BE THE MIRACLE by DELORES LIESNER
This is one book I will return to repeatedly to be reminded of God's love and provision. I really enjoyed this book and it helped me to be more aware of His voice and prompting. I have had several occasions where God has told me to buy someone's meal or do something that takes me out of my comfort zone.
In the book, the author encourages us to be prepared everyday for an opportunity to love others and basically be His hands and feet. I wonder how many missed opportunities I had to bless someone because I wasn't sure or I ignored the voice that clearly spoke to me? Her stories were so uplifting and gave me a new confidence to listen to God without hesitation. Everyday there is someone praying for a miracle and we could be that answer to prayer with words of understanding or even a small gift that blesses them. We don't know what others are going through, but God does. He can use anyone to deliver his blessing and we need to be ready to answer the call.
Thank you for including Life-Changing Lesson, Life-Changing Verse, and the life-Changing Challenge after each chapter. It will be a treasure to go back and re -read the chapters and apply the tools to enrich my life.
"Next time you have a nudging from God, take the step of obedience and watch God work ."
I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
In the book, the author encourages us to be prepared everyday for an opportunity to love others and basically be His hands and feet. I wonder how many missed opportunities I had to bless someone because I wasn't sure or I ignored the voice that clearly spoke to me? Her stories were so uplifting and gave me a new confidence to listen to God without hesitation. Everyday there is someone praying for a miracle and we could be that answer to prayer with words of understanding or even a small gift that blesses them. We don't know what others are going through, but God does. He can use anyone to deliver his blessing and we need to be ready to answer the call.
Thank you for including Life-Changing Lesson, Life-Changing Verse, and the life-Changing Challenge after each chapter. It will be a treasure to go back and re -read the chapters and apply the tools to enrich my life.
"Next time you have a nudging from God, take the step of obedience and watch God work ."
I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
RISING DARKNESS by NANCY MEHL
I am thrilled to be reading one of Nancy Mehl's books again. She always delivers an intricate mystery with characters that are multi-dimensional . They grab your attention and take you on a thrill ride of intrigue and action.
This story takes place in Sanctuary, Missouri. I love the name of the town. It gives you a feeling of safety and peace. We find Sophie Wittenbauer who left or perhaps ran from her very strict and strait laced community in Kingdom. Sophie has always dreamed of being a top notch crime reporter. She lands a job at the newspaper office and changes her name hoping her past won't catch up with her. When she receives a tip that a criminal could be hiding out in the town, she becomes a little concerned. It seems that criminal is someone who could identify her. Will her past catch up with her? Can she trust anyone in Sanctuary?
As luck would have it, she runs into the pastor of the community who happens to be an old flame from her childhood. She can't seem to catch a break in this town. Jonathan , the pastor is a very kind and gentle person. Can Sophie trust him enough to ask for help when she realizes her life could be in danger. As the are talking Sophie tells Jonathan, "We all wear masks, Pastor. The person we present to the world is rarely the person we really are." I'm sure we have all found ourselves wearing a "mask" in order to be someone different in order to be accepted or to hide from something painful. I love how the author weaves the true love that God has for each of us.
The book is another great adventure of intrigue , learning to trust and letting go of the past. The author always delivers a story that captivates your attention and draws you into the story with her allure of mystery and intense action. Thank you for writing a book that tackles the issue of trying to overcome your past and show readers that God loves us and as Sophie says," My real value is in God , and in the people He put in my life. "
I received a copy of this book from the author and The BookClub Network for an honest review.
This story takes place in Sanctuary, Missouri. I love the name of the town. It gives you a feeling of safety and peace. We find Sophie Wittenbauer who left or perhaps ran from her very strict and strait laced community in Kingdom. Sophie has always dreamed of being a top notch crime reporter. She lands a job at the newspaper office and changes her name hoping her past won't catch up with her. When she receives a tip that a criminal could be hiding out in the town, she becomes a little concerned. It seems that criminal is someone who could identify her. Will her past catch up with her? Can she trust anyone in Sanctuary?
As luck would have it, she runs into the pastor of the community who happens to be an old flame from her childhood. She can't seem to catch a break in this town. Jonathan , the pastor is a very kind and gentle person. Can Sophie trust him enough to ask for help when she realizes her life could be in danger. As the are talking Sophie tells Jonathan, "We all wear masks, Pastor. The person we present to the world is rarely the person we really are." I'm sure we have all found ourselves wearing a "mask" in order to be someone different in order to be accepted or to hide from something painful. I love how the author weaves the true love that God has for each of us.
