Saturday, January 21, 2017

MORE THAN A MARRIAGE by AMY LILLARD

I love going back to Wells Landing and finding out what is going on with this tight knit group. I love how the author writes about people and situations that some of us have had to deal with. We all want our spouses to give us attention and listen to us. Sometimes we can feel left out and our mind starts to convince us that we aren't happy in our marriage.

Tess is such a sweet woman who wants to be the perfect wife for her husband Jacob. I found myself really seeing myself in her. At the beginning of my marriage I thought I was doing everything right. I slowly let little things start to bother me and  found myself thinking my husband didn't want to be with me anymore. I loved when Tess was talking to Jacob and says, " Were you even listening to me?"  "Of course I was ." Jacob frowned. " I just didn't hear what you said."  I thought that was a brilliant come back and made me realize how many times I've asked my husband the same question. Jacob was listening to her voice but he sure wasn't concentrating on what Tess was saying.

Jacob is a very hardworking man who adores his  wife. He does seem to pay a lot of attention to his cell phone. Every time he looked at the cell phone I could feel Tess tense up. She began to wonder why the phone was more important than her.  The author did a great job of showing both sides in the marriage and it sure opened my eyes to some things in my own life. I complain about my hubby not spending  time with me because he is always watching the news. What I failed to remember is that I usually have my nose stuck in a book and barely glance at him when he comes home.

One of the most important things the author shows us is through Tess. She is always comparing her marriage to others. Sometimes we forget that we need to be content with what we have.  Will Jacob and Tess be able to find happiness in their marriage? Should Tess be comparing her marriage to her friends marriage? The story is so beautifully written and I loved the characters so much. The author does a great job of showing readers that marriage isn't always easy. There has to be compromise and communication . This book was very hard to put down and I loved how the story was engaging . This is one story that I found myself completely mesmerized by and thought the story line was written with such eloquence.

 "Don't let your pride get in the way of your marriage. "

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



Settle in for some winter reading and enter to win a copy of Keith's book and a Kindle Fire!


 



One grand prize winner will receive:


  • A copy of Eden

  • A Kindle Fire

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on January 24. The winner will be announced January 25 on Keith's blog.






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Experience the Gospels in a way that you never imagined in Keith Korman's new book (plus a #Kindle #giveaway): http://bit.ly/2jqMp2L

Recapture the feeling the first time you opened the Bible with Keith Korman's new book AND a Kindle Fire #giveaway! http://bit.ly/2jqMp2L

Book info
About the book: 

Eden: The Animals' Parable (Liberty Island, April 2016)
"Ask the animals, and they will teach you." -Job 12:7
Experience the Gospels in a way that you never imagined.
In this beautifully inspired retelling of the Gospels, we see Jesus and his disciples in the Holy Land through the eyes of the animals---especially his intrepid and loyal dog, Eden.
With a wise, old donkey, innocent lambs, and legions of curious field mice---the animals follow their master's journey across Galilee and onto Jerusalem, rapt with awe and wonder and bearing great tidings---even if they don't fully comprehend the divine events they witness.
Simple, clear, and spiritually profound, Eden is for readers of all ages, this artful retelling is captivating, moving, and alive with the joy you felt the first time you opened the Bible.

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

About the author:




Keith Korman is a literary agent and novelist. Over the years he has represented many nationally-known writers of fiction and non-fiction at his family's literary agency, Raines & Raines. The idea for Eden first came to him as a child when he saw the little calf jump across the stable in the prelude to William Wyler's Ben Hur. And he's been thinking about it ever since.




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I really enjoyed this book and the way the author used animals to retell stories from the Bible. It was very easy to read and understand. I had to stop at the beginning when there was a warning that the animals needed to move because there was danger coming. Sheba was concerned about her puppies because there were so many of them. How were they going to save all the pups? I loved the answer, " We shall carry them no matter what. None shall be left behind ." That reminded me of the passage in the Bible of the one sheep  that had gone astray and God went after the wandering sheep. He said that no sheep would be left behind. It  make me think how a simple passage in a story told by animals made me realize how true it is that God wants to leave no one behind. I loved the way it was told and thought how easy it would be for a young child to understand it.

Eden is especially endearing and I loved following the journey with this sweet  dog. The animals are used  well to tell different parables from the Bible. I found it to be a book that could be enjoyed with children as their parents read it to them. It makes a great tool to use for discussing what the parables mean from the Bible. As you read to your child what better time then to discuss what the Bible says in parallel to the book. Overall I found the book very well written and definitely one I recommend for all ages. Parents get a copy and enjoy the book with your children. They will love listening to the animals  talk and learn about Jesus in an easy to understand story that will keep their attention.

I received a copy of this book from LitFuse. The review is my honest opinion.

