Tuesday, October 25, 2022

THE STORY OF LOVE BY BETH WISEMAN

With little left to tie her to her home state of Texas and yearning for a slower life, Yvonne Wilson jumps at the chance to shake things up with a move to Montgomery, Indiana. A dream job awaits her—managing an Amish bookstore for her good friends Jake and Eva. Besides the slow-paced setting and the comfort of beloved books, Yvonne hopes the change will help distract her from the emptiness she feels after the death of her fiancé.

No longer a part of the Amish community but still a resident of Montgomery, Abraham Byler finds himself in over his head with his job as a police officer combined with a new but fast-moving relationship with the wealthy and aggressive New York native Brianna Stone. When Abraham realizes that his old crush Yvonne is back in town, he’s not just in over his head—he suddenly finds himself head over heels for Yvonne—and in hot water with Brianna.

When the violence of police work comes up against his pacifist upbringing, Abraham is forced to question his original decision to leave the Amish faith for his career. Meanwhile, Yvonne is asking her own questions about why she feels such a deep peace in Montgomery—and how much that feeling has to do with Abraham and how much has to do with the workings of her own heart.

“This compelling unpredictable romance between two strong characters with complicated lives plays out beautifully, one unexpected turn after another.” —Patricia Davids, USA TODAY bestselling author of Amish romance

Beth Wiseman is the best-selling author of the Daughters of the Promise series and the Land of Canaan series. Having sold two million books, her novels have held spots on the ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) Bestseller List and the CBA (Christian Book Association) Bestseller List. She was the recipient of the prestigious Carol Award in 2011 and 2013. She is a three-time winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and an INSPY Award winner. In 2013 she took home the coveted Holt Medallion. Her first book in the Land of Canaan series—Seek Me With All Your Heart—was selected as the 2011 Women of Faith Book of the Year. Beth is contracted with HarperCollins Christian Publishing into the year 2018, and she has published thirteen novels and thirteen novellas to date.

As a former newspaper reporter, Beth was honored by her peers with eleven journalism awards, including first place news writing for The Texas Press Association. She has been a humor columnist for The 1960 Sun in Houston and published articles in various publications. However, writing novels is where her heart is. She left her job as a journalist in 2008 to write novels fulltime.

Beth has a deep affection for the Amish and their simpler way of life, and while she plans to continue writing Amish love stories, she is also branching out into other areas. Her first non-Amish, contemporary—Need You Now—released in April 2012 and landed on the CBA Bestseller List. She enjoyed writing the story based in a town near where she lives, and she chose another small Texas town for her next non-Amish contemporary—The House that Love Built—which is based in Smithville, the same quaint town where movies such as Hope Floats and Tree of Life were filmed. Beth continued to spread her wings when she released The Promise in October 2014. Inspired by actual events, The Promise follows Beth’s characters all the way to Pakistan. Beth was involved in the real-life rescue when her friend was held captive in Pakistan. Beth is currently working on book #2 in her new Amish Secrets series, tentatively titled Jacob’s Ladder. Book #1—Her Brother’s Keeper—recently released and was chosen as a Top Pick by RT Reviews Magazine.

Beth and her husband are empty nesters enjoying the country life in Texas. When she’s not writing, she loves to travel, paint, and enjoy time with friends and family. You can find Beth at Fans of Beth Wiseman on Facebook where she interacts with readers and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/bethwiseman.

MY REVIEW

I was so excited to receive the latest book in this series because I absolutely adore Yvonne. She captured my heart with her love of books and how she tracked down very rare books for clients. That would be such an exciting job and what wonderful treasures you would find. Yvonne has decided to move from Texas when she is offered a job running a bookstore. She finds herself in Montgomery, Alabama where her new friends Jake and Eva live. She is so excited to start this new job and is thankful that Jake and Eva have hired her. I would love to be in a bookstore all day surrounded by stories waiting to be read. Yvonne is hoping that she can heal her broken heart after losing her fiancé.

Abraham has grown up Amish but decided to not be baptized so at times it may be hard for him living near the community. He is still welcomed but his job as a police officer keeps him pretty busy. He also has a girlfriend who I’m not sure is suited for him. He still enjoys the simple life but his girlfriend loves to dress up and drives a fancy car. I thought it was funny when Abraham finds out that Yvonne has moved to his town because he still has a major crush on her. I can see trouble heading his way once his girlfriend finds out he still has feelings for Yvonne.

