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Saturday, October 29, 2016


JUST A KISS by DENISE HUNTER

It's so nice to read a new book from one of my favorite authors. I opened the book and started reading and before I knew it, I was crying. The beginning is so emotional and felt so real I wanted to go hug the couple and wish them well.  Riley and Paige have been best friends forever. As Riley exits the plane, he is a completely different person from when he was home last.

 After a tour in Afghanistan Riley comes home to face some challenges. What happened to him in Afghanistan? I loved his character so much. He is a strong and fit man with perhaps a bit of stubbornness to go along with his moody attitude. I loved when he discovers he will be staying with Paige for awhile. Can two best friends live together after Riley ran off to the Marines and left the one girl he loved?

Paige is a sweet and caring person. She has a big heart and wants to take care of everyone. I loved her devotion to caring for animals at the shelter. Her warmth and compassion was so well written that I wanted to be her friend. The author writes a very emotional journey between two people trying to find their way in life. The chemistry is undeniable  between them as they try to overcome situations that keep them apart. I loved how the  author writes Riley's character with some inner struggles that shine a light on a difficult  subject many   veterans face . The story is an emotional roller coaster as the characters rely on their faith to find happiness. Have you ever struggled with something and knew the only answer was to trust God?

Thank you for a story that is filled with hope, budding romances and learning to trust again. The author has provided discussion questions at the end that  I highly recommend you read. The book has left me with hope that past hurts can be forgiven and sometimes a simple kiss can bring a lifetime of happiness.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from The Fiction Guild. The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for it.

About the book: 

40 Days to a Joyful Motherhood: Devotions and Coloring Book to Nourish Mom (Abingdon Press, August 2016)

Nourishment for a mother's soul through 40 days of devotion and . . . doodling!

Wouldn't it be marvelous if mothering came with a concrete set of instructions---an easy recipe we could follow? Instead, motherhood challenges women to find their faith, their true selves, and their family through daily doses of trial and error. It is a brilliant and healing time of life that is full of joy, pain, and beauty with a small side of crisis (and humor). What mothers do not know, they learn. And through this lifelong process of learning, they nurture and care for the most precious gifts on earth: children. In a modern society where moms often have a full and busy plate, these 10 minute daily devotions focus on six key topics of motherhood:

-Self-acceptance
-Self-care
-Reconciling with grief, hope and expectations
-Generosity
-Presence
-Forgiveness
In addition to the devotions, these beautiful pages are adorned with handmade illustrations to help you refresh from long days or even occasional sleepless nights. So, grab your colors and a little quiet time for yourself while doodling at the kitchen table. You will be grateful you did!
Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2dPEdIC

About the author:




Often considered a dreamer and silly heart, Sarah Humphrey uses inspiration from her most beloved career, motherhood, to fuel her passion for writing, creative movement and teaching. She has and is authoring several books and children's books. Sarah currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and three beautiful, bouncy kids.

Website | Facebook | Twitter |  Instagram



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This was such a special treat to get. Who doesn't love coloring and having a devotional all in the same book? The book is divided up into 40 days of refreshing, renewing and rejuvenating you as you color and read the Word. The pictures provided to color are simple yet inviting. They really just make you smile and are a great stress relief. I enjoyed the different topics each day and loved the scripture and simple prayer that accompanied it at the end.

I started the book off as I sat down with my hot chocolate with peppermint creamer, colored pencils in hand and began my journey. The first day was filled with a simple welcome and encouraged you to remember who you are and to take time for yourself .  I was hooked after that and couldn't wait to start everyday with this enjoyable uplifting devotional. The journal is a quick read everyday but I found myself lingering over what I read throughout the day. When I felt stressed I would go back to that day's word and start to color. It's funny how a simple thing we did at school as children , is such a great stress reliever for us as adults. Go ahead and grab you a copy, get your colored pencils or crayons and spend time relaxing and enjoying time with God.

"The joy of the Lord is my strength."  Nehemiah 8:10

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Litfuse Blogger Group. The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for it.





