SHATTERED by SABRINA SAMPLES

Have you ever read a book that reached down into your soul and took your hurt and crushed it so your pain was gone? This book is one that delivers powerful words of a time where all the author felt was pain. Her struggle to survive is felt through every word written. So many people are out there asking for help, a hug or just a smile . I loved how the author took a subject like suicide and depression and brought it to the surface for everyone to understand. It is not easy to overcome a painful  emotional trauma in your life, but with the authors' words, you can feel healing and hope .

I'm glad I had the honor to read this inspiring book. It definitely hit home and has encouraged me to keep going and not give up. For anyone out there who struggles  with depression, suicide, low self esteem or lonliness , this book is a must read. The book is honest and shares how one person who was at the darkest moment in  their life  found a way to believe they were valued and loved. Thank you for writing a book that truly is a story of hope, survival and healing.

WISH YOU WERE HERE by SABRINA SAMPLES

I have just read a book so emotionally charged that it took my breath away. I love when an author writes with depth and shows a piece of  them that is raw and filled with great insight. This short book of poems honors the authors dad. Throughout the book we get glimpses of a bond between father and daughter that was so richly filled with admiration and love. As I read each poem I felt tears fall down my face. Sabrina Samples writes such heartfelt words that pierce the soul. Her pain and loss of her father is deep and through her words, she shares a tiny piece of a life taken to soon.

I tried to pick out one poem that was my favorite, but that was impossible. Each poem has its own story to tell and its own emotions to share that give readers a picture of unconditional love. Her loss was hard for a young girl to deal with and with each poem she has put her feelings down to forever remember her father. Take your time as you read this powerful book and absorb the quality of a well written book . At the end of the book there are several handwritten notes the author has written to her dad on special moments in her life. I loved those notes so much and I know he is proud of you Sabrina.

"If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died."

Book Information

A heart once deceived should not be easily fooled again . . .
Katrina Stoltzfus thought she had life and love all figured out: she was going to marry John and live happily ever after. But as her plans crumble before her eyes, she struggles to face an uncertain future. When a widow asks for help starting a new business, Katrina quickly agrees. She needs time to heal her broken heart, to untangle her messy life, to find a purpose.

What she doesn’t need is attention from Andy Miller, a farmhand who arrives at the widow’s farm just when help is most needed–and who always seems to say the right thing and be in the right place, at the right time. Is Andy for real or too good to be true? She’s been deceived once before, and she isn’t planning on experiencing it again.

Guest  Post from Suzzanne Woods Fisher

If you think you have a pretty clear idea of what an Amish bishop is like—stern, authoritative, patriarchal?—have another think. David Stoltzfus in The Imposter is warm, kindhearted, a reluctant farmer, and quite attractive!

Sound like an unlikely character for an Amish novel? Maybe so, but David Stoltzfus is modeled after a bishop I met, years ago. This real-life bishop might be the most intelligent, thoughtful, spiritually sensitive, and well-read man I’ve ever met. We spent a morning talking Bonhoeffer in his Spartan living room, warmed by his woodstove.

I wanted to present the character of a bishop that best represented this man I’d grown to admire. So when it was time to create a proposal for a new series, I suggested ‘The Bishop’s Family,’ starring David Stoltzfus who was loosely based on this particular bishop.

Very loosely.

David Stoltzfus is a handsome, widowed father of six who runs a local bulk food store. His children are surprisingly nonconforming, outspoken, and fiercely protective of their clan. The real-life bishop is a farmer, happily married with four independently minded children, and looks…well, to be candid, he looks a little like Benjamin Franklin.

But here’s what they have in common: they both love to read, they love their families, and they love the work God has given them of tending a flock.

The Imposter begins as David Stoltzfus moves his family to Stoney Ridge for a fresh start, a new beginning. Things don’t start off well: his eldest daughter, Katrina, faces a crushing disappointment, his prodigal son Jesse has a bent for troublemaking, and then David realizes something fishy is going on in the little church.

A new life awaits the Stoltzfus family, but not the one they expected. Or wanted. But they are needed in Stoney Ridge, each one of them. Even Jesse. J

I hope you’ll feel as though you’ve made some new friends as you get to know David and his children. One thing I can promise: this bishop’s family will surprise you.

Happy Reading!

Warmly, Suzanne

www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

Author Information

Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author whose most recent novels include Anna’s Crossing and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and The Heart of the Amish. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher.

I was very intrigued by this book due to the title. How many of us have had imposters in our life? We think they are a perfect fit for us, then it turns out we were wrong. People can surprise us with their charm and somehow before we know it, we feel deceived, hurt and untrusting when they turn out to be an imposter. THE IMPOSTER draws on the emotions of several characters and gives us a glimpse into the flaws of people that seemed trustworthy but turned out to be quite the opposite.

