Texas Book-aholic

Saturday, October 29, 2016

JUST A KISS by DENISE HUNTER

It's so nice to read a new book from one of my favorite authors. I opened the book and started reading and before I knew it, I was crying. The beginning is so emotional and felt so real I wanted to go hug the couple and wish them well. Riley and Paige have been best friends forever. As Riley exits the plane, he is a completely different person from when he was home last.

After a tour in Afghanistan Riley comes home to face some challenges. What happened to him in Afghanistan? I loved his character so much. He is a strong and fit man with perhaps a bit of stubbornness to go along with his moody attitude. I loved when he discovers he will be staying with Paige for awhile. Can two best friends live together after Riley ran off to the Marines and left the one girl he loved?

Paige is a sweet and caring person. She has a big heart and wants to take care of everyone. I loved her devotion to caring for animals at the shelter. Her warmth and compassion was so well written that I wanted to be her friend. The author writes a very emotional journey between two people trying to find their way in life. The chemistry is undeniable between them as they try to overcome situations that keep them apart. I loved how the author writes Riley's character with some inner struggles that shine a light on a difficult subject many veterans face . The story is an emotional roller coaster as the characters rely on their faith to find happiness. Have you ever struggled with something and knew the only answer was to trust God?

Thank you for a story that is filled with hope, budding romances and learning to trust again. The author has provided discussion questions at the end that I highly recommend you read. The book has left me with hope that past hurts can be forgiven and sometimes a simple kiss can bring a lifetime of happiness.

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

About the book:

40 Days to a Joyful Motherhood: Devotions and Coloring Book to Nourish Mom (Abingdon Press, August 2016)

Nourishment for a mother's soul through 40 days of devotion and . . . doodling!

Wouldn't it be marvelous if mothering came with a concrete set of instructions---an easy recipe we could follow? Instead, motherhood challenges women to find their faith, their true selves, and their family through daily doses of trial and error. It is a brilliant and healing time of life that is full of joy, pain, and beauty with a small side of crisis (and humor). What mothers do not know, they learn. And through this lifelong process of learning, they nurture and care for the most precious gifts on earth: children. In a modern society where moms often have a full and busy plate, these 10 minute daily devotions focus on six key topics of motherhood:

-Self-acceptance

-Self-care

-Reconciling with grief, hope and expectations

-Generosity

-Presence

-Forgiveness

In addition to the devotions, these beautiful pages are adorned with handmade illustrations to help you refresh from long days or even occasional sleepless nights. So, grab your colors and a little quiet time for yourself while doodling at the kitchen table. You will be grateful you did!

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

About the author:

Often considered a dreamer and silly heart, Sarah Humphrey uses inspiration from her most beloved career, motherhood, to fuel her passion for writing, creative movement and teaching. She has and is authoring several books and children's books. Sarah currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and three beautiful, bouncy kids.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

This was such a special treat to get. Who doesn't love coloring and having a devotional all in the same book? The book is divided up into 40 days of refreshing, renewing and rejuvenating you as you color and read the Word. The pictures provided to color are simple yet inviting. They really just make you smile and are a great stress relief. I enjoyed the different topics each day and loved the scripture and simple prayer that accompanied it at the end.

I started the book off as I sat down with my hot chocolate with peppermint creamer, colored pencils in hand and began my journey. The first day was filled with a simple welcome and encouraged you to remember who you are and to take time for yourself . I was hooked after that and couldn't wait to start everyday with this enjoyable uplifting devotional. The journal is a quick read everyday but I found myself lingering over what I read throughout the day. When I felt stressed I would go back to that day's word and start to color. It's funny how a simple thing we did at school as children , is such a great stress reliever for us as adults. Go ahead and grab you a copy, get your colored pencils or crayons and spend time relaxing and enjoying time with God.

"The joy of the Lord is my strength." Nehemiah 8:10

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

Blog Tour Schedule:

Friday, October 28, 2016

A CONVENIENT CHRISTMAS WEDDING by REGINA SCOTT

What a lovely well written story this is. I was captivated by the beautiful time period that it is set in . The author does a wonderful job of making the story come to life with vivid details of the town and people. As I read the book I thought about all those shows that I use to watch. They captured the spirit of the hard working men as they worked their land and cared for their families. The women cooked and cleaned and did their part taking care of the animals. It was not an easy time, but they were grateful for what God had provided for them. This story brings all that to life with characters that you fall in love with.

