Showing posts with label contemporary Christian fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label contemporary Christian fiction. Show all posts

May 9, 2016

Song of Silence 
"Song Of Silence"
Cynthia Ruchti

Lucy Tuttle is a dedicated music teacher, that is until she is force to retire early because her music program is being eliminated due to funding.  She is finding it very difficult to handle this unexpected turn of events in her life.  Her family doesn't seem to understand how difficult this is for her.  

Her husband, Charlie who retired early, looks at it as a time for him and her to start a new adventure together, of all things he wants to raise earthworms.  

Her life sums to only become more chaotic when her son marries a deaf girl with an autistic 4 year old son.  On top of that they move in with Lucy and Charlie. 

Their daughter, Olivia, is going back to school and has already moved back home.

Can things become more hectic?  Yes.  When he a misstep lands Lucy in the hospital and can take her song away from her.

Read this story and realize how God works everything out for our own good and be blessed.

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I enjoyed this story very much.  It showed how we should let God control our lives and to never give up hope.  This was very well written and very true to life.

The emotions that Lucy had to work through were similar to how I felt when I had to give up teaching because we relocated.  It was a grieving process that was hard for some to understand.  Lucy's solution was an encouragement to me.  

Read more about this book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

February 24, 2016

Blue Ribbon Trail Ride 
"Blue Ribbon Trail Ride"
 by Miralee Ferrell

Thirteen-year old Kate and her friends came up with the perfect way to raise money for her autistic younger brother and others to attend summer camp—a horse scavenger hunt! As local businesses donate money and prizes, Kate keeps the entry fees in her mom’s antique jewelry box.
But when the box and the money disappear, Kate and her friends must unravel the clues, hold on to hope, and solve the mystery along the Blue Ribbon Trail Ride.

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"Blue Ribbon Trail Ride" is such a sweet book and I'm glad that I was able to get to review it.   The main character (which are four teenagers) impressed me.  They were so mature for their age and all loved God.  I truly wish that all teenagers were like these four.  They were hard workers and loved helping others.  They definitely acted older then they really are.  These teenagers know what true friendship is.

Miralee Ferrell definitely knows how to write a good story to capture your attention.  I believe anyone of any age would enjoy reading this book as well as the series.  I sure did!

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

January 15, 2016

Cover Art 
"Murder At The Courthouse"
Ann Gabhart

Welcome to Hidden Springs
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Michael Keane's stressful days as a Columbus police officer are done. He's ready to relax into his new position as deputy sheriff in his sleepy hometown. Nothing ever happens in Hidden Springs, Kentucky--and that's just fine with Michael.

Nothing, that is, until a dead body is discovered on the courthouse steps. As Michael works to solve the case, it seems that every nosy resident in town has a theory. When the sheriff insists Michael check out one of these harebrained theories, his surprising discovery sends him on a bewildering search for a mysterious killer that has him questioning everything he has ever believed about life in Hidden Springs.

Bringing with her a knack for creating settings you want to visit and an uncanny ability to bring characters to life, A. H. Gabhart pens a whodunit that will keep you guessing.

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A "cute" and quirky whodunit novel, yet predictable.  Things seemed to be obvious and not very mysterious.  For me, the more mysterious the better.  

A light read if you're not looking for something that completely draws you away from everything.  

The faith of the main characters is probably the best part of the book.

Read more about this book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM REVELL PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.  
Picture 
"Keeping Christmas"
Dan Walsh

Stan opened the ugly ornaments box and pulled out the top three ornaments, the ones wrapped in green paper, the kids' favorites, and set them on the coffee table. He picked up the first one, the biggest one--Anna's blue pinecone--and began to unwrap it. Without thinking, Judith walked up, stopped him, and gently took it out of his hand. She wrapped it back up, set it carefully in the box. Then picked up the other two ornaments, put them in the box, and closed the flaps.

"What's the matter?" Stan said. "Did I do something wrong?"

"I don't think I can do this."



Nothing is more beautiful than family
For the first time since their children were born, empty nesters Judith and Stan Winters spent Thanksgiving without the kids, and it's looking like Christmas will be the same. Judith can't bring herself to even start decorating for the holiday; her kids always hung the first ornaments on the tree, ornaments they had made each year since they were toddlers. Sure, the ornaments were strange-looking--some were downright ugly--but they were tradition.

With Judith refusing to decorate the bare spruce tree in their living room, Stan's only hope for saving the holiday is found in a box of handmade ornaments . . .
 