The book is another great adventure of intrigue , learning to trust and letting go of the past. The author always delivers a story that captivates your attention and draws you into the story with her allure of mystery and intense action. Thank you for writing a book that tackles the issue of trying to overcome your past and show readers that God loves us and as Sophie says," My real value is in God , and in the people He put in my life. "
I received a copy of this book from the author and The BookClub Network for an honest review.
THE SEAKEEPERS DAUGHTERS by LISA WINGATE
Have you ever been so successful at your job, that you decide to branch out? Whitney Monroe is just that person.
She has decided with the help of her cousin, that they should venture out and open another restaurant. They are excited and begin to make plans for the new place. Not everyone is happy about their new restaurant though. Some of the local business owners can't handle competition and devise a scheme to sabotage them. They hit dead ends with building codes and other things that could prevent the place from passing inspection. Seems somebody is jealous of their success.
While Whitney is fighting inspections and total chaos she gets a call about her stepfather. Why are they calling her about him? They have never been very close and she has little to do with his kids. The caller explains that her stepfather fell in the bathroom and had been laying on the floor for four long days. That seems very sad to hear that someone you know, has been helpless for a long period of time. Whitney makes a decision to travel to the hotel in Maneto, North Carolina to go through her grandmothers belongings. While she is there she can check on her stepfather since he lives in the building . This is not going to be a pleasant trip and old feelings start to surface for Whitney. What secrets will Whitney uncover? Will she be welcomed there without any problems?
Whitney begins a trip down memory lane as she is going through old papers and soon discovers secrets that are troublesome. How is it possible that her mother and stepfather knew each other before her dad was in the picture? Something doesn't add up and she wants answers. A project that Roosevelt's Federal Workers Program had in the 1930s somehow have ties to her grandmothers story. What has Whitney stumbled into?
This is Lisa Wingate at her best as she perfectly delivers two stories at the same time and tie them together like a pristine bow. The history in the story is very detailed and is brought to the present to make a story that gives you mystery and action. The author has given us two characters from the past that will have an impact on Whitney's life. What secrets do they hold? Is there danger for Whitney? Will history change her family dynamics?
I look forward to reading books from Lisa Wingste because I know she will sweep me on a journey with details and twists that make the story so intriguing and hard to put down. This is another master story teller at the top of her game .
I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
She has decided with the help of her cousin, that they should venture out and open another restaurant. They are excited and begin to make plans for the new place. Not everyone is happy about their new restaurant though. Some of the local business owners can't handle competition and devise a scheme to sabotage them. They hit dead ends with building codes and other things that could prevent the place from passing inspection. Seems somebody is jealous of their success.
While Whitney is fighting inspections and total chaos she gets a call about her stepfather. Why are they calling her about him? They have never been very close and she has little to do with his kids. The caller explains that her stepfather fell in the bathroom and had been laying on the floor for four long days. That seems very sad to hear that someone you know, has been helpless for a long period of time. Whitney makes a decision to travel to the hotel in Maneto, North Carolina to go through her grandmothers belongings. While she is there she can check on her stepfather since he lives in the building . This is not going to be a pleasant trip and old feelings start to surface for Whitney. What secrets will Whitney uncover? Will she be welcomed there without any problems?
Whitney begins a trip down memory lane as she is going through old papers and soon discovers secrets that are troublesome. How is it possible that her mother and stepfather knew each other before her dad was in the picture? Something doesn't add up and she wants answers. A project that Roosevelt's Federal Workers Program had in the 1930s somehow have ties to her grandmothers story. What has Whitney stumbled into?
This is Lisa Wingate at her best as she perfectly delivers two stories at the same time and tie them together like a pristine bow. The history in the story is very detailed and is brought to the present to make a story that gives you mystery and action. The author has given us two characters from the past that will have an impact on Whitney's life. What secrets do they hold? Is there danger for Whitney? Will history change her family dynamics?
I look forward to reading books from Lisa Wingste because I know she will sweep me on a journey with details and twists that make the story so intriguing and hard to put down. This is another master story teller at the top of her game .
I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
FIRE AND ICE By MARY CONNEALY
If you have not read any of this author's books, you are missing out on a great read. Her characters are funny, smart, and sometimes down right stubborn. I love a book that can create characters that are believable and full of life. Fire and Ice delivers that with a burst of energy and flair.