I did enjoy Yvonne describing why she is happy that she has moved. She loves the simple life and slow pace the Amish live. One thing she points out is that there is no competition between women. They all dress the same so that takes away women being jealous of how others dress. But be careful about that thought Yvonne. Women can become jealous of others if they think you are showing their boyfriend or husband attention.

When a dog adopts Yvonne I found it be comforting. They both seem lonely and I think they will be good for each other. I’m a big animal lover and anytime I read a story with a dog in it it melts my heart. I couldn’t wait to see if this relationship would turn out to be a happy ending. I did find myself wrapped up in a thick blanket as I read the book after the author describes the dog shivering on the porch. Weather in the winter can be harsh and Yvonne can’t let that poor dog stay outside. It is a nice scene when the dig finds comfort in her home.

The story does have a frightening moment when Abraham is shot in the line of duty. He never thought in the quiet area he patrols that something like this would happen to him. But what is more alarming to me is his girlfriend Brianna at the hospital and Yvonne shows up. Talk about awkward. Why does Yvonne mention that Abraham got her a Christmas tree in front of Brianna? Let’s just say I think a line was drawn in the sand as Brianna explains that Abraham will be staying with her as he recovers. Oh my have the claws come out or what.

The author has written a story that explores relationships, forgiveness and most of all standing together in faith. I was very surprised at who had been stalking Yvonne and it saddened me to learn this person did it. I loved how the author handled the relationship between Yvonne and Abraham. They both have decisions to make about continuing and a bigger decision will be about their faith. I loved how these two asked God for direction in their lives and waited on Him for direction. The ending leaves readers hanging a little and I’m excited to see if the author will continue the series.

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

Monday, October 24, 2022

About the Book

Book: Reunion in Saltwater Beach

Author: Julie Carobini

Genre: Christian Romance

Release date: June 22, 2022

From the author of Walking on Sea Glass … He’s a big city lawyer. She’s the small town beach girl who broke his heart. Any hope for a second chance expired twelve years earlier …

Jax Cooper returns to Saltwater Beach but has no plans to stay any longer than necessary. Once his mother’s estate is wrapped up, he’ll be on a plane back to Chicago—and hopefully to a future as the youngest law partner in his firm.

Addi Barrett never left the small beach town of Saltwater. She chose instead to dote on her ailing mother, help her father’s business, and find new friendships in old places. That didn’t mean she never had dreams of her own …

When a Cooper family member goes missing, a foster dog needs some lovin’, and a long-hidden secret bubbles to the surface, Jax and Addi find themselves thrown together over and over again.

Can they find their way to a second chance at love? Or will past hurts rise up to make happily-ever-after impossible?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

JULIE CAROBINI writes inspirational beach romances. She is the author of 22+ books across two names and is known for spunky heroines, charming heroes, quirky friends, and the secrets they keep. Her bestselling titles include Walking on Sea Glass, Runaway Tide, Finding Stardust, The Christmas Thief, and more. Julie has received awards for writing and editing from The National League of American Pen Women and American Christian Fiction Writers and she is a double finalist for the ACFW Carol Award. She lives on the California coast with her husband, Dan and their rescue pup, Dancer

not far from their young adult children. Grab a free short story here: https://BookHip.com/LWQFHGJ

More from Julie

Do you love a good secret? Me too. Some of my favorite books contain secrets just begging to be revealed. Add in a feel-good romance, some family drama, and a heaping dose of faith, and now we’re talking.

In Reunion in Saltwater Beach, Jax Cooper jetted away to college a dozen years earlier and rarely looked back. His best friend, Addi Barrett, stayed in the town of Saltwater, often wondering what might have been between the two of them. She also carried a secret she hoped never to revisit.

But that was before Jax returned home for his mother’s memorial. And his sister had a meltdown. And one of his brothers disappeared …

On a personal note, while writing this novel, I was unaware that my precious father would pass away just weeks before it released. Honestly, those months leading up to this story’s debut were … hard. But God!

I mention this because, during those last few weeks, my own brothers and I found ourselves talking on the phone or texting daily. Hourly at times. It was an intense time that brought us closer together as siblings—and showed our differences too.

Now I have an extra special place in my heart for the wild and wacky Cooper siblings. (Is it possible to feel a personal connection to a fictional family? Answer = yes )

Of course, I also found myself both fretting and rooting for Jax and Addi to, somehow, find their way to a second chance at love—despite the past that got in their way. And that’s no secret.