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I could not really get into this book at first.  I was afraid that it was going to be a sad, depressing story and those just are not for me.  This book actually turns out being really sweet and heartwarming.  A true reminder of the importance of family and the memories that we create with them, not only at Christmas time, but year 'round.  

While we all may have different family traditions, they are intended to do the same thing, pull us together as a family.  Make us closer and remind us of good times.  That's what "Keeping Christmas" is all about. 

Read more about the book here.  

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM REVELL PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

January 14, 2016

Cover Art 
"The Christmas Joy Ride"
Melody Carlson

Miranda did not put adventure on her Christmas list, but thanks to her eighty-five-year-old neighbor Joy, that's exactly what she's getting this year. When Joy tells Miranda that she plans to drive an old RV decked out in Christmas decorations from their Chicago neighborhood to her new retirement digs in Phoenix--in the dead of winter, no less--the much younger Miranda insists that Joy cannot make such a trip by herself. Unemployed and facing foreclosure, Miranda feels she has nothing to lose by packing a bag and heading off with Joy toward Route 66. But Joy has a hidden agenda for their Christmas joyride--one that could derail the whole venture.

No one captures the heartwarming fun of the Christmas season quite like Melody Carlson. Fasten your seat belt, because it's going to be an exciting ride!

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"The Christmas Joy Ride" is a beautiful, generous story that promotes true acts of selfless kindness.  This book helps remind us that we could all be more kind, more giving and definitely more selfless.  

While this book was a sweet and easy read, it was kind of slow going.  It wasn't until the very that I felt it picking up and then it just ended.  I wanted to see what was going to happen with Miranda and her new opportunities.

A great read for a winter day or any day.  This book will help you relax and enjoy your "me" time.

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM REVELL PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES. 

October 29, 2015

Ties That Bind Book Review

 
"Ties That Bind"
Cindy Woodsmall

For twenty years, Ariana Brenneman has lived in her parents house and followed the Old Amish Ways.  She has two goals in life:  1) to open a cafe, so she can help support her family and 2) to keep other Amish from being lured into the Englisch life by Quill Schalabach.

Quill once held a very special place in Ariana's heart, until he and her best friend, Frieda ran away together.  Even though Ariana now has another beau, she still carries the wound of his betrayal.  Now for some reason he is back.  Probably to help some other Amish leave the fold.  Ariana fears it be her younger sister.

In spite of how things seem, Quill still cares about Ariana and longs to protect her.  But somethings even Quill cannot protect her from.  It seems as if he is helping to turn her life upside down.  Can she ever forgive him?

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This book is an interesting read with many twists and turns and unexpected happenings.  Sometimes it seems as if it may be better not to bring up old mistakes.  

Can't wait to read the next book to see how things turn out!

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM BLOGGING FOR BOOKS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES. 

June 22, 2015

Cover Art 
"Taken"
Dee Henderson

Abducted at the age of sixteen, Shannon Bliss was held captive for eleven years.  Shannon was finally able to escape her kidnappers.  She has chosen Matthew Dane to help her take care of some unfinished business and re-acclimate her back into society, as well as rejoin her family.  

Matthew, a retired cop, has had personal experience with this difficult task, through the experience of his own daughter's kidnapping.  

Shannon seems to have an amazing grip on her emotions keeping them locked away and only allowing tiny bits at a time to emerge.  This has Matthew puzzled and concerned.  He wonders when these carefully locked up emotions will burst out.  

Shannon contains information about the family that held her hostage and wants them brought to justice.  Her abductors believe Shannon to be dead and she must be kept out of the press.  A difficult thing to do, considering her brother is running for governor.  

Matthew is trying to unravel the facts behind Shannon's disappearance and the trail is leading to a member of Shannon's family.   

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Not having Dee Henderson's previous books "Unspoken" & "Full Disclosure", I was lost in regards to some of the characters.  I would recommend reading them before you read "Taken".   

Read more about the book here.  

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FOR FREE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES FROM BAKER PUBLISHERS. 

May 1, 2015

 
"A Heart's Danger"
Colleen Coble

Sarah is trying to move on wither her life, since her ex-fiance is engaged to Jessica.  She is seeing Issac and knows he will be popping the question soon, but does she love him enough to say yes?

She overhears Jessica & Ben Croftner (her ex-fiance when she thought she was dead) plotting harm to someone, but who?

While out on a picnic outing with Jessica and her mother, Sarah is captured by Indians.  But are they really Indians?  