We visit Bailey Wilde in the final saga of the Wild at Heart Series. As the story opens , Bailey has Gage Coulter at gunpoint. Now that is a way to grab my attention. They seem to be at odds over who has control of the land that nears the grasslands in the canyon. That land happens to be close to Gage's place. Seems there might be a standoff brewing in this story.
Bailey is one tough woman and can do any task on the land that is necessary . She is feisty and waiting for a fight with Gage. But that will have to wait when Gage desperately needs her help in fooling his mom. What did he tell his mom that would cause him to want Bailey's help? His mom is coming to town for a visit and she is expecting to meet his wife. I laughed at that knowing he has gotten himself in a pickle and has to grovel to Bailey for help. Will they be able to come to an agreement? Can two "enemies" become civil and work together? There is a lot of action in this book and someone will soon find out their life is in danger. Don't miss this laugh out loud story of working together, overcoming anger and maybe a love connection. I'm sad to see the series end, but I look forward to what the author has next. It is always a fun journey reading her witty and faith filled books.
I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
We visit Bailey Wilde in the final saga of the Wild at Heart Series. As the story opens , Bailey has Gage Coulter at gunpoint. Now that is a way to grab my attention. They seem to be at odds over who has control of the land that nears the grasslands in the canyon. That land happens to be close to Gage's place. Seems there might be a standoff brewing in this story.
Bailey is one tough woman and can do any task on the land that is necessary . She is feisty and waiting for a fight with Gage. But that will have to wait when Gage desperately needs her help in fooling his mom. What did he tell his mom that would cause him to want Bailey's help? His mom is coming to town for a visit and she is expecting to meet his wife. I laughed at that knowing he has gotten himself in a pickle and has to grovel to Bailey for help. Will they be able to come to an agreement? Can two "enemies" become civil and work together? There is a lot of action in this book and someone will soon find out their life is in danger. Don't miss this laugh out loud story of working together, overcoming anger and maybe a love connection. I'm sad to see the series end, but I look forward to what the author has next. It is always a fun journey reading her witty and faith filled books.
I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
A DASH OF DARING by ELIZABETH MADDREY
What a treat to read another book from this very gifted storyteller. Each book in the series gets stronger and more enjoyable. Elizabeth Maddrey has a gift of delivering a great story with characters that enrich us with compassion.
Zach Wilson takes a job in Washington as part of a forgiveness program, to help pay off his student loans. He is a man of honor and his faith is very important to him. He encounters Amy Harris at his work. She is a substitute teacher who loves her job. The annual school program is coming up and she persuades Zach to help her with it.
As they begin to work closely with each other, sparks start to ignite between them. Is romance in the air for these two? Zach certainly seems smitten with Amy, but she has some reservations about becoming involved with Zach.
Zach is trying to understand why Amy is hesitant , but she at times seems to pull away from him.
The author has done an amazing job of tackling an issue that is sensitive to some with grace and wisdom. She centers on the two main characters and delves into a topic with openness and sensitivity. I am always encouraged by her thoughtfulness to readers as she writes with a heart for clear understanding and grace. This is not only a story about a developing relationship, but touches on an issue of judgment . Will Amy be able to overlook their differences and give Zach a chance? Can she look at the inside of a person and see their kindness? Will true love happen for Zach and Amy?
"Love doesn't have guarantees. You make a choice that you're going to love and then work, every day, to be true to that choice . Some days it's easy. Other days it's not."
I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
Zach Wilson takes a job in Washington as part of a forgiveness program, to help pay off his student loans. He is a man of honor and his faith is very important to him. He encounters Amy Harris at his work. She is a substitute teacher who loves her job. The annual school program is coming up and she persuades Zach to help her with it.
As they begin to work closely with each other, sparks start to ignite between them. Is romance in the air for these two? Zach certainly seems smitten with Amy, but she has some reservations about becoming involved with Zach.
Zach is trying to understand why Amy is hesitant , but she at times seems to pull away from him.
The author has done an amazing job of tackling an issue that is sensitive to some with grace and wisdom. She centers on the two main characters and delves into a topic with openness and sensitivity. I am always encouraged by her thoughtfulness to readers as she writes with a heart for clear understanding and grace. This is not only a story about a developing relationship, but touches on an issue of judgment . Will Amy be able to overlook their differences and give Zach a chance? Can she look at the inside of a person and see their kindness? Will true love happen for Zach and Amy?
"Love doesn't have guarantees. You make a choice that you're going to love and then work, every day, to be true to that choice . Some days it's easy. Other days it's not."