What would you do it the love of your life wasn't who you thought they were? Works you give up and crawl into a shell or move forward and trust God ? Katrina finds herself asking these questions as she learns that the man she was to marry has deceived her. She is heartbroken to learn that her beau is set to marry someone else. When an opportunity arises to help a widow, Katrina along with her father decide she should go. Maybe this is just what she needs to clear her head and trust God for her new season. It's funny how we think when things are so bad, thst God always has a plan. Katrina will find herself wondering if she can truly trust her heart when someone new enters her life. Will this new man be a good, kind, hardworking and  trusting person? Is he the IMPOSTER?

There are several other characters that are intricate to the story. They each have a pivotal role in the story that seems to interweave as the author delivers an outstanding book that is filled with some funny moments which lighten the story a bit. It isn't easy to know for sure who the IMPOSTER is but as the story takes readers on twists and turns, you become so involved thst you can't put the book down. The author has started a new series that is sure to become a favorite as each character finds their way with help from scriptures placed gracefully throughout the story. I love how the author has a charming way of pointing her characters to God in a gentle way and gives readers an emotional journey that ends with hope, love and trust.

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

Giveaway

Suzanne is graciously giving away a Kindle Fire 7! Click below to enter!

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 Link to purchase book: http://amzn.to/1S8oHok

I always enjoy reading books from this author and couldn't wait to start. This is another big win for the author. She is consistent in her writing technique by giving readers wonderful story lines and characters we come to love or sometimes hate. I must admit I did have a few tears fall as I read this beautiful story that is a bit of the prodigal son returns meets Deadliest Catch.

Owen was the star hockey player who had it all. He was famous, nice looking and well recognized in the hockey league as a great player. One day all that changed and he runs from his troubles straight to a crabbing boat located in Alaska. This will not be an easy job as he boards the vessel ready to tackle  his new life. The authors description about crabbing was very well written and yes I thought of the shoe THE DEADLIEST CATCH as I read the riveting encounter experienced at sea. The sea is not nice and Owen finds that out quickly. Much to his surprise there is a woman on the boat. Her name is Scotty and just happens to be the captains daughter. What will happen as these two work together on the rough seas doing a dangerous job?

When Owen finds out that there is a big crisis at home, he decides to go and try to mend a relationship with his family. I won't say much about what brings Scotty home with Owen except to say this is one funny scene . Owen is so focused on getting her to follow him that he does something that shocks Scotty. When they arrive at his house, the welcome is somewhat cold from some members of the family. This is where the authors excellent writing skills shine. She is able to show a family in crisis yet willing to begin the process of forgiveness to Owen who left them without working things out. I have always heard the saying "You can never go home again." In this case that saying is wrong and as you read the story you see how a family comes together to help one of their own.

The family will be tested in their faith and struggle to overcome pain and hurt. Who can they turn to in their darkest hour? The author does a great job of showing the conflict between Owen and his brother. What secret will Owen discover? Will it push the brothers further apart or draw them closer? The book has several relationships that are worth following to see how God works things out . The key is to trust him , have faith and forgive.  I highly recommended this moving story about a family in crisis who turn to their faith for help.

I received a copy of this book from The Tyndale Blog Network for an honest review

CHANGE OF HEART by COURTNEY WALSH

Isn't it nice to think you have the perfect life? You are married to a senator , which spells  power to many. Evelyn is on cloud nine with a house that others dream of, clothes from only the best designers and moves in the most upstanding circles. Yes she thought she had it all until one day the world crashes in around her. How did she get to this point in her life? Why would she let a man control her almost like his puppet?

It looks like Evelyn or Evie to her friends needs a change in her life before her world tumbles out of control.
As more unsavory things are revealed  about her husband, an old friend shows up to help her out. Trevor has always been in love with Evie, but he stepped aside when Evie married his best friend. Now as more unsettling news turns up that devastes Evie, Trevor is there to help her out. Trevor is willing to stand with her and maybe just maybe have a chance at winning her love . . Will past  secrets keep Trevor and Evie apart?  The story is written very well and has characters thst you can relate to. It is a touching story of lost  love, second chances and a chance at true forgiveness. I am looking forward to the next book in the series and I encourage readers to grab their copy of the first one, PAPER HEARTS to add to their collection.

I received a copy of this book from Tyndale Blog Network for an honest review.