Will Rand find her in time and discover the truth behind Sarah's abduction?

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This book is very well written and keeps your attention from beginning to end.  My only complaint is the same as before, I wish the didn't chop the book up into mini ones.  

This book is full of suspense and keeps you guessing until the end.  Then you're still guessing until you read the next book!  I read this from cover to cover in one sitting because I was so engrossed in it.

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FOR FREE FROM BOOK LOOK BLOGGERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.


April 23, 2015

 "Double Cross"
Diann Mills

FBI Agent Laurel Evertson’s investigation into a scam targeting the elderly takes an unexpected twist when key evidence leads her to Morton Wilmington, a felon she arrested five years ago on her first undercover assignment. That case has haunted her since, and though she’s vowed to forget Wilmington—and what she sacrificed to put him away—he is now her best lead.

Houston Police Officer Daniel Hilton fears his grandparents may be the scammer’s next targets, and he’ll do anything to protect his family—even force interagency cooperation. But he’s quickly drawn to Laurel’s empathy and zeal and agrees to follow her lead . . . even if it means teaming up with a felon.

As the unlikely trio uncovers evidence suggesting the scam is more extensive and deadly than they imagined, both Laurel and Daniel find themselves in the crosshairs of a killer. Together they must decide if they can trust Wilmington’s claims of redemption, or if he’s leading them straight into a double cross.

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This book was really hard for me to get into.  The dialogue dragged a bit for me and to be honest, the plot didn't interest me.  Now others have really enjoyed this book.  I guess it just wasn't for me
Also, there were parts that I didn't think were appropriate or necessary to have in a Christian fiction book.  

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FOR FREE FROM TYNDALE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.  

March 19, 2015

The Promise of Palm Grove 
"The Promise of Palm Grove"
Shelley Shepard Gray

Leona must decide: Does she follow the path set out before her? Or take a chance with only the promise of what could be to guide her?
A young Amish woman finds herself torn between the man she’s pledged to wed and the man her heart desires in this heartwarming story of chance, duty, and choice in the face of love—the first volume in the beloved New York Times bestselling author’s new Amish Brides of Pinecraft series.
Amish bride-to-be Leona is thrilled to be in Florida, on a mini-vacation in the pretty town of Pinecraft. Her girlfriends think she’s happy because she’s away from the stress of wedding planning. They have no idea that Leona’s real joy is in being away from her fiancé.
Edmund is a good man, and will make a decent husband . . . just not for Leona. The more time she spends with him and his overbearing ways, the less she wants to be his wife. Her cousins are sure Edmund is the right man for her-and their certainty makes Leona begin to doubt herself. But when a chance encounter with a wayward cat brings her face-to-face with a handsome, fun-loving Amish man named Zachary Kauffman, Leona’s faced with two vastly different futures.

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This was an enjoyable and easy to read book.  I like it when I'm able to read a book that isn't complicated and hard to understand or to keep up with.  The places in the book were places that actually exist and that is something I've always enjoyed.  

I can't wait to read the next book and find out what else is going to happen.

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FOR FREE FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.
 

March 9, 2015

 
"Anna's Crossing"
Suzanne Woods Fisher

April 15th, 1737, Rotterdam Germany, Anna sets foot on the ship The Charming Nancy.  Even though she doesn't want to leave her family and community of Amish believers, she is going out of duty because she alone can speak English.  She had heard horror stories of ocean voyages, but is still going to America for freedom to worship.

On board ship they face many hardships and discomforts, even death.  But they are trusting in God to see them through.  They even gave half of their water to a slave ship they encountered on the high seas.  

The ship's carpenter, Bairn, resents the "Peculiar People", as the deck hands call the Amish.  But Anna's faith and trust in God begins to chip away at his hard exterior.  

Anna cannot understand what is happening to her heart.  How can she be falling for someone outside of her Amish faith? she knows that this is forbidden.

Join Anna on this journey of life and death and see how God works things out when we trust Him.

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I had a difficult time getting drawn into this book and becoming interested.  Once the story was underway and the ship out to sea, I found it easier to follow.  There were a few surprises, twists and turns along the way.  There were also a few crude happenings that I didn't think were necessary to the furtherance of the story line.  I was able to understand the discomforts and hardships without these images in my mind.  It did stop and make me think about what the pilgrims, puritans and immigrants endured to have freedom in America.  