I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
MISTLETOE JUSTICE by CAROL J. POST
Carol Post has become one of my favorite romantic suspense authors. In her newest book, she delivers a powerful story that will grip you from the start. Get ready for a ride that you will never forget in this super charged action packed book.
Darci Tucker has found a new job at a company working in accounting. She really likes her job and the medical insurance it provides. Her son is autistic and with the insurance she is able to get him the care he needs. Her quaint and stable life is about to turn ugly when she discovers that she is being set up for embezzlement. Who is behind this plot to make her the fall guy?
Conner works at the same company as Darci, and has an agenda of his own. It seems while his sister worked for the company, she disappeared without a trace leaving behind a son. Did she find out something about the company that put her in danger? I loved when Darci tells Conner, "We can always find something to be thankful for if we look hard enough." Even in the midst of turmoil, Darci is able to rely on her faith and trust that something good will come to those that believe.
When Darci and Conner team up to uncover the mystery they find themselves in danger. Someone wants to keep them silent and the story takes off on a thrill ride of twists and turns. Someone from Darci's past shows up to cause chaos. Who is this person and why do they want revenge? The book is very well written with dynamic characters that add depth to the story. Carol knows how to weave a story that makes you heart race as she cleverly makes the story come to life with vivid details. The ending is a powder keg of action that will have you guessing till the end. This is a must read for all fans of romantic suspense and those looking for a great story of greed , deception and trust.
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
Darci Tucker has found a new job at a company working in accounting. She really likes her job and the medical insurance it provides. Her son is autistic and with the insurance she is able to get him the care he needs. Her quaint and stable life is about to turn ugly when she discovers that she is being set up for embezzlement. Who is behind this plot to make her the fall guy?
Conner works at the same company as Darci, and has an agenda of his own. It seems while his sister worked for the company, she disappeared without a trace leaving behind a son. Did she find out something about the company that put her in danger? I loved when Darci tells Conner, "We can always find something to be thankful for if we look hard enough." Even in the midst of turmoil, Darci is able to rely on her faith and trust that something good will come to those that believe.
When Darci and Conner team up to uncover the mystery they find themselves in danger. Someone wants to keep them silent and the story takes off on a thrill ride of twists and turns. Someone from Darci's past shows up to cause chaos. Who is this person and why do they want revenge? The book is very well written with dynamic characters that add depth to the story. Carol knows how to weave a story that makes you heart race as she cleverly makes the story come to life with vivid details. The ending is a powder keg of action that will have you guessing till the end. This is a must read for all fans of romantic suspense and those looking for a great story of greed , deception and trust.
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
Lone Star Literary Life Blog Tours
present
THE DOOR OF THE HEART
by
Diana Finfrock Farrar
Married for twenty years, Tammy & Ed Sloan suddenly find themselves on opposite sides of a hot button current social issue when their high school aged son is punished for bullying a fellow athlete who is gay. The wife of a conservative Texas politician, Tammy begins to reexamine her values after the incident blows up in the media and embarks on a mission not just to view LGBT issues through a loving Christian perspective, but to become an active participant for positive change. A generous look at the gay community through a Christian lens, Diana Finfrock Farrar’s novel interweaves multiple story lines that feature endearing characters, both gay and straight, each confronting the consequences of homophobia and demonstrating a need for the understanding and the embracing of the LGBT community, especially in the heart of Bible-belt reactionaryism.
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First time novelist, Diana Finfrock Farrar, is a native Texan and financial adviser representative who loves snow skiing and traveling, competes in sprint triathlons, and is an ordained deacon and elder in the Presbyterian church (PCUSA) where she sings in the choir every Sunday. Blessed to have been born into a family that taught her how to live a life of faith, love and relationship — the idea of family has always been at her center. Feeling called to make a difference, Farrar has penned her first novel with the hope of educating her readers on issues of empowerment, injustice, and compassion. She and her wife, Charlotte, were married in Ontario, Canada in 2010. They live in Texas and share five children and three grandchildren.
By Deana Dick
This story could be in any city USA as many teens struggle to fit in because they are considered different. After a teen is bullied at school because he is gay, the issue comes to the forefront when a politicians family from Texas is involved. Ed and Tammy's son has been accused of bullying and is sent to an alternative school as punishment. He is also not allowed to be on the football team anymore. His father is furious and thinks it is unfair that his son should be punished . What I found ironic is once their child also started getting bullied, did it really hit home how bullying can cause distress and ultimately discourage a child.