Blog Tour Schedule:
10/14
Amanda | The Mom Next Door
Dawn | Dawn Crandall's Passion for Pages
Leslie | Did YOU Hear about the Morgans?
Jalynn | A Simple Life, really?!
Rebecca | Raventhreads
Stacey | Books,Dreams,Life

10/15
Sarah | Growing for Christ
Dianna | Savings in Seconds
Lauri | Knits Reads and Reviews

10/16
Amy | A Nest in the Rocks
Janelle | Milk & Honey Meadows

10/17
Becky | In the Pages
Meghan | Faith Adventures

10/18
Britney | Buzzing About Books
Wendy | Life at Rossmont

10/19
Cheryl | cherylbbookblog
Sharon | Sharon's Garden of Book Reviews
Terra | Heck Of A Bunch
Amanda | Inklings and Notions
Penny | Beauty in Every day Things
Tima | Book Reviews by Tima
Lis | ~ Acorns ~ Nuggets of Gold
Maureen | Maureen's Musings

10/20
Kimberly | Kcreatives
Jenifer | Momma of 2 Review
Rachel | Smart Mom Smart Ideas
Melanie | A Year of Jubilee Reviews
Tammy | Bluerose's Heart
Lindsey | The IE Mommy
Stacie | perfect chaos

10/21
Jennifer | Onward
Alison | NOVA Frugal Family
Tami | This Mom's Delight
JoJo | JoJo's Corner
Andi | Radiant Light
Natalie | Natalie Walters
Stephanie | Finding My Yellow

10/22
Sydney | Singing Librarian Books
Patty | tammycookblogsbooks
Sarah | Wife, Mummy, Nurse

10/23
Veronica | Adventures of D and V
Heather | Thrift Schooling

10/24
Julie | More Of Him
Kristie | Moments
Sherry | My Journey Back

10/25
Rachel | EmpowerMoms
Laura | Lighthouse Academy
Sheyenne | Sean & Shey

10/26
Jolene | Beauty in the Binding
Heidi | Buzz4Mommies
Crystal | Our Perfectly Imperfect Imperfect Life

10/27
Wendy | Wall-to-wall books
Lori | Morning Glories and Moonflowers
LeAnne | Rockin' My Mom Jeans
Amanda | The Talbert Report
Beth-Anne | Book Review

10/28
abi | The Blended Blog
sydney | Saved By Grace
Mimi | None as of yet
Lizzie | A Dusty Frame
Randi | A Modern Day Fairy Tale
Amy | Pause for Tales
Amy | Seasons of Opportunities

10/29
Dominique | Mama Bear Outpost
Deana | Texas Book-aholic
April | ElCloud Homeschool

10/30
vanessa | this moms reviews and more
Mindy | A room without books is empty
Patricia |Lemon bee book & Blog
Denise | Ramblings of a California Couponer
Missica | Through the Open Window
Tressa | Wishful Endings
Jennifer | Adventures in Unsell Land

10/31
Stacey | WORD Up!
Caroline | Under God's Mighty Hand
Virginia | My Full Cup
Renee | Little Homeschool on the Prairie
CRYSTAL | Crystal's Candid Thoughts
Ramona | Create With Joy
Sue | Thoughts from Mill Street





Friday, October 28, 2016


A CONVENIENT CHRISTMAS WEDDING by REGINA SCOTT

What a lovely well written story this is. I was captivated by the beautiful time period that it is set in .  The author does a wonderful  job of making the story come to life with vivid details of the town and people. As I read the book I thought about all those shows that I use to watch.  They  captured the spirit of the hard working men as they worked their land and cared for their families.  The women cooked and cleaned and did their part taking care of the animals. It was not an easy time, but they were grateful for what God had provided for them. This story brings all that to life with characters that you fall in love with.

Nora is a wonderful seamstress but lacks in the romance department. She has a brother and sister-in-law that treat her like their maid. I disliked them both with their sharp tongue and utterly disgraceful way they addressed her . It's time she stand up and live her life. I did like her shyness and thought the author did a great job of giving her strength to stand up to her family. Those were such great scenes to witness Nora's freedom from the clutches of her family. Will her scheme finally bring her freedom to live her own life?