Nora is a wonderful seamstress but lacks in the romance department. She has a brother and sister-in-law that treat her like their maid. I disliked them both with their sharp tongue and utterly disgraceful way they addressed her . It's time she stand up and live her life. I did like her shyness and thought the author did a great job of giving her strength to stand up to her family. Those were such great scenes to witness Nora's freedom from the clutches of her family. Will her scheme finally bring her freedom to live her own life?

Simon is one of several brothers in a family that work hard and try to keep food on the table for their family. I loved his strong and noble character. He never backed down from a fight and tried to keep his family from being too lazy. He knew the importance of working the land and expected other family members to contribute. One day everything changes when Nora makes a proposition to Simon. What does she offer him?

The story moves at a great pace and I felt like I was sitting by the fireplace with the family as they gathered around to talk. There are some funny moments in the story that I found charming. I fell in love with Simon's family and wanted to sit and chat with his mother. I can't give the story away, but I can say that it is about believing in yourself, trusting others and giving your heart to the right person.

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

Christian's Hope

by Ervin R. Stutzman

Amish Fiction
MennoMedia

When Christian Hochstetler returns to the Amish after seven years in captivity, he finds that many things have shifted. His father wants him to settle back into a predictable Amish life of farming, and Christian's budding friendship with Hannah Rupp beckons him to stay as well. Yet Christian feels restless, and he is soon faced with a life-altering decision. Will Christian choose the Amish identity that his father desires for him? Or will he depart from his family and faith community, yet again?

Christian's Hope tells the story of the younger brother of Joseph and the son of Jacob, whom readers have come to love in the first two books in the Return to Northkill series.

Meet the Author

Dr. Ervin R. Stutzman was born into an Amish home in Kalona, Iowa, and spent most of his childhood in Hutchinson, Kansas. He is author of Jacob's Choice, Joseph's Dilemma,Tobias of the Amish, and Emma, A Widow Among the Amish. He serves as executive director for Mennonite Church USA and has also served the Mennonite church in the roles of pastor, district overseer, mission administrator, area conference moderator, seminary dean, and moderator of the denomination. He holds master's degrees from the University of Cincinnati and Eastern Mennonite Seminary, and received his PhD from Temple University.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

I have not read a book from this author before, but I realize I have been missing out on great writing. The book grabbed my attention because it was about two groups I love to read about. The Amish because I like their simple lifestyle and their willing to help their neighbors. I love reading about Native Americans because they are a vital part of history and I am part Native American. The author does an amazing job of giving a true historic event that is not very well known and breathes life into it with a gentle touch of his words that grace the pages. I appreciate the research involved in the story and the accurate description of the time period.

The story is mainly about two brothers who were held captive for a long period of time by the Shawnee Indians. I can't imagine the terror they witnessed that day when they were taken knowing that they may never see their family again. The author really gives a great glimpse into what their lifestyle was as they lived among their captors. Many people feared the Shawnee but it seemed like the brothers Joseph and Christian had adapted well to their new surroundings.

When Christian and Joseph return years later to their Amish home, they are changed in many ways. Will they be accepted back into the community ? Will it be difficult to adjust to their home after being away for so long? I thought that their characters were well written and I could feel their struggle as they were torn between two cultures. After being away for so long, it must have been very difficult to leave the Shawnee and their beliefs behind. The story was riveting and I loved the struggle that each brother had as they tried to fit back into their family. I loved Christian's turmoil as he fought within himself whether he could ever fit back with the Amish. He was free to hunt and fish among the Shawnee but now was expected to help with the farm.

There was definitely animosity toward Christian and several of the townspeople . They couldn't accept him as Amish since he dressed liked a Shawnee. Isn't it funny that even in the 1700s there was discrimination against people. They were judged because they looked different . As you read the story you will find another character that feels the sting of gossip and accusations that damage the person's reputation. I found the story to be very accurate, well written and a page turner. I recommend that readers take time to look at the Historical Note found at the end of the book. It gives details of the people this book was based on and gives you a bit of what happened as they grew older.

I was given a copy of this book from Litfuse Blogger Tour . The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for it.

Tour Schedule:

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Body on the Bayou
by Ellen Byron

Body on the Bayou is well written and I really enjoyed reading it. I enjoyed the characters
~MysteriesEtc

What’s not to love about book two in the Cajun Country mystery series. Filled with action and humor,drama and witty characters this fast-paced mystery will keep you guessing until the end…
~Shelley’s Book Case

The story moved along nicely and held my interest…If you like Louisiana bayou as a setting and a little romance with your mystery, you’ll enjoy Body on the Bayou.
~Christa Reads and Writes

When you read Ellen Byron’s book, you are transported to Louisiana. I was transported to the beautiful deep south of this charming mystery.
~Bibliophile Reviews