Thank you for stopping by. I appreciate you!

Julie

MY REVIEW

This book is a nice look at past relationships and getting a second chance. I liked Addi and how thoughtful she is to others. She never left her hometown and seems to be content with her life. She helps her father at his store and there is a hint that maybe he is having some problems. Addi is in for a big surprise when someone from her past shows up.

Jax Cooper returns to help his siblings after their mother passes away. She had a big heart for dogs and ran a foster program. Now that she is gone, Jax and his siblings must decide what to do with the shelter and other things such as her house. He has been away a long time and is quite surprised when he runs into Addi. There is an uncomfortable encounter between them. He never forgot her and now here she is still single and living in the town they grew up in.

There are moments in the story where we see Jax and Addi start to open up to each other but something always stops them. Jax is starting to realize that maybe his life is going too fast as he buries himself in his work. He has lost that closeness with his family and especially God. I did like the mystery of one of Jax’s brother missing. He never showed up for their mother’s memorial which is not like him at all. They find a message from him on Facebook but it makes no sense to anyone.

When Addi reveals a secret about Jax’s brother who has been missing since his mother’s death, the truth becomes more than just a confession. Jax never realized what he had done to his brother all those years ago. It is sad to see that a secret can destroy many lives. Addi thought she was doing the right thing, but now she realizes that keeping that secret cost relationships. Can she repair her relationship with her dad? How can she make Jax understand that she kept quiet to protect him?

The author illustrates what happens when you open up to God and allow Him to heal from the past. Forgiveness is at the heart of this story as siblings reconnect and past relationships find a way to try again. The ending is nice and reminds me that it is never to late to follow your dream.

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 24

Blogging With Carol, October 24

Texas Book-aholic, October 25

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 27

For Him and My Family, October 27

Inklings and notions, October 28

She Lives to Read, October 29

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 29

Splashes of Joy, October 30

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 31

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 1

Holly’s Book Corner, November 1

lakesidelivingsite, November 2

deb’s Book Review, November 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 4

Mary Hake, November 4

Through the Fire Blogs, November 5

Pause for Tales, November 6

Cover Lover Book Review, November 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Julie is giving away the grand prize package of a $75 and a copy of Reunion in Saltwater Beach!!
(eBook will be sent for an international winner)

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/22250/reunion-in-saltwater-beach-celebration-tour-giveaway

All I Want for Christmas Kick-Off Package

About the Book

Book: All I Want for Christmas

Author: Fay Lamb

Genre: Christian Fiction

Release date: November 21, 2021

A wedding headed for disaster,

A crime syndicate bent on destruction,

And a bunch of hungry alligators.

Knee deep in preparation for her best friend’s Christmas wedding, Abigail Brewster reels when her estranged younger sister returns to Mullet Harbor. She brings secrets, intrigue, and trouble along with her—a crime syndicate set on goals that would destroy the harbor. And Abigail is in the middle of their scheme.

Remy Arneaux doesn’t understand the reason for Susan Brewster’s return, and maybe that’s due to the brain fog from his concussion. But he does know enough not to trust her and not to let her near Abigail. The self-centered woman would only hurt her . . . again. Abigail has had enough pain, even from him. Still, he made a promise to escort someone else to the wedding. And with the promise is a secret that begins to rip his relationship with Abigail apart.

According to Mayor Herb’s edict, nothing is allowed to mar this occasion for his only granddaughter. Not heartbreak, not tirades from a spoiled young woman, and not threats from organized crime.

But what about their attempts to make good on their threats . . .

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Fay Lamb is the only daughter of a rebel genius father and a hard-working, tow-the-line mom. She is not only a fifth-generation Floridian, she has lived her life in Titusville, where her grandmother was born in 1899.

Since an early age, storytelling has been Fay’s greatest desire. She seeks to create memorable characters that touch her readers’ hearts. She says of her writing, “If I can’t laugh or cry at the words written on the pages of my manuscript, the story is not ready for the reader.” Fay writes in various genres, including romance, romantic suspense, and contemporary fiction.

More from Fay

Writing is supposed to be fun, right? Well, for a while, writing was the last thing I wanted to do. And when you have two series contracted and many other books waiting in line to be written, that’s a big problem.

I’m sure that I’m not the only person on the face of this earth who recently placed fun in a jar and hid it away for at least a week, maybe a month, maybe even a year. Heck, some of us may have fun still hidden away.