Simon is one of several brothers in a family that work hard and try to keep food on the table for their family. I loved his strong and noble   character. He never backed down from a fight and tried to keep his family from being too lazy. He knew the importance of working the land and expected other family members to contribute. One day everything changes when Nora makes a proposition to Simon. What does she offer him?

The story moves at a great pace and I felt like I was sitting by the fireplace with the family as they gathered around to talk. There are some funny moments in the story that I found charming.  I fell in love with Simon's family and wanted to sit and chat with his mother. I can't give the story away, but I can say that it is about believing in yourself, trusting others and giving your heart to the right person.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for it.
Christian's Hope

by  Ervin R. Stutzman  
Amish Fiction
MennoMedia

When Christian Hochstetler returns to the Amish after seven years in captivity, he finds that many things have shifted. His father wants him to settle back into a predictable Amish life of farming, and Christian's budding friendship with Hannah Rupp beckons him to stay as well. Yet Christian feels restless, and he is soon faced with a life-altering decision. Will Christian choose the Amish identity that his father desires for him? Or will he depart from his family and faith community, yet again?
Christian's Hope tells the story of the younger brother of Joseph and the son of Jacob, whom readers have come to love in the first two books in the Return to Northkill series. 


 Meet the Author
Dr. Ervin R. Stutzman was born into an Amish home in Kalona, Iowa, and spent most of his childhood in Hutchinson, Kansas. He is author of Jacob's ChoiceJoseph's Dilemma,Tobias of the Amish, and Emma, A Widow Among the Amish. He serves as executive director for Mennonite Church USA and has also served the Mennonite church in the roles of pastor, district overseer, mission administrator, area conference moderator, seminary dean, and moderator of the denomination. He holds master's degrees from the University of Cincinnati and Eastern Mennonite Seminary, and received his PhD from Temple University.














Learn more and purchase a copy.




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I have not read a book from this author before, but I realize I have been missing out on great writing. The book grabbed my attention because it was  about  two groups I love to read about. The Amish because I like their simple lifestyle and their  willing to help their neighbors. I love reading about Native Americans because they are a vital part of history and I am part Native American. The author does an amazing job of giving a true historic event that is not very well known and breathes life into it with a gentle touch of his words that grace the pages.  I appreciate the research involved in the story and the accurate description of the time period.

The story is mainly about two brothers who were held captive for a long  period of time  by the Shawnee Indians. I can't imagine the terror they witnessed that day when they  were taken knowing that they may never see their family again. The author really gives a great glimpse into what their lifestyle was as they lived among their captors. Many people feared the Shawnee but it seemed like the brothers Joseph and Christian  had adapted well to their new surroundings.

When Christian  and Joseph return years later to their Amish home, they are changed in many  ways. Will they be accepted back into the community ? Will it be difficult to adjust to their home after being away for so long? I thought that their characters were well written and I could feel their struggle as they were torn between two cultures. After being away for so long, it must have been very difficult to leave the Shawnee and their beliefs behind. The story was riveting and I loved the struggle that each brother had as they tried to fit back into their family. I loved Christian's turmoil as he fought within himself whether he could ever fit back with the Amish. He was free to hunt and fish among the Shawnee but now was expected to help with the farm.

There was definitely animosity toward Christian  and  several of the townspeople . They couldn't accept him as Amish since he dressed liked a Shawnee. Isn't it funny that even in the 1700s there was discrimination against people. They were judged because they looked different . As you read the story you will find another character that feels the sting of gossip and accusations that damage the person's reputation. I found the story to be very accurate, well written and a page turner. I recommend that readers take time to look at the Historical Note found at the end of the book. It gives details of the people this book was based on and gives you a bit of what happened as they grew older.

I was given a copy of this book from Litfuse Blogger Tour . The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for it.


