THE CHERISHED QUILT by AMY CLIPSTON

Someday I hope to visit Amish country . The people live a simple life, work hard, help each other and love God with all their heart. Until I get to visit Amish country I can travel there through this authors books. She writes so beautifully and her words are like silk that glisten in the sun. With her words I feel like I am there watching the story unfold. I feel part of the family as the characters are so welcoming. Each book she writes brings readers a fresh look at subjects that we may struggle with in our own lives. I love how she brings characters through tough issues and gently guides them to the answers found in the Bible. After finishing her books, I always feel a gentle breath of fresh air come over me as her story stirs emotions inside me.

Christopher or Chris to his friends doesn't seen to be able to live up to his dad's standards. They seem to disagree a lot and Christopher struggles with self confidence. I loved how the character showed his weaknesses and struggles to try to change. After a devastating accident that takes his brother's life, Christopher leaves home to go live with his aunt and uncle. He blames himself for the accident and sadly so does his dad. I can't imagine the heavy burden Christopher carried around believing he caused his brother's death. Can Christopher ever find peace? Will he and his dad be able to make amends? Will Christopher find a trade that he is good at?

Emily is someone you want  to be friends with. She has a welcoming smile and genuinely cares for everyone. When she meets Christopher she gives him a warm smile . Christopher  is not very friendly to Emily and she is bewildered by his actions. I loved Emily's never give up attitude and determination to make friends with Christopher. Can Emily help Christopher learn to trust again? There are quite a few things that Emily does to show Christopher she wants to be his friend  and I thought her character was sincere and charming.

The book has some emotional moments that you won't forget. I can tell you that I did shed a few tears while reading the book. Will Christopher open up to Emily and share with her the pain he carries around? What will happen when Emily surprises Christopher with a very special gift? I loved reading this book that showed how important forgiveness and believing in yourself is .

I received a complimentary copy of this book from The Fiction Guild. The review is my own opinion.

GOD'S NOT DEAD 2 by TRAVIS THRASHER

I remember watching the first movie that the book was from and thinking how powerful it was. The challenge was to prove that God was real . I loved how the author gave the character strength and wisdom to fight for what he believes. In this second installment the same premise exists  except it is now about a teacher.

Grace is a sweet and lovely young woman who teaches history at a high school. When she references Jesus in an answer , that starts a downward spiral for her job. It seems that everyone is so sensitive to words that were not really preachy , just making a statement. After a student complains Grace finds herself trying to save her career. I loved how Grace was not upset with the student and held her ground on what she believes . Could you stand up to others and claim God is not dead? Would you have others to support you?

Tom is a lawyer who takes Grace's case. It is ironic that Tom is going to defend Grace since he doesn't believe God exists. I thought that was really a great way to witness to him by having him research and listening to others about the existence of God. Will he change what he believes? What I really liked about the book was that I didn't feel like it was preachy but stated viewpoints from both sides. Isn't is nice that we live in a country where we can freely express our beliefs ? I think about those in other countries that have to hide that they are Christians.

The story is fascinating and there are other characters in the book that play a vital part in the story. As you read the book you feel the passion that people have . I kept thinking about the right we have for freedom of speech. I don't take that likely and I think we see that right being  displayed everyday. I loved the book and thought the story was well written and gave readers issues to think about.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bookfun.org. The review is my own opinion.

Telling Tails
by Sofie Ryan

It takes a wonderful author to create such twists, and turns, Sofie does this well and gave a great story that will leave the reader with a craving for more!
~Bibliophile Reviews 

The storyline is intriguing…I couldn’t put it down.
~Socrates’ Book Reviews…

This is a good book to read on cold winter day. I read it in one setting. I couldn’t put it down.
~Books, Dreams, Life

This is an adorable series and I love the cat.
~3 Partners in Shopping; Nana, Mommy, &; Sissy too

If you are looking for a great escape read, with fun characters and an intuitive cat, look no further. I enjoy this series and am always thrilled to visit again.
~Laura’s Interests 

The compelling mystery, the great setting, and the fun characters are what keeps me coming back to this series.
~Brooke Blogs

I enjoyed this story. I love that most of the main characters were feisty older people…
~T’s Stuff

I am absolutely crazy about this series…
~Melissa’s Mochas, Mysteries and Meows

I liked the characters, four senior sleuths are always fun to read about. I really liked the plot of this mystery, it was different.
~Melina’s Book Blog

This is another great entry in this series. The supporting characters are just as important to the story as the main character…and Elvis, the cat, does his job as a furry lie detector yet again.
~Book Babble

This was a great cozy, full of family, friends, cats, and clues.
~The Book’s the Thing

Telling Tails (Second Chance Cat Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
Series: Second Chance Cat Mystery (Book 4)
Publisher: Berkley (January 3, 2017)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1101991206
E-Book ASIN: B01E4WAHRA

Synopsis

The New York Times bestselling author of A Whisker of Troublereturns as secondhand shop owner Sarah Grayson and her rescue cat, Elvis, get caught up in a case of she said, she said….

When Sarah Grayson opened a secondhand shop in the quaint town of North Harbor, Maine, she was expecting peace and quiet. Then she was adopted by a rescue cat named Elvis and a kooky trio of senior sleuths known as Charlotte’s Angels. Now she has nine lives worth of excitement…

Sarah’s friend and employee Rose is delivering a customer’s purchase when the quick errand becomes a deadly escapade. Rose arrives just in time to see the customer murdered by his wife, but before she can call the police, she is knocked out cold. When she wakes up, no one believes her, especially after the woman claims her husband is very much alive and has left her for someone else—and has a text message and empty bank account to prove it.

Despite her convincing story, Sarah is sure something is fishy—and it’s not Elvis’s kitty treats. Sarah, Elvis, and the Angels are determined to unravel this mysterious yarn, before the feral killer pounces again…

Sofie Ryan/Sofie Kelly is the pseudonym of author and mixed-media artist, Darlene Ryan. Sofie/Darlene lives on the east coast with her husband and daughter. In her spare time she practices Wu style tai chi and likes to prowl around thrift stores. And she admits to having a small crush on Matt Lauer.

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I can't believe that I read the book in one setting. This definitely kept my attention and was an easy read. The characters were great and I would love to join them for muffins sometime. The town is great and I loved the shop that Sarah had. I could wander through the store for hours looking at all the eclectic items she had. Each item in there has a story and we find out that a set of candlesticks from the store become a focal point in a mystery.

Sarah has surrounded herself around a group of older people that love to solve mysteries. They call themselves Charlotte's Angels. They are a feisty bunch and I especially liked Rose. She is one tough lady and can I just say if I ever am in trouble ,  I would call her to help me. She doesn't give up and doesn't let her age slow her down.

Rose has volunteered to deliver a special gift to a woman that has been bought  by the husband from Sarah's shop. He wants it to be a surprise but the surprise is on Rose. What was the gift that Rose was delivering? Why was it so important to have the gift delivered on a certain day? Rose is ready to knock on the door when she sees something through the window that shocks her. The next  thing she knows she is waking up in a hospital.

The story is well written and I loved Elvis the cat. I thought he was a great asset to the story and I loved his attitude. He sure thinks he is the boss and maybe Sarah doesn't mind since he is such great company. She talks to him like you would a friend and I found that very cute. I talk to my dogs all the time. They know my secrets and I'm sure they think I need to get out more.

Sarah joins forces with Charlotte's Angels to solve a murder that Rose thinks she witnessed. The story has several suspects and of course the wife is the main suspect. Well the spouse usually is when there is a murder aren't they? I can't forget to mention Nick. I haven't quite figured out if Sarah likes him or if she is holding back for  a reason. Whatever the case, he seems like a perfect match for her. I will be interested to see how the relationship develops as the series continues. Mystery fans will love this book with subtle hints that make you think you know who the killer is.  I have  to say I was surprised at the outcome and the ending was a real page turner .

I received a complimentary copy of this book from The Great Escape Book Tour. The review is my own opinion.

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Tour Participants

January 5 – View from the Birdhouse – SPOTLIGHT

January 5 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW  

January 6 – Socrates’ Book Reviews – REVIEW

January 6 – Books,Dreams,Life – REVIEW, INTERVIEW

January 7 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too! – REVIEW

January 7 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW

January 8 – Brooke Blogs – REVIEW

January 8 – Cozy Up With Kathy – INTERVIEW

January 9 – T’s Stuff – REVIEW

January 9 – Mochas, Mysteries and Meows – REVIEW, INTERVIEW

January 10 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW  

January 10 – Book Babble – REVIEW

January 11 – The Girl with Book Lungs – SPOTLIGHT

January 11 – The Book’s the Thing – REVIEW

January 12 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW

January 12 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

January 13 – A Holland Reads – REVIEW

January 13 – Celticlady’s Reviews – REVIEW

January 14 – Community Bookstop – REVIEW  

January 14 – The Power of Words – REVIEW

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POLICED by ALANA TERRY

Each book I read from this  author  is an emotional well executed story.  She takes subjects that are controversial and writes a book that is well researched and without prejudice. I loved this book especially because the topic is like reading front page  news. The situation is real and the author does an outstanding job of allowing readers to see both sides of the explosive theme in the book. I have come to really like the characters in this series and I love how Kennedy is still finding her way in her faith.

As Kennedy and her friend Reuben decide to take a night off from studying their lives are forever changed. I don't know how I would react to the turmoil they went through but I know I would be scared. It's hard to predict how someone will react in a life or death situation. I could feel the terror and fear as Reuben  and Kennedy were victimized by the police officer. Kennedy reacted exactly how I probably would have. What would you do if someone you cared about was being unfairly treated? Would you step in and help or turn and walk away? The author delivers a story that divides people as they struggle to find the truth.

There was a part in the story that I found to be very emotional as Kennedy and Sandy are talking. We all have doubts at times and wonder why God allows things to happen. We also question if we are being a good example to others. I thought that part of the story was very pivotal for Kennedy and it showed how a person can question their faith and know that God is still there. I will say that this is one story you don't want to miss. There are a few surprises in the book that will once again lead to discussions . I am thankful that the author does  not shy away from topics that others don't want to talk about. One of the key ingredients in her books is honesty and sharing both sides of an issue without letting her feelings known. I am looking forward to the next book in this series where faith, trust and unconditional love will flow throughout the book.

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