
Without Him, my life would be empty and meaningless.
Now, I feel as if I have a future to look forward to. All my novels will not necessarily be reflective of mental illness, but I hope my readers will see in Her Good Girl that by holding God’s hands tightly a family can heal and one can move forward, can live. Or, as one of the major themes of the novel emphasizes: Sometimes digging deep frees you to bloom.
her good girl pic 2
Review.jpg


I was so immersed in the story that at times I could feel myself tremble. The book is captivating and tragic at the same time. I have heard of Munchhausen by Proxy but didn’t know a lot about it. The story takes readers deep into the mind of a woman who thinks she is helping her daughter while getting praises from everyone of how great a mother she is. To really understand this mental illness Tara-Lynn has, the author delivers an eye opening look into the world of mental health. I know what Tara-Lynn does to her daughter is horrific, but I press on hoping answers will come . What is it like to need attention so bad you harm your child almost to the brink of death? Is it the desire to feel like a hero when you race to the hospital to save your daughter? What possesses someone to intentionally inflict pain on their child just to get the satisfaction and sympathy from hospital staff that you are the best mother?

Sadie is like most children who trust their parents and thinks Tara-Lynn is doing what is best for her. As a child you trust your parents and believe they love you and want to protect you. At some point Sadie realizes Tara-Lynn is not well. My heart went out to her. She needed a hug and to hear the words, “ I love you and will protect you.” Sadie’s dad was a mystery to me at times. I think he knew what was going on, but escaped by going off on adventures to forget about it. Why didn’t Sadie’s father help her? Did he have things he needed help with? I loved the grandmother and wanted to stand beside her and support her as she tries her best to do what is right. 

The author does a great job of showing how important faith and trust in God is. I loved the young woman that enters Sadie’s life. I won’t give much away but to say that she is a Godsend is very appropriate. It is hard when someone you know is mentally ill. Society seems to shun those with mental illness and I pray someday that will change. I didn’t like what Tara-Lynn was doing, but the author captivated the realism of how much she needed help. The last part of the book is emotional, terrifying, eye opening and well written. I applaud the author for taking a subject not many talk about and bringing it to the surface in hopes that others will reach a helping hand to those in need. 

“You can’t latch onto the freedom of peace until you confront your demons.”

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




Blog Stops

Mary Hake, February 1
Bibliophile Reviews, February 2
Blogging With Carol, February 3
A Reader’s Brain, February 5
Texas Book-aholic, February 6
Carpe Diem, February 7
Multifarious, February 9
A Greater Yes, February 10
Power of Words, February 11 (spotlight)
Janices book reviews, February 12
Jeanette’s Thoughts, February 12
margaret kazmierczak, February 13 (Interview)
Simple Harvest Reads, February 13 (Guest post from Mindy)
Pursuing Stacie, February 14
Bigreadersite, February 14

Giveaway

099280d0-8d20-48f2-ac57-3caa06ce9ea9
To celebrate her tour, Elaine is giving away a grand prize of 1 Tote + 1 print (US only) or eBook of Her Good Girl, Always With You, and And You Came Along.
Three others will win 1 eBook of Her Good Girl each!!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c6d0