This was a good, fun read! I enjoyed the story, and was caught up in it from almost the beginning.
~The Ninja Librarian

Body on the Bayou by Ellen Bryon

2 in Series
Genre – Cozy Mystery

Series: A Cajun Country Mystery (Book 2)
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books (September 13, 2016)
ISBN-13: 978-1629537689
E-Book – ASIN: B01H082DPY

Synopsis:

The Crozats feared that past murders at Crozat Plantation B&B might spell the death of their beloved estate, but they’ve managed to survive the scandal. Now there’s a très bigger story in Pelican, Louisiana: the upcoming nuptials between Maggie Crozat’s nemesis, Police Chief Rufus Durand, and her co-worker, Vanessa Fleer.

When everyone else refuses the job of being Vanessa’s Maid of Honor, Maggie reluctantly takes up the title and finds herself tasked with a long list of duties–the most important of which is entertaining Vanessa’s cousin, Ginger Fleer-Starke. But just days before the wedding, Ginger’s lifeless body is found on the bayou and the Pelican PD, as well as the Crozats, have another murder mystery on their hands.

There’s a gumbo-potful of suspects, including an ex-Marine with PTSD, an annoying local newspaper reporter, and Vanessa’s own sparkplug of a mother. But when it looks like the investigation is zeroing in on Vanessa as the prime suspect, Maggie reluctantly adds keeping the bride-to-be out of jail to her list of Maid of Honor responsibilities in Body on the Bayou.

About The Author –

Ellen’s debut novel, PLANTATION SHUDDERS

: A Cajun Country Mystery, has been nominated for an Agatha Best First Novel award, a Lefty for Best Humorous Mystery, and a Daphne Award for Best Mainstream Mystery. The second Cajun Country Mystery, BODY ON THE BAYOU

, will be available in September 2016. Ellen’s TV credits include Wings and Just Shoot Me; she’s written over 200 magazine articles; her published plays include the award-winning Graceland and Asleep on the Wind. Ellen Byron is a native New Yorker who lives in Los Angeles and attributes her fascination with Louisiana to her college years at New Orleans’ Tulane University.

Webpage – http://www.ellenbyron.com/

Blog – http://www.ellenbyron.com/#!blog/c1in0

Twitter – https://twitter.com/ellenbyronla

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ellenbyronauthor

GoodReads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/23234.Ellen_Byron

Purchase Links:

Amazon B&N

I liked the setting of the story and I really enjoyed most of the characters. I have to say though I was very disappointed in the name of the victim who was killed. When the character was introduced , she was rude, annoying and everyone hated her. She had a reputation for being nasty and hard to get along with. I would have liked a bit more suspects in the book and maybe a different victim. When it is obvious after a few pages who is going to be killed, I was a tad upset.

But not to fear, because the author brings a great story with silly happenings, moody people and a bride that needed to take a very long nap. There is a shining star in Maggie. She seems to be running around with her head chopped off trying to please the bride to be. Maggie had more patience than I would have. There is a bit of a romance in the book that has all the makings for a big fight between two families. It's funny how something that happened a long time ago,can still cause hatred between these families. I did like the Cajun theme and thought the author did a good job on describing the area and food . I can't forget to mention the overbearing utterly mean Rufus. What a big attitude downer he is. Why would anyone want to be his friend? The story is really over the top at times with the wedding preparations and silly things the bride wants. I had to laugh at the shenanigans with the bride and her bridesmaids. I kinda think I would like to see this made into a movie. I have already picked out the actors.

Overall I enjoyed the story and the author did a great job of character development. I guess I was upset at who was killed, because she was such a nasty person. That made me realize how good the author did in writing her character. . I did enjoy the ending though and I will have to read another book from this author because for some reason she has piqued my curiosity.

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

October 21 – MysteriesEtc – REVIEW

October 21 – Island Confidential – INTERVIEW

October 22 – Books,Dreams,Life – SPOTLIGHT

October 22 – Shelley’s Book Case – REVIEW

October 23 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW

October 23 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW

October 24 – Back Porchervations – REVIEW

October 24 – The Ninja Librarian – REVIEW

October 25 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW

October 25 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

October 26 – The Book’s the Thing – REVIEW, GUEST POST

October 26 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 27 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW

October 27 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW

October 28 – T’s Stuff – SPOTLIGHT

October 28 – 3 Partners in Shopping. Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! – SPOTLIGHT

October 29 – LibriAmoriMiei – REVIEW

October 29 – Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 30 – A Holland Reads – GUEST POST

October 30 – A Blue Million Books – INTERVIEW

Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?

Click Here Find Details and Sign Up Today!

Search This Blog