Sunday, November 22, 2015
CATCH OF A LIFETIME by CANDEE FICK
I am a huge football fan. I love the sport and the way the team comes together working for a common goal. As I began to read this book I couldn't put it down. The author does an outstanding job of making you feel like you are watching behind the scenes of a college football team. The details of playing the game are very realistic and makes you feel as if you are in the stands watching as you cheer for your team.
I enjoyed getting to know Cassie as she joins a football team as the athletic academic advisor and assists the training staff . There is something from her past that could cause her not to be an objective person when it comes to the players. Will her past catch up with her? Can she put her anger and unforgiveness aside and be a team player?
Reed is the coach for the receivers of the team and a very likeable person. His passion for the game and his players is a true example of a great coach. He genuinely cares for his team and wants the best for them. He has always thought of himself a disappointment to his dad. Will be be able to prove to his parents that his coaching job is important? Reed wants to please his parents , but it seems like they can't accept his career choice.
There is a budding romance between Cassie and Reed that will soon cause trouble for them. Will one of them have to resign in order to keep seeing each other? Is it possible to keep their relationship a secret? I enjoyed reading how these two characters tried to fight their feelings and stay true to their faith. It is an enjoyable read with a surprising twist in the book that could change the lives of many. The author gives us a glance into lives that struggle with acceptance, unforgiveness and pride.
This may be the author's debut novel, but with writing so explosive and heartpounding I'm sure there will be more books to enjoy from her.
I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
I enjoyed getting to know Cassie as she joins a football team as the athletic academic advisor and assists the training staff . There is something from her past that could cause her not to be an objective person when it comes to the players. Will her past catch up with her? Can she put her anger and unforgiveness aside and be a team player?
Reed is the coach for the receivers of the team and a very likeable person. His passion for the game and his players is a true example of a great coach. He genuinely cares for his team and wants the best for them. He has always thought of himself a disappointment to his dad. Will be be able to prove to his parents that his coaching job is important? Reed wants to please his parents , but it seems like they can't accept his career choice.
There is a budding romance between Cassie and Reed that will soon cause trouble for them. Will one of them have to resign in order to keep seeing each other? Is it possible to keep their relationship a secret? I enjoyed reading how these two characters tried to fight their feelings and stay true to their faith. It is an enjoyable read with a surprising twist in the book that could change the lives of many. The author gives us a glance into lives that struggle with acceptance, unforgiveness and pride.
This may be the author's debut novel, but with writing so explosive and heartpounding I'm sure there will be more books to enjoy from her.
I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
AN AMISH CHRISTMAS GIFT
I love reading books from some of my favorite authors. In this collection you are treated to three very gifted authors with their own unique writing style that will have you glued to the pages. They are each different stories but capture the true feeling of family and unconditional love .
In Naomi's Gift by Amy Clipston is a charming story of a widower named Caleb and his precious seven year old daughter Susie. They stop at a charming farmers market to pick up a pie. Caleb has returned to his hometown and is a bit nervous seeing his family after a long time away. Susie runs to the counter and starts talking to Naomi. Through their conversation, Naomi learns that Susie's mom has passed away. Her heart is quickly drawn to this sweet child. As Caleb and Susie leave the store, she wonders if she will ever see them again. Was there a bit of attraction between Caleb and Naomi? The story is very nicely written about hope, love and new beginnings.
An Unexpected Joy by Ruth Reid is where we meet Abilgail "Abby" Kemp. Some call her Gabby Abby because she is always talking. Do you know someone like that? Abby believe that God has given her the gift of talking and doesn't see what all the fuss is about. Poor Abby can't even have more than one date with a boy. I guess they don't like a lot of chatter and soon grow tired of her constant banter. Now when Abby becomes quiet , there is always a reason to worry. It reminds me of when my children were growing up. If it became very quiet in their bedroom, I knew they were up to something. What would make Abby become so quiet?