Tour Schedule:

10/21
Debra | 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too!
Lauri | Knits Reads and Reviews
Jalynn | A Simple Life, really?!
Stacey | Books,Dreams,Life
Megan | Pursuing Intentional Living

10/22
vicky | deal sharing aunt

10/24
Amy | A Nest in the Rocks
Dianna | Savings in Seconds
Debi | 2014 and Beyond!
Sherry | My Journey Back

10/26
Amanda | Inklings and Notions
Karen | Karen's Korner
Nicki | Confessions of a Teenage Bookworm

10/27
Brenda | WV Stitcher
Lena | A Christian Writer's World
Angela | A Holland Reads
Kristie | Moments
Maureen | Maureen's Musings

10/28
Angela | A Busy Mom of Two
Deana | Texas Book-aholic
Carole | The Power of Words
Lisa | Seeking with all yur heart
Alison | NOVA Frugal Family
Kathleen | Reviews From The Heart

10/29
Krystal | Live To Read ~Krystal
Donna | Donna's Bookshelf
Annie | Just Commonly
Amanda | The Talbert Report
Ashley | Ashley's Bookshelf

10/30
Victor | Vic's Media Room
Margaret | The World As I See It

11/1
Cheryl | cherylbbookblog
Mark | Thoughts of a Sojourner
Elisha | Rainy Day Reviews
Vera | Chat With Vera
Mary | The Mary Book Reader
Athena | The Loose Screw

11/2
andrea | Two Points of Interest
Billy | Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer
Renee | Little Homeschool on the Prairie
Missica | Through the Open Window
Erin | For Him and My Family

11/3
Cathy | Two Girls and a Boom
Mindy | A room without books is empty
Wendy | Life at Rossmont

11/4
Anne | Mommy Has to Work
Bethany | Perfect Beginnings
Barbara | Fic Gal
Lydia | Noveltea
Carrie | Farming on Faith 






















Thursday, October 27, 2016

corrected-body-bayou-large-banner640Body on the Bayou
by Ellen Byron

Body on the Bayou is well written and I really enjoyed reading it. I enjoyed the characters
~MysteriesEtc
What’s not to love about book two in the Cajun Country mystery series. Filled with action and humor,drama and witty characters this fast-paced mystery will keep you guessing until the end…
~Shelley’s Book Case 
The story moved along nicely and held my interest…If you like Louisiana bayou as a setting and a little romance with your mystery, you’ll enjoy Body on the Bayou.
~Christa Reads and Writes
When you read Ellen Byron’s book, you are transported to Louisiana. I was transported to the beautiful deep south of this charming mystery.
~Bibliophile Reviews
This was a good, fun read! I enjoyed the story, and was caught up in it from almost the beginning.
~The Ninja Librarian
BODY ON THE BAYOU

Body on the Bayou by Ellen Bryon

 2 in Series
Genre – Cozy Mystery
Series: A Cajun Country Mystery (Book 2)
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books (September 13, 2016)
ISBN-13: 978-1629537689
E-Book – ASIN: B01H082DPY
goodreads-badge-add-plus

Synopsis:

 The Crozats feared that past murders at Crozat Plantation B&B might spell the death of their beloved estate, but they’ve managed to survive the scandal. Now there’s a très bigger story in Pelican, Louisiana: the upcoming nuptials between Maggie Crozat’s nemesis, Police Chief Rufus Durand, and her co-worker, Vanessa Fleer.
When everyone else refuses the job of being Vanessa’s Maid of Honor, Maggie reluctantly takes up the title and finds herself tasked with a long list of duties–the most important of which is entertaining Vanessa’s cousin, Ginger Fleer-Starke. But just days before the wedding, Ginger’s lifeless body is found on the bayou and the Pelican PD, as well as the Crozats, have another murder mystery on their hands.
There’s a gumbo-potful of suspects, including an ex-Marine with PTSD, an annoying local newspaper reporter, and Vanessa’s own sparkplug of a mother. But when it looks like the investigation is zeroing in on Vanessa as the prime suspect, Maggie reluctantly adds keeping the bride-to-be out of jail to her list of Maid of Honor responsibilities in Body on the Bayou.

ellem byronAbout The Author – 
Ellen’s debut novel, PLANTATION SHUDDERS: A Cajun Country Mystery, has been nominated for an Agatha Best First Novel award, a Lefty for Best Humorous Mystery, and a Daphne Award for Best Mainstream Mystery. The second Cajun Country Mystery, BODY ON THE BAYOU, will be available in September 2016. Ellen’s TV credits include Wings and Just Shoot Me; she’s written over 200 magazine articles; her published plays include the award-winning Graceland and Asleep on the Wind. Ellen Byron is a native New Yorker who lives in Los Angeles and attributes her fascination with Louisiana to her college years at New Orleans’ Tulane University.
Purchase Links:
Amazon  B&N



