I'm not sure where to begin with this review. Well I think I must first say I'm still in awe of the authors beautiful writing. The story took me back to a time in my childhood when I was happy. I would visit my granddad on his farm every summer. He built the two story house himself and had the most gorgeous wrap around front porch. As I began to read this book I felt like "The Hideaway " was just like my granddad's house. The memories made there were priceless.
I loved reading about Mags and her spirit that was full of life. To read her story was like walking back in time with my grandmother. The house was always full of wonderful people who became family. Mags had a love for her home and when people came to stay they never wanted to leave. Oh my how the story flowed so smoothly from Mags to Sara.
Sara is shocked to find out that her grandmother has left her home to her. I know it was hard for Sara to go back there but what she discovers there is more than just a house. As Sara decides to renovate the place she uncovers a secret about her grandmother that will change her life. There are wonderful characters that make the story emotional and heartwarming at the same time.
Will Sara be able to renovate the house and fulfill her grandmother's wish? What will Sara decide about her shop back at home? I loved how Sara was able to know her grandmother better as the story unfolded. The author has included discussion questions at the end which will make a great compliment to a book club. I highly recommend this book and encourage book clubs to put this on their list. If you aren't in a BookClub then grab the book , get comfy and allow the author to sweep you away to meet Mags at "The Hideaway."
I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild. The review is my own opinion
Thursday, June 29, 2017
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
ACADIAN HEARTS by DARLENE FRANKLIN
With a gentle sweep of words the author transports readers back to the late 1800s. I loved how she described the seals and fishing vessels. Her knowledge of the history during this time was evident which brought the story more realism. I could hear the seagulls as the boats docked with their bounty of fish. I found the story to be very sweet and lovely. Young love is precious and the author tells Riti and Eddie's story with compassion and great faith.
I remember when I was young and had a boyfriend who I thought would be in my life forever. We were great friends at first, but quickly became boyfriend and girlfriend. Over the years he moved away and we lost touch. What I loved about this story, was how Riti never forgot about Eddie and how much she adored him. It was interesting to see how Riti's family wanted to keep her away from Eddie. They didn't seem to think he was good enough for their daughter .
Eddie is a hard worker as a fisherman. Working on a boat is hard and dangerous work but at the end of the day, you have put in an honest days work. I loved how Eddie befriended a seal named Petey. His compassion for animals was a nice characteristic and I thought he was a very caring person.
The story deals with religion and the different beliefs people have. I liked how the families had different views and expressed them openly. Will Eddie and Riti rekindle their love? Can Riti's family let her go and trust her to make the right decision? I loved how the story brings two people together after a long time and the things they go through to see each other. It's a great story with faith , love and trust as the main themes.
I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.
I remember when I was young and had a boyfriend who I thought would be in my life forever. We were great friends at first, but quickly became boyfriend and girlfriend. Over the years he moved away and we lost touch. What I loved about this story, was how Riti never forgot about Eddie and how much she adored him. It was interesting to see how Riti's family wanted to keep her away from Eddie. They didn't seem to think he was good enough for their daughter .
Eddie is a hard worker as a fisherman. Working on a boat is hard and dangerous work but at the end of the day, you have put in an honest days work. I loved how Eddie befriended a seal named Petey. His compassion for animals was a nice characteristic and I thought he was a very caring person.
The story deals with religion and the different beliefs people have. I liked how the families had different views and expressed them openly. Will Eddie and Riti rekindle their love? Can Riti's family let her go and trust her to make the right decision? I loved how the story brings two people together after a long time and the things they go through to see each other. It's a great story with faith , love and trust as the main themes.
I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.
Israel-God's Heart: Landscapes and Legacy of Israel
(Skypics Israel, November 2016)
Soar across the skies of beautiful Israel and visit contemporary and historic sites beckoning visitors to stay and explore.
The beauty of Israel from above is captured by top aerial photographer Ron Gafni. As you sweep over ancient ruins, fly high in hot air balloons, and view vignette's of Israel's modern lifestyles, Holy scripture will also come alive. Author Kathleen Barrett offers reflective narrative with scripture pointing to God's redemption plan for the world.