She takes on a job of looking after Micha's grandmother and seems to be enjoying the time she spends with his grandmother. They grow close and I enjoyed the tender moments they shared as the grandmother gave her words of wisdom and encouragement. Something happens one day that will cause Abby to get hurt by Micah . Will this cause Abby to feel judged? Can they look past their disagreement and find happiness? I loved the message in this story about making quick judgments and then learning that you were wrong. I wonder if we know that our words or judgmental attitude hurt someone ? You will enjoy this story of reconciliation , forgiveness and learning to see people for who they truly are.
A Christmas Visitor by Kelly Irvin we are introduced to Frannie Mast. She left her home to come and stay with relatives . She left everything behind including a young man she loved. As hard as it was to leave she felt she had to. They come from different backgrounds . She is Amish and he is Englisch. But I guess true love does have a mind of its own. Rocky follows Frannie to her aunt and uncle's place to convince Frannie they should be together. I have always heard that opposites attract. Do you think that is true? Will love conquer all? I loved this story about true love, determination and looking past differences to find true happiness.
The three stories in this book are each filled with a great message of family, love , hope and happiness. Isn't that what Christmas is about?
I received a copy of this book from The a Fiction Guild for an honest review.
In Naomi's Gift by Amy Clipston is a charming story of a widower named Caleb and his precious seven year old daughter Susie. They stop at a charming farmers market to pick up a pie. Caleb has returned to his hometown and is a bit nervous seeing his family after a long time away. Susie runs to the counter and starts talking to Naomi. Through their conversation, Naomi learns that Susie's mom has passed away. Her heart is quickly drawn to this sweet child. As Caleb and Susie leave the store, she wonders if she will ever see them again. Was there a bit of attraction between Caleb and Naomi? The story is very nicely written about hope, love and new beginnings.
An Unexpected Joy by Ruth Reid is where we meet Abilgail "Abby" Kemp. Some call her Gabby Abby because she is always talking. Do you know someone like that? Abby believe that God has given her the gift of talking and doesn't see what all the fuss is about. Poor Abby can't even have more than one date with a boy. I guess they don't like a lot of chatter and soon grow tired of her constant banter. Now when Abby becomes quiet , there is always a reason to worry. It reminds me of when my children were growing up. If it became very quiet in their bedroom, I knew they were up to something. What would make Abby become so quiet?
She takes on a job of looking after Micha's grandmother and seems to be enjoying the time she spends with his grandmother. They grow close and I enjoyed the tender moments they shared as the grandmother gave her words of wisdom and encouragement. Something happens one day that will cause Abby to get hurt by Micah . Will this cause Abby to feel judged? Can they look past their disagreement and find happiness? I loved the message in this story about making quick judgments and then learning that you were wrong. I wonder if we know that our words or judgmental attitude hurt someone ? You will enjoy this story of reconciliation , forgiveness and learning to see people for who they truly are.
A Christmas Visitor by Kelly Irvin we are introduced to Frannie Mast. She left her home to come and stay with relatives . She left everything behind including a young man she loved. As hard as it was to leave she felt she had to. They come from different backgrounds . She is Amish and he is Englisch. But I guess true love does have a mind of its own. Rocky follows Frannie to her aunt and uncle's place to convince Frannie they should be together. I have always heard that opposites attract. Do you think that is true? Will love conquer all? I loved this story about true love, determination and looking past differences to find true happiness.
The three stories in this book are each filled with a great message of family, love , hope and happiness. Isn't that what Christmas is about?
I received a copy of this book from The a Fiction Guild for an honest review.
ALL IS CALM, ALL IS BRIGHT by COLLEEN COBLE
I do love mysteries and when you put that with a Christmas theme , you have a great book. I loved the two stories that were packed in this book. The characters are well developed and fun to get to know. This author has always written great stories that intrigue me and makes me stay up late into the night to finish the last chapter. This book is no exception.