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I liked the setting of the story and I really enjoyed most of the characters. I have to say though I was very disappointed in the name of the victim who was killed.  When the character was introduced , she was rude, annoying and everyone hated her. She had a reputation for being nasty and hard to get along with. I would have liked a bit more suspects in  the book and maybe a different victim. When it is obvious after a few pages who is going to be killed, I was a tad upset.

But not to fear, because the author brings a great story with silly happenings, moody people and a bride that needed to take a very long nap. There is a shining star in Maggie. She seems to be running around with her head chopped off trying to please the bride to be. Maggie had more patience than I would have. There is a bit of a romance in the book that has all the makings for a big fight between two families. It's funny how something that happened a long time ago,can  still cause hatred between these families. I did like the Cajun theme and thought the author did a good job on describing the area and food . I can't forget to mention the overbearing utterly mean Rufus. What a big attitude downer he is. Why would anyone want to be his friend? The story is really over the top at times with the wedding preparations and silly things the bride wants. I had to laugh at the shenanigans with the bride and her bridesmaids. I kinda think I would like to see this made into a movie. I have already picked out the actors.

Overall I enjoyed the story and the author did a great job of character development. I guess I was upset at who was killed, because she was such a nasty person. That made me realize how good the author did in writing her character. . I did enjoy the ending though and I will have to read another book from this author because for some reason she has piqued my curiosity.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Great Escape Book Tours. The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for it.


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TOUR PARTICIPANTS
October 21 – MysteriesEtc – REVIEW
October 21 – Island Confidential – INTERVIEW
October 22 – Books,Dreams,Life – SPOTLIGHT
October 22 – Shelley’s Book Case – REVIEW
October 23 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW  
October 23 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW
October 24 – Back Porchervations – REVIEW
October 24 – The Ninja Librarian – REVIEW
October 25 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW
October 25 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT
October 26 – The Book’s the Thing – REVIEW, GUEST POST
October 26 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
October 27 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW
October 27 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW
October 28 – T’s Stuff – SPOTLIGHT
October 29 – LibriAmoriMiei – REVIEW
October 29 – Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
October 30 – A Holland Reads – GUEST POST
October 30 – A Blue Million Books – INTERVIEW
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Tuesday, October 25, 2016


THE OCCUPIED by CRAIG PARSHALL

Wow! Where do I start with this captivating and intriguing book. It is not for the faint of heart but it sure packs a punch  with adventure into good vs evil that explodes at every turn. I have read some of the authors other books which have always  captivated me  . This book is the best I have read about the demonic spirit with realism. It is a story that had me looking over my shoulder a few times. The graphic descriptions of the demons are superior to anything I have ever read. I could picture them in their grotesque form as they came to invade and torture Trevor.

Trevor is a very well developed character that takes on the dark forces with strength and trust in God. I'm not sure I could be that brave. Would you be prepared to fight against the evil spirits and not back down? I'm sure Trevor never thought when he was messing with the supernatural as a teenager  that when he became older he would be fighting them. I absolutely loved the writing and intense scenes as they drew me into the story with goosebumps going up and down my arms. When Trevor discovers that he can not only smell the demons but see them, he uses his abilities to help solve a murder. Did he know the person who was killed? Did it have anything to do with his past?

Not everyone is pleased when he starts investigating on his own and finds himself not liked with the local police. Ashley comes in contact with Trevor as she is investigating the same crime . There was definitely not a love at first sight between these two. Her character is strong but not very trusting. She has some personal issues that will pose a roadblock for her. Can she overcome her trauma and help Trevor ? Their relationship is slow to develop which was very nice and I loved how Trevor witnessed to Ashley. Will she believe that there is a God?