The author did research and many of the instances that happened in the book were indeed fact.  There was a ship names The Charming Nancy.  Immigrants were taken advantage of and swindled because of their language barrier.  They trusted the wrong people who only wanted their money.  

If you read this book, read the notes from the author at the end of the book. 

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FOR FREE FROM REVELL PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

March 6, 2015

Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe 
"Miracle At The Higher Grounds Cafe"
Max Lucado

 
What if you could ask God anything? What would you ask? And how would he answer?
Chelsea Chambers is on her own. After a public split from her NFL superstar husband, Chelsea takes a bold step out of the limelight and behind the counter of the Higher Grounds Café, an old-fashioned coffee shop in dire need of reinvention. But when her courage, expert planning, and out-of-this-world cupcakes fail to pay the bills, this newly single mom finds herself desperate for help. Better yet, a miracle.
Then a curious stranger lands at Chelsea's door, and with him, an even curiouser string of events. Soon, customers are flocking to the Higher Grounds Café, and not just for the cupcakes and cappuccino. They've come for the internet connection to the divine. Now the café has become the go-to place for people in search of answers to life's biggest questions.
When a catastrophe strikes and her ex comes calling, Chelsea begins to wonder if the whole universe is conspiring against her quest to make it on her own. After a shocking discovery opens her eyes to the unseen world around her, Chelsea finds the courage to ask, and heaven answers in a most unexpected way. 


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Ever since I first heard about "Miracle At The Higher Grounds Cafe" I've been very intrigued by it.  First of all, coffee always gets my attention.  Secondly, the whole plot about an angel working at a coffee shop more than piqued my interest.  Needless to say, I was very excited to be able to get to review this book.  

Max Lucado's ability to get your imagination working is amazing.  While this is a fiction book the spiritual aspect of this book is not.  Reading this book reminded me of the spiritual war that is going on around us, yet we may not exactly be aware of it.  The way that he wrote about guardian angels and spiritual warfare was so neat.  Who would ever think to write about Gabriel and Micheal the Archangel and make them characters in a book?  

This book made me thankful that God doesn't leave us to fight our battles alone.  We always have His help, even if we don't realize it.  The devil is constantly trying to get us to fall, but God is also constantly helping us not to, if we let Him.

Read more about the book here.  

 I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FOR FREE FROM BOOK LOOK BLOGGERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.


February 27, 2015

Twisted Innocence 
"Twisted Innocence"
Terri Blackstock


Holly Cramer’s past choices have finally caught up to her, but she never expected them to endanger her baby.
Though Holly’s stumbled through most of her adult life as a party girl, she longs to live a more stable life for her daughter. Then police show up to question her about the whereabouts of Creed Kershaw, Lily’s father. She has kept his identity a secret from friends and family—she never even told him about the pregnancy. Now he’s a person of interest in a drug-related murder case.
Determined to keep him out of their lives and turn him over to police, Holly uses her private investigating skills to search for him. But her bravado backfires when he turns the tables and takes her and the baby hostage. As desperate hours tick by, Holly realizes his connection to Leonard Miller—the man who has gunned down several members of her family. Creed claims he’s innocent and that Miller is after him too. His gentleness with Lily moves her, but she can’t trust a man who has held her at gunpoint . . . even if he reminds her so much of herself.
Dangers old and new threaten Holly and her baby, and lives are demanded as sacrifices for love. Through a complex web of mistakes and regret, redemption is the one hope Holly has left to hold on to.

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Terri Blackstock's books are always full of suspense, twists n turns, romance and the unexpected.  "Twisted Innocence" was no different.  This book is a can't-put-down-page-turner, that will keep you up late at night reading it to find out what happens.  

This series focus's on three sisters and the disasters that have come their way.  But they stick together and remain united as a family.  They are there for each other and support each other through the ups n downs, blessings and mistakes of life.  This is how a family should be and reminded me of my sisters and me.   Although our personalities are not like the characters in the book, in the end we're still sisters and we're still family.  

I liked how Holly tried so hard to get her life back together and didn't give in to the temptation of her old life. (Something I didn't like was how much it talked about her feeding her baby.  Of course the baby needed to be fed, there's no reason to go on and on about it.)
She loved her baby too much.  She realized that God loves her even with her mistakes.  Which is always a great reminder.  God always loves us, no matter what!  