I am impressed with the details the author gives readers about the two sides on this heated issue. She writes with compassion and shows us that there is another way to look at things instead of being so religious you get lost in what matters most. We all have our opinions about what is right and wrong, but the author delivers a book that gives both sides without prejudice. Everyday we make choices and decisions based on what we belief. I've always believed that everyone has the right to be accepted and loved without judgment because of their lifestyle. This book will be heartbreaking at times and uplifting at other times. The characters will touch you and open your heart to true compassion for everyone. Does everyone agree that all people should be treated equally? The answer is up to each of us. We must decide if we can love one another no matter what race, religion or sexual preference we are. Thank you for writing a powerful book that makes people look at their selves and remind each of us that we are not to judge, but to love and accept each other without prejudice.
I received a copy of this book from the Lone Star Literary Life Blog Tours for an honest review
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Tuesday, December 1, 2015
CELEBRATE LIT PRESENTS THE
HUCKLEBERRY HEARTS TOUR AND GIVEAWAY BY JENNIFER BECKSTRAND
It is always nice to continue a series that you have fallen in love with. The beautiful writing of this series has been a nice relaxing time of getting to know the characters and their many lovely and sometimes quirky traits. What would it be like to have a grandmother who was determined to find you a mate? This book gives us a glimpse of one family that will find out what lengths a grandmother will go through to find happiness for her granddaughter. Let the games begin.
Cassie has been away from her old lifestyle as an Amish for a long time. She went away to pursue her dream of going to college and find a promising career. When she receives word that her grandmother, Anna, has a cancerous spot on her foot that will require surgery and care, Cassie comes home to take care of her. She doesn't know what she is in store for. Her grandmother has decided to play matchmaker. Will Anna's plan work to bring true love to her granddaughter?
Zach is the handsome doctor that has been taking care of Cassie's grandmother. He has really made an impression on Anna and guess who she picks for Cassie to match her with ? I loved the part where Cassie and Zach had both attended the same college. Zach it seems had a reputation at the college that was not well received by Cassie. She wanted nothing to do with him. That is such a minor detail, because Anna has decided they will make a perfect couple. After all, grandparents only want the best for their grandchildren and Anna believes she has found the perfect match for Cassie.
The book is filled with hope, twists that keep you guessing, faith and an unforgettable love between family. Will Cassie return to her Amish faith? Can Zach win Cassie's heart? I really enjoyed the story that flowed smoothly and kept my interest till the very end. You are in for a treat as you read this story that will give you a sense of strong family and the desire to find happiness for those you love.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Blogging Team for an honest review.
Huckleberry Hearts by Jennifer Beckstrand is a 352 page novel in the Christian Amish fiction genre. It is published by Zebra Publishers and was released on November 24, 2015. To purchase your copy, click here.
“Full of kind, sincere characters struggling with the best ways to stay true to themselves and their beliefs.” –Publishers Weekly
About the Book
Young-at-heart octogenarians Anna and Felty Helmuth never miss the chance to find a perfect match for one of their grandchildren. And when their beloved Cassie returns to Huckleberry Hill, Wisconsin, Anna has a feeling they might soon have a doctor in the family…
Though Cassie Coblenz left her Amish community to go to college, Mammi and Dawdi’s farm will always feel like home. It’s the ideal place for an extended study break—at least until her grandmother’s handsome Englisch doctor becomes a regular distraction. Zach Reynolds is the kind of heartbreaker Cassie has learned to avoid, no matter how charming he may be.
Unlike every woman Zach has met in recent years, Cassie doesn’t fall at his feet. Strong, generous, beautiful within and without —she’s everything he could want. Yet the gulf between them deepens when a tragedy shakes his faith. Now the good doctor has one goal—to become a man who could be worthy of Cassie’s love…
About the Author
Jennifer Beckstrand is the bestselling Amish romance author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series for Kensington Books. Huckleberry Summer was nominated for the RT Book Reviews Reviewer’s Choice Award and the 2015 RITA® Award, and Huckleberry Hillwon the 2014 LIME Award for Inspirational fiction. Both Huckleberry Hill and Huckleberry Christmas appeared in Examiner.com list of top ten inspirational books for 2014.
Jennifer has always been drawn to the strong faith and the enduring family ties of the Plain people and loves writing about the antics of Anna and Felty Helmuth. Jennifer has a degree in mathematics and a background in editing. She and her husband have been married for thirty years, and she has four daughters, two sons, and four adorable grandchildren, whom she spoils rotten.
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