THE SUGARCREEK SURPRISE BY WANDA BRUNSTETTER 

This has been such an enjoyable story with some familiar characters. Lois and Orley run an antiques store where treasures can be found. When you walk in you feel like you are family. I adore this couple and their love for God. They play a big part in this story by sharing wisdom and friendship to a young man named Paul. 

Lisa has suffered a great loss in her life and even today she still carries the emotional baggage from that tragic day. Living with her grandparents since childhood has given her a place to feel somewhat  safe. I wanted Lisa to open up more to people but she has guarded her heart all these years because she doesn’t want to get hurt. She has this fear that she will be abandoned if she lets anyone get close to her. Have you ever experienced a loss in your life? I can relate to Lisa although it certainly can keep you from finding happiness. 

Paul is a character that I couldn’t help but like. He is such a gentle spirit and wears his heart on his sleeve. His attraction to Lisa is obvious but he has his work cut out for  himself if he wants to court Lisa. I liked that they knew each other when they younger and someday Paul hopes Lisa will remember. I’m not sure I understand why Lisa reacted the way she did when she overhears a conversation about her and Paul being friends when they were children. Poor Paul is really upset because he never wanted to hurt Lisa. Her reaction was a little over the top but perhaps it is because she feels betrayed by him. 

What I really liked about this story is how it has a solid faith foundation and is illustrated by the characters going to God for guidance. Lisa’s  anxiety has caused her to close herself off from everyone. When she does this it keeps her from finding happiness and learning to trust. Paul at times walked on eggshells around Lisa because he also doesn’t want to be hurt or cause Lisa to shut him out of her life.

The story is one that I  learned a few things from. I didn’t know that you could use marshmallows to hide a pill in to get your dog to take their medicine. Lisa’s dog showed us how to overcome obstacles and be content with our lives. The characters taught me to be open with others and learn to trust God more. The ending is beautiful and gives me a look at what can happen when you allow God to heal you emotionally.

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

EDGEWATER ROAD BY SHELLEY SHEPARD GRAY

The first in a new series from New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray, Edgewater Road invites us into a world of family mysteries, and small-town secrets.

When Jennifer Smiley's grandmother, Ginny, leaves her an old farmhouse on Edgewater Road in seemingly quiet Ross County, Ohio, Jennifer can't pass up the opportunity for a new beginning. Almost immediately she meets a group of men who generously help her move in. When she realizes that they work for Lincoln Bennett, her next-door neighbor, she's intrigued. Lincoln is gorgeous and has dark, lapis-blue eyes she could get lost in . . . but he doesn't seem all that friendly. She's torn between getting to know him and sticking with the solitude she knows so well. Maybe she could let down some of those walls she's built around her emotions?

Lincoln Bennett likes to keep his head down and get his work done. He's been to prison and he knows that a lot of folks don't take kindly to a man with that kind of history. Plus, he's busy helping other ex-cons get back on their feet. But when he meets Jennifer, he can't help but feel an instant attraction. Will she be able to look past his unsavory history? Will she be able to accept the men he's working so hard to help?

While Jennifer gets to know Lincoln and his friends, she also begins to unravel her grandmother's story, putting together the pieces from scraps of memories and things she finds in her new home. She soon discovers that Ginny Smiley harbored some dark secrets on Edgewater Road -- and that those secrets include both Lincoln and her own absent father. Is learning the truth worth the heartache it could bring?

As the weeks pass and she and Lincoln become closer, Jennifer learns there is a lot to uncover in Ross County -- wonderful friendships, darling towns ... and more than one secret that might be better left buried.

SHELLEY SHEPARD GRAY is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of numerous romantic fiction series and mystery novels, including the Seasons of Sugarcreek series, the Sisters of the Heart series, the Families of Honor series, and others. She is a recipient of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award. She has written more than eighty novels, translated into multiple languages.

MY REVIEW 

I was so excited to have a chance to read the first book in a new series by this amazing and talented author. She has chosen one of my ideal settings of a small town to introduce us to the characters. There is something about a small town that makes me feel welcome and brings a sense of grace and comfort. Anything to do with a farmhouse piques my interest right away. When Jennifer inherits her grandmother’s place I was ready to walk beside her on her journey. 

I’m not sure Jennifer would think the farmhouse was great since it looked like it had been overlooked in the upkeep of the place. Oh but wandering  around in the house she knows there is history there. I loved the mystery that Jennifer uncovers about her grandmother. What a shock she had when secrets starting coming out and the hurt and disappointed she felt as the image of her grandmother suddenly changed. I’m sure we all have secrets in our family history that would be hard to deal with. Jennifer wanted the truth, but now what does she do with it? Will it change her feelings for her grandmother and father?