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Blog Tour Schedule:
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Lena | A Christian Writer's World
Cathy | Two Girls and a Book

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

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A GHOSTLY REUNION
by Tonya Kappes

This light, ghostly murder mystery is filled with humor and quirky characters with large personalities.
~fundinmental
…the mystery is rib ticklin’ fun and as sticky as a humid afternoon.
~fuonlyknew
You’ll enjoy your visit to Sleepy Hollow. Whodunit might surprise you…
~Laura’s Interests 
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A Ghostly Reunion: A Ghostly Southern Mystery
Series: Ghostly Southern Mysteries (Book 5)
Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Witness (December 27, 2016)
ISBN-13: 978-0062466952
E-Book ASIN: B01DSV6ULA

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Synopsis
Emma Lee Raines sees dead people
Proprietor of the Eternal Slumber Funeral Home, Emma Lee can see, hear, and talk to ghosts of murdered folks. And when her high school nemesis is found dead, Jade Lee Peel is the same old mean girl—trying to come between Emma Lee and her hot boyfriend, Sheriff Jack Henry Ross, all over again.
There’s only one way for Emma Lee to be free of the trash-talking ghost—solve the murder so the former prom queen can cross over.
But the last thing Jade Lee wants is to leave the town where she had her glory days. And the more Emma Lee investigates on her own, the more complicated Miss Popularity turns out to be. Now Emma Lee will have to work extra closely with her hunky lawman to get to the twisty truth.
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About the Author

For years, USA Today bestselling author Tonya Kappes has been self-publishing her numerous mystery and romance titles with unprecedented success. She is famous not only for her hilarious plotlines and quirky characters, but her tremendous marketing efforts that have earned her thousands of followers and a devoted street team of fans. Be sure to check out Tonya’s website for upcoming events and news and to sign up for her newsletter! Tonyakappes.com
Also by Tonya Kappes
Kenni Lowry Mystery Series
Olivia Davis Paranormal Mystery Series
Magical Cures Mystery Series
A CHARMING VOODOO
Grandberry Falls Series
A Laurel London Mystery Series
A Divorced Diva Beading Mystery Series
Bluegrass Romance Series
Women’s Fiction
Young Adult
A Ghostly Southern Mystery Series
Enjoy a free ebook from Tonya when you sign up for her newsletter by clicking here.
Visit Tonya:
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I love a book that makes me laugh , has quirky dialogue and characters that are funny and over the top. This book has all the elements for a great read and funny sayings that had me laughing so hard I cried. I could visualize every character by the great description the author wrote. The personality of the characters were straight out of a small town where everyone knew each other's business.

Emma is such a great character I think I would enjoy being her friend. She is witty, smart and oh yeah she sees dead people. Can you imagine being able to see a dead person and actually talk to them ? Emma didn't ask for that gift but a freak accident by a plastic Santa gave her the ability to help the dead cross over. The author has such a great sense of humor and it shines throughout the story. Emma works at the family business , Eternal Slumber Funeral Home.  She has a nickname that will have you rolling on the floor.

The big news in town is the class reunion that Emma has been working on. Everyone is starting to show up in town and one special person has just arrived. I know we all have that one person who we just did not like in school. They were popular , beautiful and let's not forget snotty and rude. Who would have thought the girl who made it big would show up in town for the class reunion?

Jade Peel has made a grand entrance into town and my do the people fawn over her. She did make a name for herself as a star and there is no way she would miss coming to the reunion. What better opportunity than to rub her celebrity status at a quaint little reunion. Emma is not a happy person when she sees Jade. Why does Emma have a grudge against Jade? I have to say that Jade was a mean spirited person but I really liked her character. She was very well written and even though she was a mean girl in high school there was a little insecure girl somewhere inside her. Well maybe it's well hidden but she sure could stir up trouble.

The story is fast paced and Emma has her hands full when someone is found dead at her grandmother's Inn. Can you guess who the dead person is? It makes for a lot of laughs as Emma tries to help solve the murder. I loved the book so much I read it without stopping till the end. There are many suspects and I was a bit surprised at who the killer was. Get ready for another great book with all the elements of surprises and plenty of laughs to please readers  looking for a fun cozy mystery . The author has once again written a story that makes you laugh, keeps you guessing and leaves you wanting to read more books from her.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from The Great Escape Book Tour. The review is my honest review.


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January 7 – Books,Dreams,Life – SPOTLIGHT
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Sunday, January 15, 2017

A TAPESTRY OF SECRETS by SARAH LOUDIN THOMAS

I fell in love with the story from the beginning.  I remember going to my grandfather's farm when I was younger. It was the best time of my life. There was always something to do whether is was gathering eggs or hanging the laundry out to dry in the gentle breeze. This story reminds of those times that I was able to spend time with my grandparents. The author does a great job of describing how important family is.

When Ella receives a call that her grandmother is in the hospital she goes home to take care of her. I enjoyed the tender relationship they shared and the respect that Ella had for her grandmother. Perla has a long road ahead of her as she tries to recover from her stroke. Inside she is battling with a secret that she has kept for many years. Can secrets tear a family apart? As Petra's daughter comes  back to help with her care, will Petra find a way to tell her secret She has been keeping?

I loved the theme throughout the book about how important family is. Secrets can separate families and cause hurt that sometimes is hard to repair. I did like the way the story went back and forth in time. It gives a glimpse of Petra as a young woman who makes decisions that will have long term consequences on the family. Can past hurts be healed?

The story is beautifully written as a family learns to forgive, rely on their faith and appreciate the love of a family.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from The Bethany House Blogger Review Program