This book takes a subject that many  people won't talk about and brings it to the surface with spine tingling realistic dialogue and scriptures that are brilliantly placed throughout the story. I am hoping that the author continues Trevor's story . I highly recommended this book to anyone wanting to read a fictional account about demonic spirits that explodes with action and intensity.

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review. The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for it.

Sunday, October 23, 2016


SPOKEN FROM THE HEART: JOURNEY FROM FEAR TO FAITH by CHERI SWALWELL

I really enjoyed this beautifully written book. It is written as a daily journal filled with encouragement and grace to help you learn to trust and walk in faith. That is really something I have struggled with all my life. I have such a hard time trusting anyone and it has stalled my walk with Him many times. I always think why would God do anything for me? How can I trust that He will not abandon me? I knew I had a long journey ahead of me with that kind of thinking. All I needed was faith. Now how was I going to have faith in something I couldn't see?

As I started to really study the Bible the verses started to make sense to me. I could feel His presence and felt my heart anxiously ready to trust Him. I loved when the author talks about obeying what God asks you to do. I love  to bless people and I love doing it without any recognition. I have heard God say"Pay for that couple's groceries  ." Just as the author said, I didn't do it to get a reward I did it to have peace. What if I missewd my opportunity to bless someone ? I know I would be thinking about it all day and wonder if I was afraid to obey or too prideful?

We do seem to try to do all these things to please God. We volunteer for ministries and overwhelm ourselves. He isn't looking to see how much work we can do. What He does want is for us to spend time with Him. How many times  have we said we are too busy to pray right now, or we need to rush off for a meeting at church? I know I have gotten caught up in doing so many  things, I forget about my relationship with God. I loved how the author reminds us to give God our "firsts ." That doesn't just mean our" firsts " from income, but our" firsts " in spending time with Him.

I really liked the examples from the Bible that the author used to show us how to have childlike faith and to trust Him. There are so many people in the Bible that are great testaments to trusting God. What if Noah had ignored God? If the Israelites hadn't trusted God, what would have happened to them? Who would have protected  them and provided food ?

I love the idea of a blessing journal. I always take notes as I'm reading so I can go back and reflect on them. What a great idea to write the blessings that God has done in our lives. As you read them, you can see a faithful trusting God who is always there.

Thank you for writing this beautiful book that I will treasure. I will go back to it daily to remind me that God has a plan for me and I choose to live by faith not by fear.

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

8 STEPS TO ACHIEVE YOUR DESTINY by SAMUEL R. CHAND

The book is an excellent source of information to help you become a better leader. in order to become a great leader you need to surround yourself with like minded people. I liked when the author said that you want to be around others that are going to be honest with you. They will not lead you down the wrong path, but will help guide you and encourage you.

I loved when the book said, "To grow as a leader, grow other leaders." I remember when I was a supervisor I had a person who was so difficult to work with. She did the opposite of what I asked her to do and seemed to always cause discord in the group. What I finally realized was she had great leader skills and I used those skills to help the department run smoothly. Slowly she began to blossom and became a supervisor in another department.

It is so true that we don't want people just  like us because we won't really grow . We need people with different skills that can help us strengthen our skills. If we just hire people that only know as much as us, we certainly can't grow. Surround yourself with people who are more experienced so you can learn from them. I remember a manager that didn't like me because I knew more about the job and she felt threatened. What she needed to do was let me share my knowledge , but instead she became very hard to work with and found fault with my work.

The book is very informative  and really gives you sound advice as you achieve to be a better leader. We do need to learn to focus on one thing we are good at, and improve ourselves in that area. Sometimes we tend to try to do too many things that we are ok at, instead of focusing on the one thing we are great at. The author does a great job in giving examples of companies that have overcome obstacles to become a better and larger organizations.  Overall the book is a great tool to read as you grow as a leader, cast your vision and transform "your attitude, thinking, and commitments."

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."  Ecclesiastes 3:1

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network. The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for it.



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Book info
About the book: 

A Sister's Wish (Avon Inspire, September 2016)

In Shelley Shepard Gray's third book in her Charmed
 Amish Life series, a respectable young woman finds 
herself falling for an Amish man from the wrong side 
of the tracks.