It is hard to say just how much I admired Lincoln. Being in prison is difficult but now that he is free he has a big heart to help others that need a fresh start like he got. I can just imagine the look on Jennifer’s face when she finds out about Lincoln’s incarceration. I loved how Lincoln didn’t shy away from telling Jennifer even though he saw the shocked look on her face. The author adds intrigue which connects Lincoln and Jennifer’s grandmother. This part of the story is where we see a man who is upfront about his past yet doesn’t want to share everything because he knows it will hurt Jennifer. What a tangled web it becomes when more secrets are revealed. 

The story is well written with characters that share something in common. They all want to be accepted and loved. Our past doesn’t have to define us when we chose to follow God. Lincoln will always have a special place in my heart because he illustrates how you can overcome your past and be an example to others who need compassion and a second chance.  

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

 

About the Book

Book: Daring: A Call to Courageous Manhood

Author: Paul Louis Cole

Genre: RELIGION / Christian Living/Men’s Interests

Release date: February 15, 2022

Victory is always on the other side of a fight. Here is help to win the battles and keep on winning!

Daring: A Call To Courageous Manhood sets the tone for a new wave of masculinity by defining what it is to be a man of courage, endurance, and resolve. The unique, creative voice of Paul Louis Cole cuts through cultural clutter to speak to the
issues that lay in the heart of every man.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Paul Louis Cole, D.Th., president of Christian Men’s Network, is a communicator, church planter, pastor, author, and one of the world’s leading experts on men’s issues. Paul is an award-winning media writer/producer/director, but his passion is in carrying the message of Christlike manhood globally. The son of Edwin Louis Cole, he has continued the work of the Christian Men’s Network, helping pastors build strong men, strong families, and strong churches in over 100 nations. Paul’s mission is to rescue men, defeat fatherlessness, and end child abuse by providing leadership tools and strategies to bring a clear and defining word to men. Paul and his wife of forty-plus years, Judi, reside in Grapevine, Texas. They have three children and five grandchildren.

 

More from Whitaker House

“Electrifies the heart to beat loudly and strongly as the lion’s heart…”
—Leonard Sweet, New York Times Bestselling Author

“A masterpiece to challenge you…and change your life”
—Dale C. Bronner, Word of Faith Family Cathedral

“I highly recommend this book to help you navigate the challenges of life to become God’s man…”
—Jonathan Falwell

MY REVIEW 

The book is a call to all men to be courageous and take a stand. The author references men from the Bible who took a stand against evil. God has ordained men to fight for freedom and protect their family. One of my favorite scriptures talks  about God having a plan for our life. It is a good reminder to listen to God and follow his directions. People love to tell others what they should do, but God is the one we need to listen to. 

This would be a good Bible Study for a men’s group.  It has many examples of what God has called men to be. He wants them to follow Him, stand firm and know they don’t  face battles alone. It is always better to be around like minded people who have the same mind set as you. The following is something that I found very profound in the book. It talks about Joshua and Caleb’s  faith in God and five key statements that can be applied to our lives. “First you have an unlimited source of strength. Second it is your land. Third don’t  look back . Fourth never quit . Fifth Big God/small devil.” 

For men looking to become grounded  in the Word, read encouraging scriptures and follow God’s example to rise above doubt this book will be a useful tool. With many personal and Biblical illustrations in the book, the author gives readers a firm foundation of being men who are daring. 

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 26

Artistic Nobody, February 27 (Spotlight)

Inklings and notions, February 28

Texas Book-aholic, March 1

Simple Harvest Reads, March 2 (Spotlight)

Miriam Jacob, March 2

deb’s Book Review, March 3

Fiction Book Lover, March 4 (Spotlight)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 5

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 6

Spoken from the Heart, March 7 (Spotlight)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 7

For Him and My Family, March 8

An Author’s Take, March 9

Guild Master, March 10 (Spotlight)

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 11

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Paul is giving away the grand prize package of a $20 Starbucks gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1b060/daring-a-call-to-courageous-manhood-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: Oathbound

Author: Victoria McCombs

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release date: February 15, 2022

Beware the waters. The dangerous deep brings ruin to all. 

Emme has spent her life avoiding anything to do with pirates. But the fates are cruel, and now a hidden sickness leads her to partner with pirates for the one thing that can save her—a cure on an island none are certain exists.

