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Friday, December 23, 2016


AFTER SEPTEMBER by STEPHANIE SMITH

Between the pages of this book is a captivating story about a woman who rediscovers herself. Along the way her life is changed and with it the author brings an unforgettable emotional journey of  new beginnings.  I loved the character development and felt like they were my friends. The children in the story are precious and yes I wanted to take them all home.

Rose needs a change of scenery after her divorce and decides to take the summer to reflect on her life. She finds herself in St. Croix with beautiful clear skies and water that is crystal clear. The place she rents is homey and relaxing. I loved the friendship between Rose and Wendy. It was refreshing to read how their friendship  developed from a simple transaction of renting a place to stay to forever friends. Wendy is one of those people you instantly like.

An unexpected accident sends Rose to the clinic to see a doctor. The doctor she sees also runs  the orphanage in town. It was easy to like Patrick as his character is very humble, has a heart for children and strong beliefs that he doesn't back down from.  Their attraction grows and now Rose finds herself starting to really like Patrick. Can Rose let go of her hurt from the divorce and open her heart to a new relationship? Patrick has his own past that he hasn't let go of. Why does he feel guilty at times being with Rose? I loved how the author showed Patrick as a true gentleman and wouldn't give in to temptation.

 Rose's idea to include the children in her project  for the orphanage brings  excitement to the children. It is so true that children want to feel needed and loved. Her involvement with the children brings her joy and she finds herself starting to get attached to the children.  In the story you will meet a very special young boy. I can tell you that he captured my heart and I was ready to bring him home.

I loved when Rose decides to go to church and meets the pastor. The pastor is this big as life person overflowing with joy, love and compassion. There are moments in the story where Rose struggles with her faith. Will she find her way back to God? When it is time for Rose to return home, will she be able to leave? The story is very emotional at times and has a great message of forgiveness, letting go, and finding happiness. Make sure you grab your copy of this wonderful book.

I received a copy of this book from the author and Bookfun.org. This is my honest opinion.

Thursday, December 22, 2016


REFLECTIONS WITH GOD by LINDA SEGER , TH.D.

I have come to really enjoy books written by this author. They are always informative and written  with passion. I appreciate her openness and sharing personal struggles. As I began to read this book, I felt a sense of peace as the words soothed my soul. I'm sure there are many of us that are waiting to be healed from something. In some cases it is physical healing and in others it it emotional healing. I have been guilty of asking God why has He not healed me yet? The author makes a good point when she said, " Our struggle with health often triggers a struggle with faith." People around us are encouraging us to have faith but it sure is hard when you see nothing changing. I can sometimes get into the why  me pity party and forget all about God's promises.

Do you find yourself angry at God when you are still waiting for your healing and nothing is happening? I never thought about the people who God places in our pathway as someone who could help me. We get so focused that we forget to look around us. We hold on to every word the doctor says in hopes of being  cured. What we forget though is that there are other people who may have the answer we have been seeking. An interesting thought is seeking out someone with a similar illness and asking them for directions. Who better to ask then someone going through exactly what you are going through. What if that was God's plan all along? Yes we can get sidetracked and miss what God is trying to show us.

I really enjoyed the reference that the author used about Job. He was a man who lost everything and struggled for answers. When  he realized that God was real he repented  for doubting him. That is a great reminder for all of us to not give up but to keep fighting. The author encourages us to surround ourselves with family and friends who will support us and pray for us. Sometimes I find myself shutting out the world and trying to deal with things by myself. Isn't that a perfect time for the enemy to isolate you from the truths of God? Before I realize it, I find myself depressed, angry and lose my focus on His Word. The author provides many scriptures that are helpful  as we go through our struggles. I find that saying the scriptures aloud gives me more strength to fight and not give up. There is power in His word.

This is a powerful book that will help you and encourage you as you walk through your illness. Reach out to God and rely on Him. Be conscious of people around us who want to help . Be sure and celebrate each improvement that brings you closer to your healing and never give up.

"We never walk alone and God promises never to leave us alone."

I received a copy of this book from Bookfun.org and the author. This is my honest opinion.

Wednesday, December 21, 2016


OUT OF THE FRYING PAN by MICHELLE GRIEP & KELLY KLEPFER

Zany. Crazy. Quirky. Laugh out loud moments. Mystery. Twist and Turns. Loveable characters. A dead body. Now what do all of these have in common? The funniest cozy mystery I have read with a murder that has everyone looking like a suspect. It's like Lucy and Ethel meets Mrs Fletcher trying to outwit the Detective . There are plenty of great moments in the story where I couldn't  stop laughing.

Fern and Zula are sister-in-laws who have assigned themselves detectives when the chef of Sunset Paradise Retirement Village is found dead. Yes they have promoted themselves as bonified sleuths who can't seem to stay out of trouble. I loved the interactions between the two and wasn't quite sure who was in charge at times. They sure are stubborn and get in the way of Detective Jared Flynn more times then I can count. Can Detective Jared solve the murder before Fern and Zula find themselves in danger? The people at the retirement center were comical when the ladies living there  thought it was their job to keep Jared occupied with their granddaughters. That did seem a bit strange, but not to be out done, our lady sleuths call in their niece Kathryn  to come help them. Or is she there to meet the dashing Detective Jared Flynn?

I do believe Jared has his hands full with women flirting with him, a murder to solve and ladies who want to solve the case on their own. Will Fern and Zula turn on each other? With finger pointing and drugs turning up there  is a lot to keep the town buzzing with gossip. This is one book that kept me laughing all the way till the end. The writing is well crafted and the characters are like mixed match socks. They don't really go together but they sure make you comfortable around them. They become your friends and in the end, they fit perfectly into the story.  Make sure you grab a copy of this book and get ready for laughs and shenanigans that keep the story entertaining and lively.

I received a copy of this book from the author and Bookfun.org. This is my honest opinion.

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My goal for this holiday is to catch up on reviews, ignore my depression and remind myself how strong I am. As the new year begins I look forward to writing more reviews for authors and hopefully having authors contact me to do reviews for them. In the mean time I Look at my PTSD and say you will not win. I have a gift and purpose. So authors check out my blog. Http://deana0326.blogspot.com. Its called Texas Book-aholic. I need your support to write reviews to help relieve my stress. I have a passion to do reviews and I'm honored to bless authors .i an determined to take my life back in 2017. will you help me? Keep me busy, help me fight. Let my passion bless authors. Help me grow my blog to reach readers and authors.