Saturday, January 27, 2018

THE CELEBRATION by
WANDA E. BRUNSTETTER

I was so excited when I received a copy of this book in the mail. I have anxiously been waiting to continue Heidi and Lyle’s story. This series has brought many different people together and shared their secrets and left finding hope and new friends.

The author doesn’t disappoint her readers with this charming story. I loved the concept of a cooking class for children. Heidi has such patience as she works with the children. Her calmness and compassion just oozes off the page. I can’t explain why, but as I read the book, I felt this peace come over me. Heidi and Lyle have been like family to me and I have enjoyed reading how they work together, pray together and dream together. I enjoyed the story about foster care. Will Heidi and Lyle’s prayers be answered so they can adopt the children they have been caring for?

Heidi will have her hands full with this class. The children are different ages. Some have family problems, while others have single parents. I love the interaction the parents had with each other. I can say one young lady has a smart mouth and will find out quickly that she won’t make friends in the class with her stinky attitude. I fell in love with Velma the instant she was introduced. She is a proud woman who is willing to work around the house for Heidi so her daughter can attend the cooking classes. I loved how she is willing to do whatever she can to make her children feel accepted, loved and provided for.

The story once again will have readers finding themselves invested in each character. I loved how the author showed how a community comes together to help their neighbors and how each child found a way to be happy in their life and appreciate what they have. This is my favorite book in the series. I learned how gracious the Amish are and appreciate the time Heidi took to show each child that they were capable of doing anything if they trust and believe.

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

Friday, January 26, 2018

MELODY OF THE SOUL TOUR AND GIVEAWAY

Anna has one chance for survival-and it lies in the hands of her mortal enemy.

It's 1943 and Anna Zadok, a Jewish Christian living in Prague, has lost nearly everything. Most of her family has been deported, and the Nazi occupation ended her career as a concert violinist. Now Anna is left to care for her grandmother, and she'll do anything to keep her safe-a job that gets much harder when Nazi officer Horst Engel is quartered in the flat below them.

Though musical instruments have been declared illegal, Anna defiantly continues to play the violin. But Horst, dissatisfied with German ideology, enjoys her soothing music. When Anna and her grandmother face deportation, Horst risks everything to protect them.

Anna finds herself falling in love with the handsome officer and his brave heart. But what he reveals might stop the music forever.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

About the Author:

Best-selling novelist Liz Tolsma is the author of several World War II novels and prairie romance novellas. She also works as a freelance editor. She lives in a semirural area of Wisconsin with her husband and two daughters. Her son serves with the US Marines. All of their chidlren came to them through international adoption.

Travel back in time to 1943 and meet Anna Zadok, a Jewish Christian and concert violinist whose career is ended because of Nazi occupation in Prague. Don't miss the new historical novel, The Melody of the Soul, by Liz Tolsma. Though musical instruments have been declared illegal, Anna defiantly continues to play the violin. But Officer Horst Engel, quartered in Anna's flat and dissatisfied with German ideology, enjoys her soothing music. When Anna and her grandmother face deportation, Horst risks everything to protect them.

I am so emotionally drained after reading this book, that I don’t think I will ever be the same again. The atrocities that the Jewish people endured was so hurtful I cried throughout the book. The book draws readers in with details that only an author that has done extensive research could write. Her words flow with emotion across the pages. I am so upset after reading this book because the thought of people bring hunted down and murdered because of their ethnicity is barbaric. It’s part of our history that can never be erased and I’m ashamed that it happened to innocent people.

The author gives us a few characters that we follow as they go through the horrors of hiding and at times some being found. Can you imagine having to hide in a little crevice hoping you would not be discovered? Anna is a wonderful character who relies on the music from her violin and God to help ease her fear and desperation. I could hear her music quietly play as hope enveloped her. Her desire to keep her family safe was so emotional, I wanted to help her hide and hug her at the same time.

It is hard to allow your heart to trust during this difficult time. I often questioned if Anna was making a wise choice when she begins to trust a German soldier. Will the soldier keep Anna and her grandmother safe? I loved how the author used certain characters to illustrate the passage in the Bible about “laying your life down for a friend.” Those lives were sacrificed so others would be safe. Would you be able to give your life to save another? This has to be one of the most powerful, realistic book I’ve ever read about the unfair treatment of Jews. The author captured the truth of an historical event and wrote a story that we must never forget.

“No one should be hunted because of the blood that flows in their veins. We’re all created in God’s image.”

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

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/LTolsma

Join Liz Tolsma and other bookworms for a Facebook Live event on February 6, plus enter to win Liz's prize pack giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

One copy of The Melody of the Soul A garnet bracelet A box of Czech Republic chocolate

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 6. The winner will be announced at Liz's Facebook Live Party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Liz and other readers, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

`RSVP today and spread the word-tell your friends about the giveaway and Facebook Live party via social media and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 6th!`

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

MENDING BROKEN BRANCHES by
ELIZABETH OATES

I grew up in a very violent and abusive home. Living in fear everyday is not something you can easily get over. I never stopped praying but I sure did question why I was having to go through this. The author does address several issues through scripture which I liked. The book is more of a quiet bible study one on one with you and God.

The moment she started talking about triggers she grabbed my attention. I have PTSD due to sever trauma. I never know what may set me off , but I know it can be terrifying. In the book she talks about memories and how they need to be shared. I did like when she said, “While the enemy wants us to suppress our pain, God wants us to release it so we can be set free.” I agree to a certain point. Of course we want to be free of our painful past, but if you are not ready to go through the memories and every emotion that comes with it, I say wait. Let God continue to heal you, let Him be the guide and He will show you when it’s time to start the healing process.

One of the most profound things I read in this book was something I never realized I needed to do. When I became pregnant with my first child, I was over the moon excited but a little nervous. I was determined to love this child unconditionally and to protect him at all costs. I started to become worried about every little thing. I wanted to protect this child from the evils of the world. What I didn’t do was “grieve the childhood I always wanted.” I needed to cry for that little girl who was never able to be happy.

In the Bible it says to “ honor your mother and father.” I have always struggled with that since they abused me and allowed other family members to do the same. My dad was a preacher, so it became hard to see him preach every week and come home to “our little family secret.” I have forgiven my parents but there are days my bitterness sneaks back into my life. I have a long way to go , but I’m a work in progress.

I appreciate the way the book is set up and how there are questions at the end of the chapters to dig deeper. For me this was a hard book to get through only because I am not completely there yet. I am a work in progress. I will keep this book close by and slowly take my time and allow God to guide me through “Mending Broken Branches.”

I received a copy of this book from Kregel Blogging Program. The review is my own opinion.

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

About the Book

Title: Son of Promise

Author: Caryl McAdoo

Genre: Woman’s Fiction

Be it known, your sins will find you out, but God’s mercy endureth forever!

Can a wife find the grace to forgive when her husband’s withheld the truth?

Travis Buckmeyer has a secret son, and the morning’s come to tell his sweet wife. He hates breaking Emma Lee’s heart. She promised him one ten years ago, but hasn’t been blessed to carry a baby to term. Every miscarriage made the telling harder, but now his clock’s run out. He’s going for his son, praying he won’t lose her.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Caryl McAdoo prays her story brings God glory, and a quick scroll through her novels’ rankings by Christian readers attests to the Father’s faithfulness. She loves writing almost as much as singing the new songs He gives her—look her up on YouTube to hear a few. Her high school sweetheart husband won her heart fifty-two years ago, and now they share four children and seventeen grandsugars. Ron and Caryl live in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas, waiting expectantly for God to open the next door.

Guest Post from Caryl McAdoo

SON OF PROMISE—a companion story to my Texas Romance Family Saga’s book ten CHIEF OF SINNERS—features Travis and Emma Lee Buckmeyer, who readers first meet in CHIEF. She’s the sister of its heroine Sandy Harris, and he is a friend of its hero Buddy Nightingale; he’s also the son of Crockett Buckmeyer (from book eight COVERING LOVE) and grandson of Patrick Henry Buckmeyer (hero of book one VOW UNBROKEN).

A standalone, it isn’t necessary for readers to know all these ancestors to enjoy SON OF PROMISE, but those who do will surely love it all the more. What I know is that this couple won a chunk of my heart. Their faith is outstanding and their love inspiring. In the ’40s, Emma Lee didn’t have the fertility options young women do today, and miscarriage after miscarriage left her hurting. That’s why he hadn’t told her.

He didn’t want to hurt her, but circumstances had changed, and time was up. She had to be told that morning he already had a son born from a one night liaison thirteen years before because he was leaving to claim his Cody from a reform school and bring him home.

The boy had never known real love, but I loved him from the first. Forced to grow up way too fast—lying, stealing, and participating in most any other rebellious act—he’s missed so much. He’s overwhelmed with Travis and Emma Lee—their home, their partnership and love for each other, and their generosity toward him.

He planned to light out from the start, but days piled on top each other, and he never pulled the trigger.

In VOW UNBROKEN, there was an awesome canine named Blue Dog, and I went into his POV (Point Of View—got into his head) a couple of times. My Simon & Schuster editor ‘requested’ that I lose those segments, and so I did. But in this novel, I get into a canine’s head again . . . I’m hoping readers will find that fun.

In years past, I owned, managed, and milked a herd of eighty-plus dwarf goats and loved their Great Pyrenees guardians, so it was fun to include them in the story. I love how Emma Lee was able to sell her paintings for exorbitant prices, but remained so humble and unassuming. And that she and Travis opened their home (they’re so much like my husband and me) to total strangers. We’ve had so many people live with us over the years, to help them, be blessings—the hands and feet of God in the earth.

I pray my story gives God glory and that its readers will be drawn closer to Him through it. He blesses me and highly favors me daily. I can’t thank or praise Him enough!

Every time I read a book from this author, I fall in love with her writing style more. She has the ability to take readers to the depths of hope, love and forgiveness and breathe life into each emotion. I love her references to Texas cities since I’m a Texas gal. The vivid descriptions are so picturesque that I can close my eyes and see the scenes clearly. The characters in this book are varied and each one plays a vital part to an emotionally charged story.

It’s easy to fall in love with Travis and Emma Lee. They are both kind hearted and willing to reach out and help others. What would you do if you found out your spouse had kept a secret from you? Emma Lee seems to handle the situation with such grace. I wish I could be more like her. When Cody comes to live with them, I cried. The poor child had endured such a terrible childhood. It’s understandable that he would be on guard with his feelings. Living with a mother who is less than pure puts a big hole in his heart. Emma Lee has the ability to love this child with ease.

Winnie for me was someone I really had to reach deep to like. Then as I read more of her story, I found myself wanting to root for her. Winnie is selfish at times and has no sense of what a mother should be. I wanted to hate her , but I remember a person who wanted a second chance and cried out for God for help. I was lost in the world in my twenties and needed to be rescued. Just like Winnie, I wanted to feel love. This story tells of how surrender and unconditional love can change lives. I’m thankful for authors who write stories that are relatable and don’t sugar coat anything. Don’t miss this gripping story of redemption, acceptance and forgiveness.

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 18

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, January 18

Christian Author, J.E.Grace Blog, January 19

Splashes of Joy, January 19

Karen Sue Hadley , January 20

Maureen’s Musings, January 20

proud to be an autism mom, January 21

Bibliophile Reviews, January 21

Reading is My SuperPower, January 22 (Interview)

A Greater Yes, January 22

Texas Book-aholic, January 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 23

Baker kella, January 24

Janices book reviews, January 24

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 25

Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 25

Quiet Quilter, January 26

Carpe Diem, January 26

C Jane Read, January 27

A Baker’s Perspective, January 27

Simple Harvest Reads, January 28 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

Pursuing Stacie, January 28

Red Headed Book Lady, January 29

margaret kazmierczak, January 29

cherylbbookblog, January 30

Bigreadersite, January 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 31

Avid Reader Book Reviews, January 31

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Caryl is giving away

GRAND PRIZE : $50 Amazon Gift Card
1st Prize: Choice-of-Caryl’s Titles (print or ebook)
2nd-4th: ebook of SON OF PROMISE!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c511

Monday, January 22, 2018

I may be one of the few who really got the meaning of this book. I thought it was brilliant writing and I’m still shaking after reading it. I’ve read a few reviews which said they didn’t like it because it was published by a Christian Publishing company with no scripture reference through the entire book. I’m reviewing the book on the context not what I think should be in there. Being a Christian doesn’t mean you have to only read books that quote scripture or reference God. The book was an awakening to me because out there is evil. It is right beside us everyday, it sneaks into our thoughts and can consume us at anytime.

From the beginning of the book, I knew it was going to be a dark almost demonic book. I wasn’t prepared for the depth the author took readers to. I shivered as the book opened with someone realizing they have been buried alive. My heart beat faster as I imagined being that person trapped. I would be going crazy trying to get out. Michael is the one trapped and I felt every scratch he made as he tried to crawl out of what must have felt like hell.

I loved Michael because the author wrote him so well. He is a very troubled soul who all his life felt a desperate need to be wanted. The horrific crime he commits as a child is unthinkable. I did find it odd that he would be sent to a prison with adults but as I read the story, I understood the purpose. Do you believe in guardian angels? Are there demonic spirits around waiting to devour us? Michael has known nothing but what it feels like to locked away with just your thoughts for years. What happens when he returns to the town he once lived in? The book is undeniably dark, scary and delivers a message that there is good and evil in this world. Michael must fight from inside him to rid the darkness. Is he strong enough to survive? Can he control the darkness that lives deep inside, or will it destroy anytjung in its path? I must applaud the author for his upfront take on a subject very few write about. I loved his candor and thought the characters were suspenseful and strong. This is one of the best thrillers I have have ever read on this subject. I hope to find more books from this talented author.

I received a copy of this book from The Revell Blogging Program. The review is my own opinion.

PUMPKIN PIE MYSTERY by
NAOMI MILLER

It’s so nice to come back and visit old friends. I feel as if Katie is my friend along with the other characters in this engaging story. It’s an easy read packed with fun, romance and a bit of mystery. It’s like a present wrapped up. As you unwrap it, more layers seem to appear. Each layer holds a key to a part of the story. When the present is finally revealed, you have a gift of a book filled with joy and old friends ready to begin their new adventure.

Katie has always been my favorite character in this series. She is sweet , talented and always willing to help out. It is a little hard on Katie to witness the happiness between her friend Freida who is getting married soon. Can Katie come through and make a beautiful cake for her friend?

I’m glad to have Mrs. Simpson back. She sure is a mysterious woman. The last we saw she was arguing out in front of the store with Mr. O’Neal. I don’t think it is a secret that they like each other, but something funny is going on between them two. Why does Mrs. Simpson suddenly leave on a cruise without letting Mr. O’Neal know that ? Something sure is not adding up with those two.

I’m curious about this young woman who comes in asking for a job at the Sweet Shop. Who is she and does anyone know her? The author has written another wonderful story that keeps readers entertained with her light hearted writing and mysteries that leave readers hanging. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in the series.

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

A FAMILY TO CALL OURS by
MERRILEE WHREN

I really enjoyed the story and loved how easily it was to connect with the characters. I can’t imagine how hard is was for Tara to care for a very sick child. I admired her determination to never give up. She is a wonderful person with a caring heart. She has had to shuffle around a bit to find a place for her and her daughter.

Caleb to me was a bit put off by Tara working with his parents and I felt he was a bit judgmental. I suppose it could be something from his past that is making him question Tara’s reasons to allow his parents to help her out. I didn’t much care for Caleb at first and I hoped he would redeem himself in the story.

Hailey is a precious little girl with a big heart. She so wants to have a dad and be part of a family. Her health has really taken a toll on her mom, but I admire the strength and faith they both have. The author does a wonderful job of bringing Tara and Caleb together to work on projects . Will we see sparks fly between them? Can they each get over their past hurt and allow a relationship to develop?

This a heartwarming story that shows how love , acceptance and forgiveness work together to heal broken hearts and learn to trust again.

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