Saturday, April 23, 2016

SHAMAN'S FIRE by SANDY CATHCART

I love books about Native Americans and always enjoy reading the history of the different tribes. Being part Native American, I was especially intrigued by this book. The author has done a great job of not only describing the culture, but has brought readers into the vivid accounts of important customs and beliefs. The book is written with great knowledge and you find yourself transformed to the very core of their great respect for land and people.

Sayla is a singer living in a world where she feels torn. She likes the modern conveniences but is drawn to her heritage. It is a struggle for her to continue when several people close to her die. When she comes across the Shaman's Fire, she will discover things about herself and the heritage she came from. I loved the vivid description the author uses to paint a picture of hope for Sayla. She will have to face several choices that will change her forever. The journey is of self discovery of a young Native American woman who will embrace her heritage while facing pain, loneliness and perhaps restoration. I could not put the book down as the author captured a story that is seldom told from the perspective of Native Americans. It is a mesmerizing story and I hope to read more from this captivating author.

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.

WOMAN THOU ART LOOSED ! By T.D. JAKES

This is a great book to encourage you and start moving past pain. Some of us have gone through tremendous heartache and as we get older, those memories can hold us back. Be of good cheer though, because it is time to be set free from the bondage that the enemy has tried to deceive us with. I loved how the author tackles hard issues and shows you that we can overcome by the power of the Word. It is time to be free and stand tall women.

There are many chapters in the book that give you insight into the trauma of childhood, low self esteem and even hating yourself . I found myself crying for that little girl who was never able to be free. It is painful to think that no one loves you, and you walk around with shame . But we don't have to live like that anymore. The book is powerful, straight forward and so encouraging that I couldn't put it down. As you read the book, let the healing begin as you soak in the words of wisdom and freedom. "The triumphant woman locked inside shall come forth to where she belongs."

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.

THE FEATHERED BONE by JULIE CANTRELL

After reading this gripping novel I can only sit and stare at the wall. The emotional turmoil this book took me through was so powerful that I wanted to scream. Few authors can capture the essence of a feeling and have the reader feel it in their soul. I can say without a doubt this author took me into the depths of hell and showed me ugliness I never want to see again. It is such a powerful story that I could not stop reading it. The caliber of writing is far superior than well seasoned authors on the best sellers list today.

The book centers around a field trip where something very tragic happens. It is every parents worse nightmare. The consequences of that day will set a course for depression , domestic violence, suicide , trafficking and many more unthinkable horrors that is faced by children everyday. The author handles the different subjects with grace, but gives a believable look into a gritty underworld of abuse that only be survived by the grace of God. I loved how the author always focused on hope for the characters and gave a glimpse into the power of faith and determination.

I will without hesitation say this has to be at the top of my list of best books ever written. The author took characters and gave them a face with words that scattered across the pages as they came to life. There were tears shed as I finished the book. It has changed be forever and I won't forget the story of survival and torture that seeps through the pages of a book worthy of the best of the best in fiction.

I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild for an honest review.

Thursday, April 14, 2016

About the Book

Click here to purchase your copy.

They’ve helped orchestrate the perfect day for countless couples. Now twelve new couples will find themselves in the wedding spotlight in the second Year of Weddings novella collection.

Love at Mistletoe Inn by Cindy Kirk

Sometimes the road to happiness is paved with youthful mistakes.

Ten years after what she thought was her almost-wedding, Hope Prentiss discovers that the ceremony counted—and, as fate would have it, the jilted John Burke has just ridden back into town. After spending some time with John and helping plan a Christmas wedding for a mystery couple, Hope begins to wonder if she really wants a divorce . . . or a real wedding of her own.

A Brush with Love by Rachel Hauck

Revealing the beauty in other women might be Ginger Winters’s specialty—but it will take an unexpected kind of love to help Ginger see the beauty in herself.

Ginger Winters will be the “beauty-maker” for the Alabama society wedding of the decade. But when high-school crush Tom Wells shows up looking for a haircut, Ginger’s thinly veiled insecurities threaten to keep her from love once again . . . despite Tom’s best efforts.

