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Saturday, February 4, 2017


RED LIKE CRIMSON by JANICE THOMPSON

Have you done something in your life that you are ashamed of? Have you made a mistake you wish you could change? Have you walked through life not being able to forgive yourself? All these questions run through Adrianne's mind constantly. When she was in college she met the man of her dreams.  Their love was contagious and they wanted to be together forever. One decision will change everything and put them on different paths.

Adrianne is working as a curator at a museum when she comes  face to face with her past. The man she ran away from back in college is standing right there in front of her. I loved Adrianne and her deep sense of faith. Now she must use her faith and trust God as she and Chris reconnect. It seems to be easier to forgive others than ourselves. Adrianne has carried a secret for so long and she knows it is time to let go of all the shame she has felt.

Chris has no idea why Adrianne suddenly left college that day and hopes to get answers . I loved his devotion to missionary work and how much his faith meant to him. Adrianne always knew his desire was to be a missionary and she couldn't bring herself to tell Chris all those years ago that she was pregnant. The story is so beautifully written as two people work through forgiveness. Adrianne seems to carry a heavy burden and hopes Chris will understand  why she kept his daughter a secret all these years. I loved the interaction between father and daughter as they got to know each other. The author has written a story that was emotional and filled with God's mercy. This is one story you won't be able to put down. Will Chris and Adrianne work things out?

I especially liked this story because it illustrates so eloquently how hiding secrets can hurt others. We all fight temptations and when we fail, God is there to give us mercy and grace. I loved how the author took two people and walked them through the past with compassion and shared the unconditional love that God gives us each day.

SALT WATER TAFFIE by JANICE THOMPSON

I absolutely loved everything about this book. The description of the boardwalk was so vivid I felt like I was there. I could hear kids laughing and see the shops filled with treasures. The author really does her homework while detailing how taffy is made. Wouldn't it be fun to sample different flavors of salt water taffy? The story is filled with wonderful characters and has a great feeling of family and love.

Taffie's family owns a candy shop which has been around for many years. You get a  glimpse of the authors wonderful sense of humor by the names of the three daughters. How would you like to be named Taffie, Candy or Tangerine? I found it quite endearing that the family business was so popular with tourists and was a staple for the community.

Taffie is learning the ins and outs of her family's business so her parents can retire. When the main machine breaks , a repairman is called to try to fix the machine. Ryan enters the shop and I could feel the sparks fly between him and Taffie. Their relationship is sweet and I thought Ryan was a true gentleman. As they begin to date the bond grows deeper. I loved when the two families meet. That was such a great scene with everyone talking and laughing. Two families enjoying food, laughter and memories.

I won't give away anything that makes the story so powerful but I will say that it  is filled with dreams, making decisions , family values and following God's direction. Grab a copy, get comfortable and enjoy Taffie and  Ryan's story.

Friday, February 3, 2017


THE WEDDING CAPER by JANICE THOMPSON

I just love reading books from this author. They always make me laugh and the way she use scriptures throughout the story is phenomenal. I loved the details she uses when describing the town and the different characters. I thought the story was funny, intriguing and filled with life lessons. It's funny how we judge others and come  to conclusions about them without a reason. I couldn't put the book down and boy was I surprised at the end.

Annie and Warren's twin daughters are both planning weddings. That is enough to have any father scrambling to find money to pay for all the expenses. He wants his daughters to have their dream weddings. After a burglary takes place at the bank Annie decides she knows who the guilty person is. Can you imagine thinking your own husband has stolen money from his own bank? She is such a great character and I really loved her sleuthing. She  kind of reminded me of Mrs. Fletcher from Murder She Wrote. Annie is hot on the trail of suspects and the town better watch out.

One of the best things in the story is the journey she takes to discovering how she suspects people who  are searching for acceptance, forgiveness and love. Do we sometimes look at someone and think that they don't fit in? Annie's bible scripture for each day is exactly what she needs. I love when God gives you direction through His word. As Annie tries to solve the mystery of the missing money, she discovers something about herself. Do we forget to spend time with our family because we are so busy doing other things? I loved the characters that Annie interacts with.  There  are some emotional moments in the story as she "interviews" her suspects that opens her heart to these people.  Don't miss this great story that keeps you guessing and along the way, reminds us to reach out and help others.

Monday, January 30, 2017




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

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

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