In "All Is Calm" we are introduced to Lauren Everman. She has a passion for horses and when she suspects one is going to be hurt she leaves late at night and hides out at a ranch she went to as a child. Why did Lauren stay at the ranch when she was a child? What secrets does she have? It seems that Brendan Waddell has questions for Lauren. He has found out that she has been accused of a horrible crime and he doesn't fill comfortable with her on the ranch. The ranch is a safe place for foster children and he wants them protected . Will he believe Lauren's story ? Can they work together to solve this mystery? The story moves along at a fast pace, and will bring you a great ending filled with holiday cheer.
In "All is Bright" we find Delilah Carter. A very giving woman who is the manager of Tidewater Inn. Delilah is always willing to go the extra mile to mile others. She seems to live a quiet and comfortable life, but that will soon change. As she is driving one day she is suddenly run off the road. Who would want to hurt Delilah? She turns to the Sheriff, Tom Bourne to help her find the person who would intentionally run her off the road. There is one small problem with asking for help from the Sheriff. Delilah is not sure she can trust him. Will she be able to tell him about her past? Is there a connection to her past and the person who ran her off the road? Get ready for a quick ride as this mystery is filled with excitement and intrigue.
The stories are good and sometimes a bit rushed but overall a great read for mystery fans. I did notice a theme in both stories thst I found interesting. Both women had secrets from their past and it was hard for them to trust others. How many of us have done the same thing? We keep secrets so we won't get hurt or judged and when these women opened up they found peace and people willing to help. I loved that part of the stories. I'm not sure if the author wrote the stories with that underlying message, but it sure did make me think of how we push people away at times to protect ourselves from unseen harm.
I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild for an honest review.
In "All Is Calm" we are introduced to Lauren Everman. She has a passion for horses and when she suspects one is going to be hurt she leaves late at night and hides out at a ranch she went to as a child. Why did Lauren stay at the ranch when she was a child? What secrets does she have? It seems that Brendan Waddell has questions for Lauren. He has found out that she has been accused of a horrible crime and he doesn't fill comfortable with her on the ranch. The ranch is a safe place for foster children and he wants them protected . Will he believe Lauren's story ? Can they work together to solve this mystery? The story moves along at a fast pace, and will bring you a great ending filled with holiday cheer.
In "All is Bright" we find Delilah Carter. A very giving woman who is the manager of Tidewater Inn. Delilah is always willing to go the extra mile to mile others. She seems to live a quiet and comfortable life, but that will soon change. As she is driving one day she is suddenly run off the road. Who would want to hurt Delilah? She turns to the Sheriff, Tom Bourne to help her find the person who would intentionally run her off the road. There is one small problem with asking for help from the Sheriff. Delilah is not sure she can trust him. Will she be able to tell him about her past? Is there a connection to her past and the person who ran her off the road? Get ready for a quick ride as this mystery is filled with excitement and intrigue.
The stories are good and sometimes a bit rushed but overall a great read for mystery fans. I did notice a theme in both stories thst I found interesting. Both women had secrets from their past and it was hard for them to trust others. How many of us have done the same thing? We keep secrets so we won't get hurt or judged and when these women opened up they found peace and people willing to help. I loved that part of the stories. I'm not sure if the author wrote the stories with that underlying message, but it sure did make me think of how we push people away at times to protect ourselves from unseen harm.
I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild for an honest review.
Saturday, November 21, 2015
CHANGE OF HEART TOUR
PLUS GIVEAWAY
Title: Change of Heart
Author: Molly Jebber
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corps.
ABOUT THE BOOK
A modern new century brings a young Amish woman an unexpected new life—and a chance to discover love’s true way home…
Ohio, 1899. Soft-spoken midwife Becca Yost lived by her Amish faith’s strict rules—until her fiancé jilted her before their entire community. She’s never been away from home, but the bustling Englischer town of Massillon, Ohio, is a welcome unexpected refuge. Especially when she goes to work for Dr. Matt Carrington, who shares her passion for healing those in need. His outgoing spirit and gentle strength show Becca a surprising new world of choices—and irresistible love. But there is one formidable obstacle: Matt’s wealthy mother is determined her son will marry a society woman.