About the authors:
 Ron Gafni works as a professional aerial photographer after spending more than a decade in Israel's High-Tech Industry. He brings his vast experience and personal perspective through the lens of a proud Israeli citizen. His work has been featured in "National Geographic," and his company, Skypics.co.il, provides books from its "Israel From Above" collection to the Israeli government, Army and Air force, as well as to large corporations in Israel.  Kathleen Barrett, a south Florida resident and former teacher is a student of the Word. She shares her thoughtful point of view in "Israel-God's Heart" from a personal, 40 year walk of Christian faith and study. In 2002, she authored a children's devotional. Before that and since then, she has published numerous articles from mission's
If you are like me, you have not had the chance to visit Israel. It has been a dream for a long time to go there and experience the rich history of this beautiful place. Thanks to the contributors of this book, I can see the beautiful landscapes and breathe in the words that flow so flawlessly across the pages. Each picture is a treasure to look at and explore God's creation.
The clarity of the pictures are emotional and I loved the description and scriptures that accompanied them. There are a few that really stood out to me. The Dead Sea was a fascinating picture. The crystal clear water and known for its abundance of salt is historic. I loved the way the salt crystals made a unique design along the shores. I can imagine myself there with bare feet with eyes closed feeling at peace.
The other picture that really captured my attention was The Western Wall. It was interesting to learn that it is the last "remnant of the temple." That makes it the most important site " in the whole world for the Jewish people." What must it be like to stand there and gaze at this sacred spot? I enjoyed reading about Israel and learning about the amazing sites there. The history is rich and vital to many. As you look at the pictures, take time to enjoy the beauty and soak in the history of the Holy Land.
I received a copy of this book from LitFuse. The review is my own opinion.
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Sunday, June 25, 2017
THE SWEET SMELL OF MAGNOLIAS AND MEMORIES by CELESTE FLETCHER McHALE
After reading the author's first book I was so excited when this book became available. I remember how beautiful she writes with emotions so strong you can feel it deep in your soul. I loved the description of the flood and how the characters were hopeful for a rescue boat to save them. The author goes into great detail about how devastating the flood was and how destructive it became as families lost their belongings and loved ones. I really related to this story a lot.
I know first hand what flooding can do. The water became so high on our land that I was afraid we would lose everything. We did lose a lot of equipment from the tool shed, our garden was destroyed and I could see snakes swimming in the waters. As I read about Jacey and Colin clinging to life on the roof , I knew exactly how they felt. It was very emotional to read about the mother and children that were with them in that fateful day. Will the family survive? The author captured the extreme danger with compassion and rich emotions that she does so well.
Jacey was such a wonderful character and I loved the hope she had in finding those children that were with her that day. She is overwhelmed when she finally remembers what happened that day. It must have been so difficult to relive that day over and over again. I liked how the author surrounded her with a wonderful friend called Georgia . I loved her spunk and her willingness to help her friend heal emotionally and physically. Will Jacey be able to find out what happened to that family on the roof with her that day?
I am most surprised how much I related to Colin. I know Jacey was a bit surprised at his new calling in life, but it seemed to fit him well. What I liked about his character was the deep scars he had from growing up with a father who wasn't around and checked out emotionally when he was there. The wounds were deep for Colin and I loved how the author explored the dynamics of a family revealing secrets , asking for forgiveness and letting go of the past.
Overall the story was good and I loved the struggles each character had with their past. The author did take a bit of liberty in some areas about certain topics that readers may not care for. I will leave that up to each reader as my opinion and beliefs may differ from other. The great thing about this book is that it explores how important friendships are and that sometimes we think wrong of someone simply by misunderstanding their intentions.
"Our circumstances cloud our true feelings sometimes. "
I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild. The review is my own opinion.
I know first hand what flooding can do. The water became so high on our land that I was afraid we would lose everything. We did lose a lot of equipment from the tool shed, our garden was destroyed and I could see snakes swimming in the waters. As I read about Jacey and Colin clinging to life on the roof , I knew exactly how they felt. It was very emotional to read about the mother and children that were with them in that fateful day. Will the family survive? The author captured the extreme danger with compassion and rich emotions that she does so well.