Amelia Kinsinger is the perfect Amish woman---at least
according to her neighbors. And while Amelia takes pride
in her role as homemaker, she's also harboring a secret:
She's been in love with bad boy Simon Hochstetler for as
long as she can remember. Too bad he's about as far from
"perfect" as an Amish man could get . . . but that's exactly
why she's so drawn to him.

Life hasn't been kind to Simon. He ran away from an abusive
home at fifteen and things went downhill from there. Eventually,
Simon landed in prison. But the experience changed him.
Now back in Charm as a grown man, he's determined to make a
new life for himself and not think too much about his wild past . . .
unless it pertains to Amelia.

He's loved Amelia for years. To him, she represents everything good and kind in the world. When he
realizes that she returns his affections, he starts calling on her in secret, even though her older
brother Lukas---who just happens to be Simon's best friend---has made it perfectly clear that Amelia
deserves better. Simon disagrees and believes he's the only one who can truly make her happy.

But when Amelia gets hurt, it sets off a chain of events that forces them to consider their future
together---and face their past mistakes. There's a chance for love . . . but only if Simon dares to
trust Amelia with the secrets of his past.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2e2XBTQ





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I am so glad to be back reading The Charmed Amish Life. I have missed the families and all the wonderful stories that filled me with joy. In this third installment we join Amelia and Simon on their journey to forgiveness and love.

Amelia is a beautiful young woman who has taken over doing all the household chores. She is strong, independent and the youngest of the family. Her siblings treat her like a child and Amelia has just about had enough. Don't you hate being treated like a child when you are a grownup? She also has been in love with Simon since they were young. But alas, her family strongly disapproves of their relationship. Will Amelia stand up to her family and get her happily ever after?

Simon has had a very troubled childhood. He was beaten along with his siblings by his dad. Their suffering was known but I can't understand why no one would step in and rescue them. Can you image the pain, loneliness and despair they felt everyday?  Simon finds himself out in the world when he can't take anymore abuse. He makes some bad choices and finds himself in trouble. When he returns to his community he knows that he must ask forgiveness from the church. I loved how the author took his character and allowed readers to witness his transformation. It's not easy to ask for forgiveness. Will Amelia's family be able to trust Simon? Can they forgive him for his mistakes?

The book is filled with so many emotions that I cried as I read the story.  The author once again has given readers a story with secrets, and raw emotions that make you want to cry or hug the character . There is a lesson on acceptance, judging , trusting and most important of all , true forgiveness.  I found myself cheering on Simon as he tried to show everyone that he had changed. Overcoming abuse is not easy and the author wrote about it with such grace and compassion. Thank you for another powerful story about family and faith. I am looking forward to reading An Amish Family Christmas that is part of this amazing series. Be sure you pick up a copy of the entire series. It will forever change how you look at family and forgiveness.

"But our pasts make up who we are."

I received a copy of this book from the author and LitFuse. The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for it.





About the book: 

An Amish Family Christmas (Avon Inspire, October 2016)

In Shelley Shepard Gray's fourth book in her Charmed Amish Life series, an unlikely Amish romance reveals that Christmas is a time for family, miracles---and love.

Ever since his father died in a tragic fire, Levi Kinsinger has felt adrift. Newly returned to Charm, Ohio, Levi is trying to fit into his old life, only to discover he seems to have outgrown it.

But when Julia, his young widowed neighbor, asks for his help with a Christmas project, Levi finds a sense of purpose for the first time in months. She and her daughter are new to Charm and could use a friend, a job Levi takes personally. Soon enough, friendship grows into attraction, but Levi can't help having doubts. There's something about Julia that doesn't ring quite true . . .

Like Levi, Julia Kemps has survived her fair share of hardships---but only by hiding the truth of her past. Being an unmarried mother in an Amish community was unthinkable. Feeling hopeless, Julia did the only thing she could do: she moved to a new town and pretended to be a widow. But meeting Levi, she's hopeful for the first time. Little by little, she begins to imagine telling him her darkest secret, and eventually . . . perhaps even sharing her life with him.

Christmas is a time for family, and as the holiday draws closer, Julia and Levi will have to face their pasts together . . . in order to find the healing, support and love they so desperately desire.