I truly thought I’d lost my sense of humor. And then I sat down to be purposeful in my writing. Abigail tiptoed onto the page (literally), and then the quirky denizens of Mullet Harbor worked their magic and the story unfolded before me. Abigail and her hero, Remy, may have had some difficulties in life, but for me, I had the time of my life.

When I finished writing All I Want for Christmas, I sat back and I marveled that I had not lost that sense of humor, especially not in my writing. I recalled that in all my writing life, when things were bleakest, my writing brought a smile, and I have always wanted it to bring a smile to others.

Mission accomplished. Humor has been removed from the hiding place and firmly installed back into the funny bone, and my prayer is that the readers will allow Mullet Harbor to bring a little humor—and suspense—to their lives.

MY REVIEW

There is quite a bit going on in this book and I would highly recommend reading the first in this series. I had to stop and go back to read the first book so I could follow the latest installment. Now that I’m caught up. I see what conflicts are going on. The author pulls no punches in this suspenseful story.

Mullet Harbor has always been a place to relax at and enjoy family. Someone is trying to cause chaos and the crime syndicate is somehow involved. What I thought was going to be a fun wedding to read about turns into danger and non stop action.

Abby is still over the moon in love with Remy but for some reason they have yet to share their feelings. I was irritated that this scenario dragged on throughout the story. Nothing bothers me more than characters too unsure of themselves to share how they feel. What if Abby loses her chance and sees Remy attracted to someone else?

Well that little drama going on is put aside for now as I was more interested in Abby’s sister coming back to town. She brings with her secrets, danger to many and an attitude that carries an “I don’t care about anyone,” that rattles cages. Susan is not wanted there but she is there to hopefully unravel the harbor mess and whatever else criminally she is involved in.

With all that is going on, there is something to celebrate. A wedding is sure to bring joy back to the town. It’s a tall order but the bride and groom must be protected and well I guess everyone around them as well. Abby has her hands full making the cake and trying to stay safe. Who wants to harm her and why?

The interaction between sisters Abby and Susan are emotional and heartbreaking. Susan lashes out at Abby and tries to manipulate her once again. The one thing Susan is known for is she does not lie. The words of anger come out and penetrate Abby. They are meant to injure her and render Abby a mess so that Susan can get her way. Oh how I loved this new Abby who stood up to her sister. She tells her that she forgives her but will never trust her. Now I see that Abby is stronger than I thought.

Get ready for sone laughs that come at the expense of a bridal shower, a corruption that tries to take out a town, love in the air and God’s everlasting promise to never leave us nor forsake us. He protects those in need and reveals the enemy to face their punishment. I loved the ending and am happy that the author cleared about a few questions I had as to who was behind all the destruction going on in a town ready to find peace and joy.

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 22

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, October 23 (Author Interview)

Christina’s Corner, October 23

Texas Book-aholic, October 24

Inklings and notions, October 25

deb’s Book Review, October 26

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 27

By the Book, October 28

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 29

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 31

For Him and My Family, November 1

Vicky Sluiter, November 2 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, November 2

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Fay is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of All I Want for Christmas!!

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/2224e/all-i-want-for-christmas-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, October 22, 2022

About the Book

Book: Keeping Christmas Volume 1

Authors: Cathe Swanson, Chautona Havig, Olivia Talbott, Kathleen J. Robison, Denise L. Barela, Marguerite Martin Gray, and Naomi Craig.

Genre: Christian Christmas Romance

Release date: October 4, 2022

In castles far and near, long ago and yesterday, find happily-ever-afters wrapped in love and tied with Christmas joy.

The Lights of Castlebourne (by Cathe Swanson and Chautona Havig): He bowled her over at first sight–his dog, that is. Sydney just wanted a chance to do the landscape design at Castlebourne. She never dreamed the owner’s electrician would light up her heart at Christmas.

The Girl From Dalarna (by Olivia Talbott): She’s the most beautiful woman in Sweden, but she doesn’t want to be. A simple life among milk cows is all she desires. Will a scandal upend her plans and ruin her chances for love?

The Cross at Morioka Castle (by Kathleen J. Robison): In the ancient land of shoji screens and tatami mats, Ariko finds the stone ruins of Morioka Castle, and the mysterious cross that holds the secret of a Christian faith extending far deeper than Ariko ever imagined.