Jacey was such a wonderful character and I loved the hope she had in finding those children that were with her that day. She is overwhelmed when she finally remembers what happened that day. It must have been so difficult to relive that day over and over again. I liked how the author surrounded her with a wonderful friend called Georgia . I loved her spunk and her willingness to help her friend heal emotionally and physically. Will Jacey be able to find out what happened to that family on the roof with her that day?
I am most surprised how much I related to Colin. I know Jacey was a bit surprised at his new calling in life, but it seemed to fit him well. What I liked about his character was the deep scars he had from growing up with a father who wasn't around and checked out emotionally when he was there. The wounds were deep for Colin and I loved how the author explored the dynamics of a family revealing secrets , asking for forgiveness and letting go of the past.
Overall the story was good and I loved the struggles each character had with their past. The author did take a bit of liberty in some areas about certain topics that readers may not care for. I will leave that up to each reader as my opinion and beliefs may differ from other. The great thing about this book is that it explores how important friendships are and that sometimes we think wrong of someone simply by misunderstanding their intentions.
"Our circumstances cloud our true feelings sometimes. "
I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild. The review is my own opinion.
Book info
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About the book:
Warm-hearted Victorian romance brings 1880s London to life.
When a series of circumstances beyond her control leave Rosalyn Bernay alone and penniless in London, she chances upon a job backstage at a theater that is presenting the most popular show in London. A talented musician and singer, she feels immediately at home and soon becomes enthralled with the idea of pursuing a career on the stage.
A hand injury during a skirmish in India has forced Nate Moran out of the army until he recovers. Filling his time at a stable of horses for hire in London, he has also spent the past two months working nights as a stagehand, filling in for his injured brother. Although he's glad he can help his family through a tough time, he is counting the days until he can rejoin his regiment. London holds bitter memories for him that he is anxious to escape. But then he meets the beautiful woman who has found a new lease on life in the very place Nate can't wait to leave behind.
About the author:
Jennifer Delamere's debut Victorian romance, "An Heiress at Heart," was a 2013 RITA award finalist in the inspirational category. Her follow-up novel, "A Lady Most Lovely," received a starred review from "Publishers Weekly" and the Maggie Award for Excellence from Georgia Romance Writers. Jennifer earned a BA in English from McGill University in Montreal, where she became fluent in French and developed an abiding passion for winter sports. She's been an editor of nonfiction and educational materials for nearly two decades, and lives in North Carolina with her husband.
Find out more about Jennifer at jenniferdelamere.com.
  
From the moment I started reading this amazing story I was captivated by the authors words. She was able to transport me to Victorian London with her dazzling descriptions and realism. I could feel the cold nights as our main character wandered the streets. There were times I could feel Rosalyn's fear as she felt helpless and alone.
Rosalyn finds herself desperate for help and I found her to be a bit gullible at times. She seemed to believe people to easily. I loved how the author allowed readers to see Rosalyn as a vulnerable young woman hoping to better herself. I can't imagine what it must feel like to be homeless. Rosalyn has quite an adventure with a few let's just say unsavory people.
I absolutely adored Nate from the minute he was introduced. He is a gentleman and has a heart of gold. His family takes Rosalyn in and I loved how they made her feel welcomed. Nate has to come to terms with something that keeps him isolated at times. I was glad when the author finally revealed what it was. It made Nate more real easier to sympathize with him.
My favorite part of the story has to be about the theater. What excitement it must have been to me a star on stage during that time period. Rosalyn finds work at the theater but perhaps not exactly what she had always dreamed of. The details of the London Theater were very intriguing. Can you imagine the chaos backstage as the show is about to start? The wardrobe had to be ready and the makeup perfect. I could feel the nervousness of the people as the opening note started.
The story was good but maybe slow in some areas. I did like the attraction that was developing between Nate and Rosalyn. Will Rosalyn find happiness in London? What will Nate decide about his future? . Overall the book was good and has some wonderful lessons about trust, faith and family.
I received a copy of this book from LitFuse. The review is my own opinion.
http://litfusegroup.com/author/jdelamere
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