Purchase a copy:  http://bit.ly/2dYRwqr




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How do you finish a series up that have kept readers enthralled with the characters? The answer is you take an extremely gifted author that draws you into the final story with suspense, a town that makes you feel at home and characters that make you feel like family. The author really shines with this emotional page turner that tucks at your heartstrings.

Levi is the one I have been waiting to really get to know and I loved how his character came full circle. He has come a long way in his walk with forgiveness and coming to terms with tragedy. I found him to be a strong character with a heart of gold. The family is glad to have him back home. Will he be able to find joy being home? The author has done a great job of giving readers a character that is strong yet vulnerable at times. It has been hard fir Levi  to let go of someone he  loved.  Can Levi finally find peace and move forward in his life?

Julia is a young woman who has come to town with her small daughter. What secret is she hiding? As she and Levi become friends, I enjoyed the gradual trust they developed between each other. Julia is guarded at times, but knows she needs to trust someone. I liked how her character was wanting to protect her daughter and shield her from danger. Will Julia's lies cause her and her daughter to face danger?

I really liked this story because it was a deeper more emotional story about a subject that is not easy to read about. The author made the story so realistic and there were times I wanted to tell Julia and her daughter to run. There is a great level of intrigue that will keep you glued to the book. I find that the author always writes with such great passion and raw emotions. This book closes the series in an unforgettable story of family, forgiveness, overcoming loss,  trust and a time to celebrate the holiday season. Be sure you grab a copy of this book. I would recommend you get the entire series and follow the Kinsinger family on their journey .

I received a copy of this book from the author and Litfuse . The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for it.





Blog Tour Schedule:



10/18 
Amada | ASC Book Reviews
Margaret | Frugal Shopping and More
Leslie | Did You Hear About the Morgans?
Jalynn | A Simple Life, really?!
Stacey | Books, Dream, Life
10/19 
Cheryl | cherylbbookblog
vicky | deal sharing aunt
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Sherry | My Journey Back
Megan | Pursuing Intentional Living
10/20 
Britney | Buzzing About Books
Amy | A Nest in the Rocks
Heidi | Heidi Reads...
Carrie | Reading Is My SuperPower
Erin | For Him and My Family
Annie | Just Commonly
Margaret | The World As I See It
Maureen | Maureen's Musings
Marianne | Reviewing Novels Online
10/21 
Heather | Misadventures of the Dynamic Uno
Amy | Pause for Tales
10/22 
Angela | A Holland Reads
Shannah | Faith*Love*Books
10/23 
Carla | Working Mommy Journal
Deana | Texas Book-aholic
Laura | Lighthouse Academy
Carole | The Power of Words
Lisa | A Rup Life
Amy | Pause for Tales
10/24 
Wendy | Wall-to-wall books
Lena | A Christian Writer's World
Kav | Best Reads
Tressa | Wishful Endings
Hallie | Book by Book
10/25 
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Susan | Susan Heim on Writing
Mary | The Mary Book Reader
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10/26 
Keri | My Table of Three
Kathleen | Reviews From The Heart
Amanda | The Talbert Report
10/27 
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Cindy | Cindy's Book Reviews
Kara | Ramblings of a Marine Wife
Wendy | Life at Rossmont
10/28 
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Brittany | Britt Reads Fiction
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10/29 
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Julia | Christian Bookaholic
10/30 
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Rachel | Wife, Then Mama
10/31 
Julie | More Of Him
Karen | Ting's Mom Books
11/1 
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Billy | Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer
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Lisa | Seeking with all yur heart
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Sue | Thoughts from Mill Street
Ashley | Ashley's Bookshelf
11/2 
Andrea | Two Points of Interest
LeAnne | Rockin' My Mom Jeans
11/3 
Mindy | A room without books is empty
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11/4 
April | Dixie n Dottie
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Michelle | New Horizon Reviews
Elisha | Bookjunkiemom @Rainy Day Reviews
Tammy | Tammy Is Blessed
Carrie | Farming On Faith
Brittanie | A Book Lover







About the author:


Shelley Shepard Gray is a New York Times and USA Todaybestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail.