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Saturday, May 23, 2020

About the Book

Book:  I’ll Take the Lie
Author: Nancy E. Wood
Genre:  Christian YA
Release Date: June 28, 2019
Does the truth really set you free?
Paige Hall doubts it, after her boyfriend Justin tells her he’s over it, leaving her with a broken heart and crushed dreams. When Justin disappears, she can’t help but try to find out what happened to him. But when the more she searches, the more problems arise, she can’t help but wonder if it would be better to just accept the lie…

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW
The story is a look at what happens if you can’t accept a lie and must know the truth. Paige is on a quest to find out what happened to her ex-boyfriend. It was odd that he broke up with  Paige so unexpectedly  and then suddenly disappears. I thought is was a bit weird that more wasn’t being done to find him. What were his friends hiding? Shouldn’t they be more concerned that their friend is missing? 
 Although I found the mystery very intriguing , it was Paige’s family that really piqued my interest. Her family is so disconnected from each other, I wondered if they lived in the same house. A sister who is just plain  mean,  to a brother who  decides that living on the edge is better than facing reality. Paige’s father is not trustworthy at all . Paige will come face to face with some truths that can either set her free or cause her to walk away from everything. 
The story is like an onion that is slowly peeled away as it stings your eyes. Living with lies has caused Paige to become numb to things around her. Even though she is determined to know the truth, she has no idea that the truth will shatter many lives. I loved how the author writes a story that shows the ugly side of being deceitful where  pain awaits. I didn’t see the ending coming and I must say it was a shock at first. Even though I had a front seat to what was happening I still didn’t connect the dots. It is a perfect example of how the enemy can cause us to ignore the truth and believe lies. 
The more Paige investigates the closer the truth will touch her life in a way she never expected. There are some  topics that may be uncomfortable for some such as drugs, physical abuse and intimacy. These subjects are prevalent today because young people are faced with doing what is right vs falling to peer pressure. I walked away from this story knowing that the “truth will set you free.” You may not like the truth, but truth helps you move on, forgive and hopefully become a better person. 
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

About the Author

Nancy E Wood was born into a missionary family and lived in Hungary until she turned twenty. Her whole childhood, she loved reading and stories, writing some of her own, but never believing she actually had the talent to be an author. Speaking multiple languages, she never thought she would be good enough in any to become a wordsmith.
Her senior year of high school, she was encouraged to write short stories, one of which turned into Perfect, a novel that couldn’t stay short. After sharing it with a few people, she decided to get it published a couple years later. She went to college in Florida, where she studied English and Music. After graduating, she married and moved to California. She published her second standalone book, I’ll Take the Lie, in the summer of 2019 and is currently working on a sequel to Perfect. She also runs a blog for young women, where she writes relatable and motivational posts that point to God. She has also done some speaking in different Christian schools and youth groups, encouraging teens to pursue Christ through some of the most difficult years of their lives.

More from Nancy

What’s truth? Why is it important? Does everyone have their own kind of truth or is there only one?
Those were questions I was dealing with in my college Apologetics class while I wrote I’ll Take the Lie, and I thought that theme would fit so well into the story.
The idea came to me a long time ago. I was really into The Great Gatsby at the time and wanted to write a story from a bystander’s point of view. Originally titled What’s Wrong with Alex?, Paige, the worried sister of Alex, who drastically changed over his first semester of college, wants to find out what happened to him. But the deeper I went into the story, the more Paige’s character shone through, and she soon became the protagonist with her ex boyfriend’s mysterious disappearance. The whole theme tied into what I was studying about apologetics and truth, so the messy pieces all came together into a solid plot.
Paige isn’t a believer, and she doesn’t really care about the idea of truth and spirituality until she gets dragged into it. It’s my hope that this book story helps young adults like me think deeper and question their beliefs. We get so caught up with our own happiness, we don’t always want to accept the hard truth. But, like Paige, we need to think about whether we can keep living pretend lives or if the truth really does set us free.

Blog Stops

Wishful Endings, May 21 (Author Interview)
Through the Fire Blogs, May 24 (Author Interview)
Quiet Quilter, May 29
Vicky Sluiter, May 30 (Author Interview)
CarpeDiem, May 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Nancy is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
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Thursday, May 21, 2020

STARFISH PIER by IRENE HANNON

The story is an emotional journey with several amazing characters. The setting is serene and breathtaking and I felt relaxed as the story unfolded. Holly is sweet and caring and is on a mission to get funds for a project she believes in. She deals with physical issues but it never stops her from following her dreams.

Steven is a handsome man who has come home to repair his relationship with his brother. I really  liked how determined he was to rebuild his relationship with his brother. Getting to know Steven’s   brother was an emotional rollercoaster. The author does an excellent job of talking about alcoholism and the effects it has on the entire family. I so wanted Patrick to finally surrender and admit he needed help.

What I really liked about the story was the fragile connection that Steven and Holly first had. They don’t see eye to eye on some issues which makes for a story filled with forgiveness and trusting God to heal wounds. I so much wanted to see them work things out and become a couple. I don’t want to forget to mention Pete. He is Holly’s neighbor and tends to stay to himself. Holly continues to make every effort to befriend him. The secret she learns about him is one that will require tissues. I wanted to adopt Pete as my granddad. His story will have an impact on several characters as he learns to trust people again.

The story is a wonderful journey through several tough subjects that the  author handles with eloquent writing. I enjoyed every moment I spent getting to know each character and watching God change them.

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

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About the Book

Book:  On A Coastal Breeze
Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher
Genre:  Amish Romance
Release Date: May 5, 2020
On A Coastal BreezeFor Madison Grayson, life is good. Newly licensed as a marriage and family therapist, she can’t wait to start her practice. Despite the unfortunate shortage of eligible bachelors on the island–they’re all too young, too old, or too weird–Maddie feels like she’s finally found her sweet spot. Not even one panic attack in the last year. Not one.
And then Ricky O’Shea drops in. Literally. Floating down from the pure blue sky, the one man in the world she hoped never to see again–the one who’d been her archnemesis from kindergarten through her senior dance–parachutes into town, landing on Boon Dock, canopy draping behind him like a superhero. Ricky O’Shea. Now Pastor Rick, the new minister on Three Sisters Island.
Time to panic.
With wit and a bit of whimsy, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you back to Three Sisters Island where family, forgiveness, and a second chance at love await.


Click here to get your copy!
MY REVIEW
The story is a breath of fresh air as the first chapter begins. I am so glad to take a trip back to Three Sisters Island. The beauty of the island is so welcoming that you don’t want to leave. I could hear the boats glaze across the water and the smell of fresh brewed coffee from the cafe. In fact I would like to move there. 
I really enjoyed catching up with the sisters as each one had a problem they needed to deal with. Cam was starting to make me mad as she kept putting off her wedding. I know she is dedicated to her cause to help the island and their electricity issues, but she better be careful that her fiancé doesn’t tire of her inability to commit to a date for the wedding. Cam is fighting against herself as she will discover what really is important in her life.
Blaine has become  an accomplished chef but she still feels like she is not being taken serious enough. She has a deep secret that is preventing  her from finishing Culinary School. I really understood her need to flee from everything because it is easier to run from our circumstances then to face them. She has some big decisions to make that will change the direction of her life. 
Maddie is finally a therapist and I loved her heart to help people. She doesn’t judge anyone who comes to her for help. She does however meet her past when the new pastor is introduced. I can remember my school days very well. There was this boy that was always picking on me. He was relentless and made my life miserable. Maddie’s nemesis was Ricky. It’s been years since she has seen him but that will all change when Maddie and Rick run into each other on the island. I loved how Maddie must have been beside herself when the new pastor is none other than Rick. Okay so I laughed a bit at this. God  always finds a way for us to face our hurts and regrets. The dynamics between Maddie and Rick are emotional and real. 
The story is so well written I did not put it down till I finished. I had to see how Maddie would handle her feelings when she and Rick have a serious talk. Rick is a changed person, but Maddie is still holding  on to things he did to her since kindergarten. It is possible to give great advice to others, but will  Maddie  be able to step out and forgive Rick? The faith element in the book is well done and I have to say I loved how Pastor Rick told the story about Jonah in his sermon. He had people on the edge of their seats. 
I loved reading about each sister and how they came to Maddie for help. I think this was important because it showed they trusted her and gave Maddie a much needed boost of confidence in her work. The author is good at scattering laughable moments in the book to fill readers with a smile. Her writing is graceful  as she takes her time to lay out each character and expose their inner struggles. I loved the lessons about trust, self esteem, family and forgiveness.  The ending is good but boy do I have some unanswered questions. I look forward to the next book in the series to see what surprises are in store for the family next. 
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. 

About the Author

suzanne woods fisherSuzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than thirty books, including On a Summer Tide, as well as the Nantucket Legacy, Amish Beginnings, The Bishop’s Family, The Deacon’s Family, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, among other novels. She is also the author of several nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and Amish Proverbs. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Facebook @SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor and Twitter @suzannewfisher.

More from Suzanne

Dear Reader,

The minute you step off the ferry and onto Three Sister Island, magic begins. Crisp ocean air acts like an elixir. Stress starts to evaporate, like a wisp of steam from a cup of hot tea. Happiness moves in, and you’ll feel more cheerful, more positive about the future.
And then there’s time! Somehow, there seems to be plenty of it.

Little things will catch your notice—finding seashells on the beach, watching waves crash against the rocks, gazing at the star-studded night sky.

Life just starts to slow down…and you wonder if you really want to ever leave Three Sisters Island.

Nor do you have to! That’s the beauty of books—they are the perfect escape. Always available, just waiting to be picked up. Always ready to transport you to a fresh and new state of mind.

On a Coastal Breeze is that kind of a read. The Grayson Family saga continues as they move to Three Sisters Island off the coast of Maine for a fresh start. Maddie Grayson takes center stage in this story. Life is finally coming together for Maddie. On the very day she opens her counseling practice, she spots a billowing skydiver. Parachuting in is Ricky O’ Shea—the one person on earth Maddie hoped she’d never see again. But Rick’s the new pastor for the island’s only church and he’s not about to leave. That’s when sparks start to fly.

Join me for a getaway by the sea that will leave you in a happy, relaxed, vacation-y state of mind…without leaving your home. Once you board the Never Late Ferry, even in your imagination, the island will take it from there.

Warmly, Suzanne

Blog Stops

By The Book, May 18
Artistic Nobody, May 19 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)
Betti Mace, May 20
Remembrancy, May 24
Mary Hake, May 27
Simple Harvest Reads, May 28 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Bigreadersite, May 28
EmpowerMoms, May 30
Hallie Reads, May 31

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away a copy of her book to five winners!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

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Wednesday, May 20, 2020

About the Book

Book:  Seeing Voices
Author: Olivia Smit
Genre:  Contemporary Young Adult
Release Date: April 15, 2020
Skylar Brady has a for her life—until a car accident changes everything.
Skylar knows exactly what she wants, and getting in a car accident the summer before twelfth grade isn’t supposed to be part of the plan. Although she escapes mostly unharmed, the accident has stolen more than just her hearing from her: she’s also lost the close bond she used to have with her brother.
When her parents decide to take a house-sitting job halfway across the province, it’s just one more thing that isn’t going according to plan. As the summer progresses, Skylar begins to gain confidence in herself, but as she tries to mend her relationship with her brother, she stumbles upon another hidden trauma. Suddenly, she’s keeping as many secrets as she’s struggling to uncover and creating more problems than she could ever hope to solve.

Click here for your copy!
MY REVIEW 
At first I had a hard time getting into the book. I had figured out that Skylar had been in an accident but I thought the book was moving too slow. Oh how wrong I was. I’m glad I didn’t give up on this story because it is truly a powerful story about guilt, forgiveness and finding God. Skylar is dealing with an accident that has cost her more than she realized. How do you cope with suddenly losing your hearing? I liked how the author takes us on a journey where Skylar will come face to face with experiencing the love of God. I can understand why she is so angry at God. It seems like her life will never be the same and she blames God. 
Many of us are familiar with the scripture that says,”What the enemy uses for bad, God will use for good.”(paraphrased) I think this is a perfect story to represent this scripture. The enemy wanted to tear a family apart. What I really liked the most about this book is watching the dynamics between Skylar and Mike. I kinda guessed that Mike felt like it was his fault about the accident. The closeness between brother and sister are fractured and Skylar sees her brother slipping  away into a path of self destruction. 
It was interesting to read about Skylar working at a library. I worked at a library for fifteen years and loved every minute of it. God always has a plan and Skylar working at the library had her cross paths with Cam. Now I think Cam is pivotal to the story because he made Skylar feel at ease and began to let her guard down a little. Getting to know Skylar better , Cam is able to relate to her because his sister is deaf. He is a constant in her life and shares his faith openly. 
The story is a great look at what happens when an accident has a ripple affect in a family. I wondered sometimes if the parents knew how guilty Mike felt about the accident. His behavior gets out of control and that is  the defining moment in the story for me. Will Mike and Skylar finally open up to each and talk about the accident? Does Cam find the right words to help Skylar  see how much God loves her? It is  a good story that peels away the ugliness  of guilt and  anger while bringing healing to the hurt. 
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. 

About the Author

Olivia Smit loves baking, visiting small towns, and writing stories that face hard truth with hope and encouragement. Olivia has an Honours Specialization in Creative Writing, English Language, and Literature and lives in Canada with her family. Seeing Voices is her first novel. Learn more at https://oliviasmit.ca/


More from Olivia

Although “Seeing Voices” is not the first book I ever wrote, it is the first one that felt like it held a little piece of my heart. Skylar and her older brother, Mike, popped into my head one afternoon, both coping with the aftermath of a car accident in totally different ways. It took me ages to figure out what kind of story they belonged to, but right from the beginning I knew it would be a story about siblings and families, pain and guilt, and also (perhaps most importantly!) togetherness and love.
In so many ways, “Seeing Voices” was for me, before it was for readers. I wrote the rough draft when I was 18, fresh out of high school and still figuring out a few tricky situations within my own family. As I wrote about Skylar and Mike, I poured a lot of my own confusion and emotion into the pages, trying to make sense of my own feelings of responsibility, frustration, and ultimately, hope. Words from the book still float through my mind when I’m in certain situations, little reminders of lessons I learned once and need to hang onto with both hands.
I prayed my way through the writing process, trying (and failing) to find a story that fit with Skylar and Mike, who felt so much like real people. I prayed through querying, trusting that if God wanted this story out there in the world, He would find it a home … and if He wanted Skylar and Mike to be a story just for me, I would be okay with that, too. In so many ways this process has been a team effort, and I feel convinced that this isn’t my story, after all — it’s God’s, and I’m just doing my part to help tell it.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Olivia is giving away the grand prize package of coasters and a book sleeve!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
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