The Ghost of Christmas… (by Denise L. Barela): Abbigayl needs to get away for Christmas this year. No family, no questions about why she’s still single, no suggestion about being set up with someone’s friend. What will happen when Neuschwanstein Castle’s past converges with Abbigayl’s future?

Crystal Clear (by Marguerite Martin Gray): Rosalind’s muddied past and foggy future crystalize in Château Chenonceau, a refuge from gossip and more. Watch as the château and Christmas work their magic and break the bonds of propriety, and rejoice as Rosalind experiences the crystal-clear hints of peace, joy, and hope all around her.

The Weary World Rejoices (by Naomi Craig): Behind the elaborate furnishings of Herod the Great’s palace, conspiracy and distrust run rampant. Mysterious visitors from the east challenge everything Amal thinks he knows as palace scribe. Will his quest to uncover the Truth free him from the ornate shackles of palace life, or will he be the next victim of King Herod’s maniacal jealousy?

Grab a mug of something hot and delicious and curl up somewhere comfy. Your literary chariots await to take you on a journey from an early twentieth-century castle overlooking the Mississippi all the way back to the Holy Land at the time of Jesus’ birth. These six novellas, all set in castles real and fictional, celebrate the heart and joy of Christmas.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Authors

USA Today Bestselling author of Aggie and Past Forward series, 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.

Cathe Swanson writes books with creative plots and engaging characters of all ages, to glorify God and entertain and bless readers. Her heartwarming stories will make you laugh and make you cry – and then make you laugh again.

Olivia Talbott grew up in Montana, but currently lives in Kentucky with her husband and two daughters, a few sheep and a border collie. She loves words, traveling, pickles and having deep conversations about how Jesus changes everything. Visit her at oliviatalbott.com.

Kathleen J. Robison is an Okinawan-American, born in Okinawa, and raised in California, Florida, Mississippi, and Singapore. Her travels and her family are the sources of her inspiration for her books. Kathleen and her Pastor husband have eight adult children. Seven are married, blessing them with eighteen grandchildren and counting. Her ethnically diverse background extends to her family of currently thirty-five personalities which provide many opportunities to share God’s amazing love amidst the challenges of real life.

Denise L. Barela is a twenty-something-year-old writer with a passion for fiction, her faith, and just being creative in general. When she’s not working away at her desk, you might find her reading a good book or following Alice down the rabbit hole…

Marguerite Gray enjoys the study of history, especially when combined with fiction. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches French and Spanish and has degrees in French, Spanish, and Journalism from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas and a MA in English from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene. She has two grown children and currently lives with her husband in north Louisiana. She writes historical fiction.

Author of Biblical fiction, avid reader, pastor’s wife, Naomi Craig loves reading the Bible and imagining how things were at the time. When she’s not serving in various areas at church, trying to stay on top of mountains of dishes or convincing her rescue dog, Freeway, to be cute on command for Instagram reels, you’ll most likely find her enjoying a good book and a cup of coffee. Naomi co-hosts #BehindTheStory with Naomi and Lisa, an author interview show on YouTube and your podcast platform of choice.

More from Denise

Hello everyone!

I’m excited to share this set of stories with you! All the authors have worked hard to bring you some Christmas joy and magic. We’ve each picked a castle to center our stories around. I mean, Christmas and castles go well together, don’t you think? You’ll get to explore different castles in different time periods while also getting to know all the characters in each story. That’s a lot of new friends to make!

For my story, I jumped on the chance to write about a castle that inspired the castle that always brought me joy growing up (if I’m being honest, it still brings me joy). I’ve always been a huge Disney nerd, and Princess Aurora has always been my favorite Disney princess. Growing up, I was blessed to be able to visit Disneyland for most of my life, and Sleeping Beauty’s castle was my favorite thing (I was so sad when they closed the walk-through part for several years). Even without the attraction part of it, I loved walking into the park and seeing it stand at the end of Main Street. I actually teared up seeing it for the first time after Covid.

What does all this have to do with my castle story? Well, in 1869, King Ludwig II of Bavaria began construction on Neuschwanstein Castle. This castle served as the inspiration for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. Let me tell you, if you thought Disneyland’s castle was beautiful, it’s got nothing on Neuschwanstein. If I were to pick a castle to live in, it’d be this one.

Setting aside the Disney connection, I was even more intrigued when I learned more about the king who commissioned it. The king was not very popular towards the end of his reign, and the day after he was sent to Berg Castle, he and a doctor were found dead in Lake Starnberg. The weird part? They ruled it a drowning, but there was no water in their lungs and clear signs of foul play.