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TAILSPIN by ELIZABETH GODDARD

Once again the author has written a super charged  action packed book that is hard to put down. I could feel the cold water as it splashed on Sylvies'  body as she swam in the ocean. The breathtaking scenes are so vivid you seem to be there as she scours underneath for any signs of life. The series , Mountain Cove continues with a superb cast of characters.

Sylvie is a scuba instructor who goes to a small town in Alaska to find out what happened to her mom. How can a plane just disappear without a trace?   Sylvie wants answers and will not stop until she gets them. Her character is a very strong determined young woman who will stop at nothing to find her mom.  The other main character, Will, is a bush pilot from Mountain Cove. He decides to fly over where his moms' plane went down  to see if there is anything the searchers missed. Is it a coincidence that Sylvie and Will are looking for the same downed plane? What happens to Sylvie when she is scuba diving where the plane went down? The details are so powerful that I could not stop reading. Is there someone who doesn't want Sylvie to find out the truth from that fateful day?

The book is masterfully written with intrigue , unforgettable action and twists that will surprise readers . I love how the author crafted a mystery with a bit of romance into the story. The story is not rushed and keeps readers interested with a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat. This is one book that mystery lovers will not want to miss.

I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.

 

Vamps, Villains and Vaudeville by Ellen Mansoor Collier

I love this series and going back to the Jazz era and Prohibition. ~Community Bookstop

Vamps, Villains and Vaudeville (Jazz Age Mystery Series) (Volume 4) Cozy Mystery Publisher: DECODAME PRESS (August 5, 2015) Paperback: 250 pages ISBN-13: 978-0989417082 E-Book ASIN: B0111GYYYE

Synopsis

In 1920s Galveston, society reporter Jazz Cross is in for a surprise when she attends a traveling vaudeville show with her beau, Prohibition Agent James Burton, and discovers that an old flame acts in the production. That night, they find a stabbing victim behind the Oasis — her half-brother Sammy’s speakeasy — who’s identified as an actor in the troupe. When the victim disappears and later turns up dead, Jazz must help prove that Sammy wasn’t the killer.

Meanwhile, a ring of jewel thieves is turning up all over town, robbing rich tourists of their precious gems. After a second vaudeville actor is found dead, Jazz discovers that the events behind the scenes are much more interesting than the outdated acts onstage.

To make matters worse, Sammy’s old nemesis demands that he settles a score and forces him into yet another illegal scheme. Can Jazz help solve the murders and prove her brother’s innocence—so he can escape the Downtown Gang for good?

A historical Jazz Age mystery inspired by real-life Galveston gangs and local landmarks.

 

About The Author

Ellen Mansoor Collier is a Houston-based freelance magazine writer and editor whose articles and essays have been published in a variety of national magazines. Several of her short stories have appeared in Woman’s World. During college summers, she worked as a reporter for a Houston community newspaper and as a cocktail waitress, both jobs providing background experience for her Jazz Age mysteries.

A flapper at heart, she’s worked as a magazine editor/writer, and in advertising and public relations (plus endured a hectic semester as a substitute teacher). She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Magazine Journalism and served on UTmost, the college magazine and as president of WICI (Women in Communications).

FLAPPERS, FLASKS AND FOUL PLAY is her first novel, published in 2012, followed by the sequel, BATHING BEAUTIES, BOOZE AND BULLETS, released in May 2013. She lives in Houston with her husband and Chow mutts, and visits Galveston whenever possible.

“When you grow up in Houston, Galveston becomes like a second home. I had no idea this sleepy beach town had such a wild and colorful past until I began doing research, and became fascinated by the legends and stories of the 1920s. Finally I had to stop researching and start writing, trying to imagine a flapper’s life in Galveston during Prohibition.”

Author Links: Website: http://www.flapperfinds.com/ GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6452242.Ellen_Mansoor_Collier Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/artdecodame/flappers/ Purchase Links: Amazon Click on the book covers to order from Amazon. B&N a Rafflecopter giveaway Tour Participants March 21 – Community Bookstop – REVIEW March 21 – Writing Belle - SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT March 22 – Mythical Books – EXCERPT March 22 – Queen of All She Reads - SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT March 23 – A Blue Million Books - INTERVIEW March 24 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too! - SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT March 25 – Island Confidential - INTERVIEW, EXCERPT March 26 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book - GUEST POST March 27 – Texas Book-aholic - REVIEW March 28 – Cassidy Salem Reads & Writes - GUEST POST March 28 – I Read What You Write - REVIEW March 29 – Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews - GUEST POST March 30 – View from the Birdhouse - SPOTLIGHT March 30 – Readsalot – INTERVIEW Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here Find Details and Sign Up Today!