The pirate captain’s secrets are darker than the deep and threaten to kill them all. His obligations are tinged with betrayal, for his oathbind must be fulfilled. To ignore it is to invite peril of unimaginable destruction.+

As the adventure unfolds, the sea takes more than she expects and the sea gives more than he wants.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Victoria McCombs is the author of The Storyteller’s Series from Parliament House Press, and Oathbound. She writes young adult fantasy and adores stories about treacherous pirates and traitorous princes. Her favorite things include peppermint hot chocolate, peanut butter ice cream, game nights with family, and Jesus. She has her mom to thank for allowing so many medieval weapons inside the house as she was growing up, which curated her love for that time period. She is a mom of three little boys and a wife to the handsomest accountant there is. Together they live in Omaha, Nebraska.

 

More from Victoria

Oathbound was my quarantine book. I remember getting the idea and thinking “I don’t know of any other pirate books in the YA fantasy genre.” Of course, after that, I saw them everywhere, and several amazing ones have come out since. But theses broken pirates had grabbed my attention and I couldn’t let go.

One aspect of my book makes it unique, and that comes in our main character. My characters are a reflection of me, but none more so than Emme. We see early on that she is sick, and while the disease is made up for the book, it’s mirrored exactly by the disease that runs in my family called ataxia. This is a disease that impairs every part of life before it ends it too soon. I’ve never opened those emotions so fully to put them on a page, but Emme and I were going through this together. While I’m lucky not to have symptoms yet (and the chance to never have to go through it), this disability is something I understand deeply, and I’m honored to bring it to life on the page to show the strength that can lie within even when our bodies fail us.

I hope you all enjoy Oathbound!

MY REVIEW 

This story  is listed as a Young Adult but as an older adult I absolutely loved it. It was easy to get lost in the story as the  author takes readers across the seas. Pirates  are plentiful and danger lurks near as the ship sails to an island known for treasure, healing plants and death. I was on that ship with Emme and stayed by her side as her nightmares became more frequently. Having a mother who was feared by many only makes her more sure she can complete  her own mission. Now what would it be like to have a mother who was a famous pirate? It was very interesting to read about Emme’s illness. Slowly she could feel her body start to give out and getting to this island proved more important minute by minute. Would there be something on the island that could cure her? 

Arn was impulsive, over confident at times and infatuated by Emme. It made  me laugh when he was able to convince Emme to join him at sea. He has asked her so many times he has probably lost count. Now that she is aboard she is proven to be more like her mother than she wants to admit. Arn has his own reasons for the  trip which he desperately wants to hide from Emme. I really was rooting for him. I like the underdog and Arn sure had a big battle ahead of him.  

With a strange ship and monsters in the  sea the author delivers an adventure that quenches the thirst of those who love all things pirate and mermaids. There is a part in the book where black magic is displayed so some may find this uncomfortable to read. For me it was more of a sinister evvil lurking in the  water to distract those who want to overcome their fears. I found the talk about oathbound or oathbinding  curious. It reminds me of not being yoked to an unbeliever. The story cautions characters to be careful who they pledge to. 

As the ending draws near, the author surrounds us with a edge of your seat adventure that I was intrigued by. There are many surprises in the story which enhances the authors ability to capture an audience with characters that hunger for treasure, power and revenge. The book is filled with ruthless people who will do anything for wealth. Deceit slivers across the pages as a battle breaks out on the island. Will Arn and his mates get the treasure? Can Emme find a cure for her illness in time? These answers await those ready to set sail on the seas where pirates dare to go. 

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

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, February 28

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 1

Wishful Endings, March 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 2

Inklings and notions, March 3

For Him and My Family, March 4

By the Book, March 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 5

Nancy E Wood, March 6

Blogging With Carol, March 6

deb’s Book Review, March 7

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 8

Labor Not in Vain, March 8

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 9

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 10 (Spotlight)

Inside the Wong Mind, March 10

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 12

Through the Fire Blogs, March 12

Artistic Nobody, March 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Victoria is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1b061/oathbound-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: Finding a Memory

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: January 25, 2022

He loved her then. Will she love him now?

When Mallory Barrows finds an old diary in a box of books, the story she finds within sends her on the hunt for the owner–and maybe more.

Theirs is a story ripped from a country song. A wedding, a former love presumed dead, her new love stepping aside. And over forty years later, their story is one few remember.

With Mallory determined to find the people in the pages of that diary, one couple is offered the second chance of a lifetime.