Oh, but that’s not the only interesting fact this castle houses. This castle became a hiding place for some of the art the Nazi’s stole during World War II. Part of me wonders if any pieces are still hidden there. The Monuments Men group actually cataloged art found there, and it’s been preserved. Here’s a fun article from The Met all about it!

I hope you enjoyed learning about the castle that inspired my story!

MY REVIEW

I love reading anthologies because I get a variety with authors with their own gift of telling a story. Each one has a different way to reach readers and their imagination is always fun to explore. Come join the authors as they explore castles, Christmas and faith.

THE LIGHTS OF CASTLEBOURNE BY CHAUTONA HAVIG AND CATHE SWASON

A very easy story to read with wonderful characters. It was fun to read about this lonely castle that needed some TLC. Sydney is determined to get the landscaping job at Castlebourne. If she can just get past the overbearing dog that is running around and Philip who knows the owner she will have a job.

I loved reading how the castle was going to be used for a charitable cause for children. Philip can be pretty persuasive when he wants to impress Sydney. The lights are going up around the castle, and Philip and Sydney feel excited about the upcoming event. Their relationship is growing and each time they are away from each other their feelings grow stronger.

When a misunderstanding happens thanks to Sydney’s mother, Philip calls off their relationship. Sydney’s mother is quite the rude person and thinks she is some important person, but I have a feeling God is going to humble her.

The story is full of surprises, funny moments, misunderstandings and a Christmas wedding that brings two people together in a beautiful setting of a castle. I adored Arielle and Mark’s banter and hope to read more about them soon.

THE GIRL FROM DALARNA BY OLIVIA TALBOT

I could tell from the beginning of this story that it was going to be emotional. Linnea is a beautiful young lady who needs a job to help her family out. She is quite shy but I admired how she went out looking for work. As she stands outside the door the next day waiting to enter, I wondered what kind of job she had acquired. The man who hired her was very evasive and I know Linnea was praying she had made the right decision.

What a great relief to learn that she would be looking after cows. She is so excited and can now relax and enjoy her work. Holding the canisters of milk was no easy feat but Linnea proves how strong she is as she travels to town to deliver the milk to customers. Suddenly her job changes a bit and I felt like she was being paraded around because of her beauty. Linnea thinks nothing of her looks and does not like the attention of others.

As Linnea finds herself the center of attention at a ball she starts to question why she is here. The place is grand, the King and Queen are elegant as they announce that the Christmas Eve Julbord is beginning. I think Linnea knows she doesn’t belong here being stared out, admired and on display.

The story shows how easy it can be to fall into a trap when something enticing comes your way. Linnea knows that being paraded around for her beauty is wrong. She has to make things right in her heart with God. I loved the ending and how Linnea found that she was not judged by everyone. A special man has been looking out for her and this Christmas will be special for both of them. She knows her worth and feels that she has been given a new beginning.

THE CROSS AT MORIOKA CASTLE BY KATHLEEN J. ROBISON

I love the setting of this story where we find ourselves in Japan. Ariko has come here after losing her job in Los Angeles. With the holidays coming she is happy to be home . How exciting to wake up hearing carolers. I wanted to be there with Ariko to soak up the feeling of Christmas with her family.

Morioka Castle was everything Ariko hoped for as she glanced as it’s beauty. A cross gets her attention and also catches the eye of the stranger Ariko encountered last night. It was very interesting listening to Ariko and Kai talk about Christianity. Finding out about Ariko’s father made me sad. He became a Christian and his family was ashamed of him. Can Ariko stay in Japan knowing that she is a Christian as well? Will she shame her great grandmother?

This is a very powerful story about standing up for your beliefs. Ariko knows her great grandmother wants her to stay, but she must make a hard decision. She refuses to put “no other gods before Him.” We find out about the cross and the history behind it. Can you imagine having to hide that you were a Christian?

Get ready for a beautiful story about reconciliation, Japanese culture and finding your way back to God. Ariko never wavered from her faith and was able to help other family members know who God is. I loved finding out that the history of Morioka Castle is factual. I couldn’t believe that only 1%of Japanese people embrace Christianity. This has been a great story of Japanese culture, family and finding faith.

THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS BY DENISE L. BARELA

It is not very often that I become so mesmerized by a story that I block out everything around me. One author has been able to do that to me twice now. With great expectation I am happy to give my thoughts on this charming story. Abbi is thrilled to be at the castle. It was what dreams are made of and now Abbi is here for the tenth-annual Christmases of the Past Celebration! Abbi should be enjoying herself yet she is allowing her mothers words to remind her of her weight. My heart went out to Abbi as I discovered the verbal abuse she has endured by her mother. Abbie’s self esteem is low and the hateful words her mother says has hurt her. She needs to find strength and overcome those words that cause her so much pain.

It is easy to identify with Abbi because she wants to be accepted and follow her dreams. The guilt her mother puts on her is sad and I wanted Abbi to find her way to where she is content and happy. As she begins to explore the castle all thoughts of her mother disappear. Abbi is like a kid in a candy store when before her are artifacts from World War I and II. The emotions she feels as she takes in everything is far more than anything she has ever experienced. I felt like I was beside her as she looks at photos of prisoners of War. One particular picture catches Abbi off guard. How could Kristen the man she has been speaking to in the castle be in one of these pictures from the War? Something is not making sense and I was now right beside Abbi as she waits for an explanation.

Abbi must now trust God that He will reveal what is going on in His own time. Now we have to be patient and see what happens next. Just to let everyone know I am not very patient so I wanted to tell Abbi to explore on her own. I will be right behind her with one eye looking over my shoulder at all times. Abbi encounters Kristian again and their discussion gets deep. I loved how the author reminds us that we are to love everyone. Oh I know it can be hard, but God sent His Son to die on the cross for each of us. Will Kristian understand what it means to forgive?

I loved the ending and how Abbi found that she was loved and had found someone who never judged her. She could be herself and enjoy the gift that God has given her. I really didn’t want the story to end and am thankful for the journey the author swept me away to. For a short time, I was celebrating Christmas with friends, and realized how much more I am than my parents said I would be.

CRYSTAL CLEAR BY MARGUERITE MARTIN GRAY

Rosalind is facing a change in her life. Her sister has caused an uproar in the palace and now Rosalind’s life may go in another direction. With the family’s reputation at stake Rosalind gets sound advice from a wise woman. “The only thing that matters is what the good Lord thinks.” Oh how I want to remember that sentence when I worry what others think of me.

With a decision made for Rosalind, she will travel to France to stay at a chateau with a friend of the Queen. This could be just what Rosalind needs to get away from gossip about her family. The scenery before her is too much not to enjoy. I can’t blame her for wanting to walk the rest of the way. Now she can take in the smells, the landscape and everything that awaits her just ahead.

I loved how Rosalind took to her new surroundings. She now is helping to decorate the chateau with beautiful Christmas trees in each room. I could see the ornaments as she placed them in strategic places in each tree. The author does a great job of making the trees so vivid that I could see them sparkling as ornaments began to bring life to its surroundings.

Luc is very intriguing to me. He is a much needed distraction for Rosalind and his presence seems to calm her. She begins to have more confidence and is less concerned about the gossip back home. Luc also seems to be healing from the war that took so much from him. When an unexpected encounter with someone causes Rosalind to flee, she must allow God to help her. Gossip is an ugly thing to be part of. It gives people a sense of power as they tear others down. Can Luc help Rosalind find strength and overcome her insecurity?

I loved how this story guides us to see that God has a plan for us. We need to listen as He speaks softly and follow His direction. I loved how Rosalind began to let go of what was holding her back from joy and allowed God to open her eyes to joy and peace. Luc is a special man who not only helps Rosalind but finds his own happiness with a woman that God had placed in his life.

THE WEARY WORLD REJOICES BY NAOMI CRAIG

This story finds us following Amal as he is assigned by King Herod to find out everything he can about the Messiah. King Herod is in an uproar and wants answers now. I loved how the author gives a glimpse of someone seeking out who the Messiah is and that salvation is for all people.

Amal has doubts about his mission but slowly he begins to wonder if the Messiah is near. He feels a darkness around him as doubt lingers. He wants to be free of this darkness and emptiness he feels. The story is filled with a journey to seeking out the Messiah. I loved how it explores faith and that we need to believe in Him so we may be saved.

I enjoyed following Amal and how he desired to follow the Messiah. It is a beautiful look at how a person desires to change and find peace within themselves. We don’t have to see Jesus to believe in Him. As Amal found out he can do the work of Jesus by spreading His word and being faithful.

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