Serving Up a Sweetheart by Cheryl Wyatt

Meadow knows how to serve delicious food to match any wedding theme. But can she accept love when it’s served up on a silver platter?

Meadow Larson is having the mother of all Mondays when her roof caves in during a blizzard, right before the most important wedding contract of her career. Renovation contractor Colin McGrath offers to fix Meadow’s roof, even though he knows he is the last person she would accept help from.

But the more Meadow gets to know the new Colin, the more she realizes God may have something more permanent in store than a new catering kitchen.

About the Authors

Rachel Hauck Bio:

Rachel Hauck is a USA Today Bestselling author. Her book, The Wedding Dress, was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times and was a RITA finalist. Her book Once Upon A Prince was a Christy Award finalist.

Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and two pets and writes from her ivory tower. Visit her online at rachelhauck.com, Facebook: rachelhauck, and Twitter: @RachelHauck.

Cindy Kirk Bio:

Cindy Kirk sold her first book in 1999 as a result of a contest win which garnered a critique of the entire manuscript. She’s been writing—and selling—ever since. Cindy has been a Booksellers’ Best Award Winner, a finalist for the National Readers’ Choice Awards and a Publishers Weekly best seller. Cindy has served on the Board of Directors of the Romance Writers of America (RWA) since 2007. In November 2014, she began serving as President of the 10,000+ member organization. She’s a frequent speaker at not only the national RWA conferences, but large regional writing conferences. She has also presented at smaller retreats and conferences across the country. She lives on an acreage in Nebraska with her high school sweetheart husband of too-many-years-to-count and their three “boys” (a shih tzu, a blue heeler and a dorkie). Their daughter lives close by with her wonderful husband and their two little girls. Cindy invites you to check out her websitewww.cindykirk.com. Twitter: @CindyKirkAuthor

Cheryl Wyatt Bio:

Cheryl Wyatt writes romance with virtue. She’s a USA Today bestselling author and has earned RT Top Picks, spots #1 and #4 on her debut publisher’s Top 10 Most-Blogged-About-Books list, Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence final, and other awards. Cheryl loves readers! Join her newsletter at www.CherylWyatt.com. Facebook: CherylWyattAuthor Twitter: @cherylwyatt

I love books like this where you get the chance to read different authors.The book was a treat to read and I found each story to be very well written.

In Love At Mistletoe Inn by Cindy Kirk we are introduced to Hope and John. They were young and so in love, How many remember your real first love? You didn't think you could live without. It didn't seem to bother Hope and John that they were young as they said I do that day. After all the papers were never sent off to be legalized. so they walked away thinking it was all just for fun. Ten years later Hope and John run into each other. What will happen when they discover they are still legally married? Can this couple find the spark they once had? It is a nice story of forgiveness and finding true love.

A Brush With Love by Rachel Hauck is a moving story about Ginger Winters. As a child she went through a tragic accident that left her with scars both physically and emotionally, So many of us carry those hidden scars which stops us from finding happiness. We begin to hide from the world because we think no one can stand to look at us. I loved how the author tells a beautiful story of a young woman who discovers that people can see past scars to the beauty that is inside. Can emotional scars hold us back from living with confidence. This story will bring tears to your eyes as Ginger tries to reconnect to an old boyfriend. Will she find peace ?

Serving up a Sweetheart by Cheryl Wyatt is another great addition to this book . Meadow Larson was teased in school and those painful memories still haunt her today. Have you ever been bullied? Can hurtful words ever be forgotten? Meadow's life at home was not much better. Living in an abusive home as a child left many scars for Meadow., I found that the author wrote a very touching story and showed readers how words really can hurt you. When Meadow runs into Colin, a classmate from school she is not quite sure she can trust him. Will Meadow find a way to forgive?

It was a book that I found to have valuable lessons about unconditional love, forgiveness and encouragement. We are reminded that God loves us and to look past the physical and see the beauty within. "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit for an honest review.