With her newfound resolve challenged, Becca decides that she and Matt must not be destined for each other after all. She accepts that she will have to forge a life alone—until a wrenching crisis and life-changing revelations teach her that true faith lies in all things, especially impossible second chances.
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MY REVIEW
This is a different kind of Amish book than I am use to. It is set in the late 1890s and has a flair of the old west to it. I fell in love with the story and couldn't put it down. Becca Yost has decided to come stay with her sister Ruth and try to overcome the embarrassment of being jilted by her fiancé . Becca is a very kind and gentle Amish woman who is trained as a midwife.
After arriving in town, she becomes injured and meets the very handsome Dr. Matt Carrington. He takes care of her injury and there seems to be a bit of a spark between them. Becca finds herself working at Matt's clinic as his nurse and they begin a courtship. Not everyone is happy with this infatuation. Can a plain Amish woman fit in a world of prestige and wealth? I enjoyed the conflict between Becca and Matt's mother very much. It shows how a person can judge another without knowing them. Do we sometimes do the same thing?
The story is filled with judgment, hurt, betrayal and God's never ending love. The author has written a story that will have you feeling empathy and compassion for some. Does Matt's mother show mercy towards Becca? Will Matt's parents ever accept Becca? Can a person really change their heart? I highly recommend this book to readers who love a well written story that shows how judging someone can cause hurt and conflict. As I finished the book, I sat for a moment to remind myself , "Judge not, lest you be judged." I also loved the quilt pocket that different characters made that had a note or letter in it. What a treasure it would be to receive such a heartwarming and personal gift from someone. The author has done an exceptional job of writing a story that shows that love does conquer all and with faith restoration is possible.
I received a copy of this book from the Celebrate Lit Blog Tour for an honest review.
TO PURCHASE A COPY:
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GIVEAWAY
Molly has generously donated a print copy of Change of Heart for each host on this tour to give away!
For this stop, all you have to do is:
This giveaway (on this stop) will end on December 2, 2015 and Random.org will select a winner. Scroll down for links to the rest of the tour hosts for more chances to win a copy!
Molly has generously donated a print copy of Change of Heart for each host on this tour to give away!
For this stop, all you have to do is:
- leave a comment here for Molly or myself.
- Don't forget to leave your email using [at] & [dot] to avoid spammers.
This giveaway (on this stop) will end on December 2, 2015 and Random.org will select a winner. Scroll down for links to the rest of the tour hosts for more chances to win a copy!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Molly Jebber is an educational, motivational, and Women’s Christian Connection speaker. She was raised in a small town in the Midwest, and insists if you had blinked twice, you would’ve missed it. She loves God, her family and friends, sunshine, swimming and traveling to the Amish communities. Creating historical Amish characters and throwing them into difficult situations and joyous times has been challenging and fun for her. The greatest reward she’s experienced in becoming an author is meeting wonderful people from all over the world who’ve been encouraging and supportive.
CONNECT WITH MOLLY: website, facebook, twitter
Nov 14: Heidireads
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CELEBRATE LIT TOUR SCHEDULE
Nov 15: Cassandra M
Nov 16: simpleharvestreads
Nov 17: Cherylbookblog
Nov 18: Just Commonly
Nov 19: ArtisticNobody
Nov 20: Big Reader’s Site
Nov 21: Texas Bookaholic
Nov 22: bookbites, beestings
Nov 23: Debbiesdustydelib
Nov 24: Singing Librarian Books
Nov 25: Bukwurmzz
Nov 26: A Greater Yes
Nov 27: Quiet Quilter
Nov 27: The Power of Words
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