This “second-chance / seasoned romance” novel introduces the next island in the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

 

More from Chautona

I was a weird child. While my friends were listening to… whatever 80s kids listened to, the enormous console in my bedroom played The Brothers Four, The Kingston Trio, Roger Miller, Billy Vaughn, Patsy Cline, and Patti Paige.  One minute I was a “Rovin’ Gambler” and the next I was “Chug-a-lugging.”  Hmmm… In hindsight, one could say I listened to some dubious music. Drinking, gambling… Oh, that reminds me of another one. The Sons of the Pioneers.  “Cigarettes, Whiskey, and Wild, Wild Women. (Hint: they’ll drive you crazy. They’ll drive you insane.  The song says so).

But there were other songs—beautiful ones.  “Greenfields.” “Little Green Apples.” “You Belong to Me.”  And of course… “Go on with the Wedding.”

If you’ve never heard it, you should listen. HERE.

That one used to tear me apart.  I never could decide which man she should have chosen.  I’m a sucker for the underdog—for a hero.  So, I always said Fred.  And I meant it. Right up to the moment I thought about Jim being away, fighting, finally making it home to his girl only to see her marry someone else.  How horrible is that?

Well, one of the tropes I chose for my books in the Independence Islands was going to be a “second chance romance.” I also wanted a “seasoned romance,” so this song came to mind. And then I had my story.  It’s not the one my twelve-year-old self would have wanted.  Truthfully, it’s not the story I wanted to write today, but it’s the right one. It’s probably my favorite of all of the ones I’ve done in this series.  I hope you’ll love Frank and Patti as much as I do.

All that’s left now is for me to write one more story—the one that has been forming through each book. It’s time for Mallory and Benjamin to both learn and write their story’s end (which of course, is only a beginning).

MY REVIEW 

Well Chautona you have finally done it. You have written one of the best books I have ever read. There are many stories out there about second chances and forgiveness. What sets this book apart from others is the characters who not only express their weaknesses but they address them with realistic emotions. My heart broke as the story unfolds into this long ago relationship that never quite got  a chance to blossom. 

There are a few characters I want to focus on because they defined the story for me. Patti’s life has been filled with pain, abuse, regrets and anger. Marrying the man she did was more out of a sense of honoring her word. Patti tries so hard to make the marriage work, but she had no idea that her husband was dealing with PTSD. It was during the Vietnam war that he served and no one really understood the physiological effects it had on those who served at that time. It would be easy  to be angry at Jon for the abuse he inflicted on his family, but the author made me look deeper into his character. Yes I was angry at what he did, but I also wanted him to get help and realize that he needed to change his life. Somehow I felt sorrow for him as his life exploded around  him. Maybe he thought that he was unworthy to be loved and gave up. The author deals with PTSD with understanding and shows that it affects everyone in different ways. 

One of the most emotional parts of the book is when Patti cries out and expresses her anger towards God. Why did He allow her to go through so much pain during her marriage? Perhaps in our moments of why me, we should be asking “what message  are you teaching me God? So many years passed and she still found her heart yearning for someone she never forgot. It is time to get the tissues ready because here comes the part where I start to break down in tears. 

I think my favorite character in the entire story is a woman who loved her husband knowing that he loved another woman. I admire how she gave grace to a man who still hopes someday to rekindle a relationship with another woman. Their marriage is good and Frank did love Gina but he couldn’t give his full heart to her. I cried as I realized the sacrifice Gina made as a wife. She loved her husband and was willing to share his emotional bond with someone from his past. How many of us could do that? I don’t think I could. Her character taught me how to be kind, gentle and forgiving. 

Mallory is the one who finds a diary that sets off years of old memories for two people. Her determination to solve the mystery of who the diary belongs to opens the door for a beautiful journey through years where hope and second chances can happen no matter how old you are. The ending is both joyful and a bit of a cliffhanger. I can’t wait to see where  Mallory and Benjamin’s story goes.

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

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 26

Blossoms and Blessings, February 26

Texas Book-aholic, February 27

She Lives to Read, February 28

An Author’s Take, February 28

Inklings and notions, March 1

CarpeDiem, March 1

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 2

Lots of Helpers, March 2

For Him and My Family, March 3

Blogging With Carol, March 3

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 4

deb’s Book Review, March 5

Simple Harvest Reads, March 5 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 6

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 7

Splashes of Joy, March 7

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 8

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 9 (Spotlight)

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 9

lakesidelivingsite, March 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1b05c/finding-a-memory-celebration-tour-giveaway