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FOR FREE FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

February 19, 2015

 
"Remember the Lilies"
Liz Tolsma 

Interred by the Japanese, missionary Irene Reynolds comes across a mysterious note while working at the censor’s office. She memorizes the parts she must black out and delivers it to wealthy nightclub owner Rand Sterling. Before she knows what’s happening, she’s drawn into a web of secrets and danger.
Rand Sterling wants nothing more than to reopen his nightclubs once the war ends. But slimy Frank Covey wants his hand in the till—and has news that could threaten Rand’s reputation if it became public. More importantly, beautiful and intriguing Irene Reynolds cannot discover this information if he expects to persuade her to become his wife.
When Irene is attacked by a sinister Japanese guard and their secrets are exposed, they must learn the true meaning of forgiveness—if they can stave off starvation until the American troops bring freedom.
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Although I enjoyed this book, the characters never really became real to me.  Not as the characters did in "Daisies Are Forever".  Rand turned out being a lot better guy than the summary of the book led me to believe.  It was almost as if he were two different people.  Although Irene was supposed to always have a positive outlook, she didn't seem too positive to me.  Not that I can blame her in her situation, but the book portrayed her as being a positive person when she really wasn't.  Anita was my favorite character and I missed her when she wasn't around anymore.  I found myself expecting her to provide her wisdom and strong faith for Irene and was sad when it didn't come. 

"Remember The Lilies" had more gospel in it than "Daisies Are Forever" and I really liked that.  The way that the author intertwined life's lessons into the book was really good and she did without being preachy.   While the life lessons were good for me as a reader, it seemed the characters were forced to learn them, which made it almost unbelievable. 

World War II has always been interesting to me.  All of the things that our forefathers went through to protect this country still amazes me.  "Remember The Lilies" was a great reminder of the sacrifices they made for the freedom that we have today.  This book reveals things about the war and internment camps that I didn't know or never really thought about. 

The way the author included the title of the book throughout the story was lovely.  I liked the fact that she didn't just mention it once, but several times throughout. 

Read more about the book here. 

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FOR FREE FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

February 7, 2015

A Stitch in Crime 
"A Stitch in Crime"
Cathy Elliot

Thea James runs an antique store in Larkindale, so she thought co-sharing the town's first quilt show would be easy.  But she didn't foresee the many unpredictable events.  Such as someone attacking one of the judges and stealing her diamond brooch.  An antique heirloom quilt is stolen from under a locked glass display case.  Another judge is missing and those supposed to be helping Thea are no help at all.

Plus Thea's best friend from childhood has suddenly turned against her.  What more can go wrong?  Can Thea pull everything thing back together?  

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An interesting book, but hard to get into at first.  A first rate mystery with only a touch of romance.


Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS FREE COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

January 20, 2015

 

"Lone Star Trail"
Darlene Franklin

"Lone Star Trail" by Darlene Franklin, is the first in a series of 6 historical fiction books called the "Texas Trails" series. The books are centered around the Morgan family and the struggles they and the people they meet face in mid-1800s Texas. Very well written, this book quickly draws the reader into the series. Even if you aren't normally into historical fiction, "Lone Star Trail" is written in such a way that it's easy to identify with the characters and relate to their trials and struggles. Though we don't face the same types of challenges in today's society, the human spirit of blazing your own trail and providing a safe place for your family remains the same.

The Fleisher's have just moved to Texas all the way from Germany.  They had a rough trip and all of them didn't make it.  When they first encounter Texans, the one's they meet aren't that hospitable, well the man wasn't anyway.  This not so hospitable Texan, Jud, ends up being their neighbor.  

Jud isn't always rude, just to Germans.  He doesn't like that they're coming in and taking over his Texas.  The Texas his dad died fighting for.   

Mrs. Morgan and Marion, Jud's mom and sister, take to the Fleisher's and want to help them.  So Jud gives in and hires Wande and Georg.  This forms a lasting friendship between the two family's, but Jud still has a lot of warming up to do.  

Marion and Wande become like sisters and Marion teaches Wande English.  Mrs. Morgan teaches Wande how to cook Texas style and Wande teaches Mrs. Morgan how to cook German food.  

Jud can't help but admire Wande's character.  Especially after she finds out her fiance has married someone else.  She still continues her duties and works with a cheerful countenance.  

The Fleisher's haven't made friends with everyone in Texas though.  Someone keeps sabotaging their farm.  At first Jud just thinks that they're careless and don't know much about farming, but then he investigates and finds out someone is sabotaging them.  But who and why?  

Jud eventually warms up to the Fleisher's and especially Wande.  But it might too late.  She suffered severe burns trying to help her family safe their house and farm from a fire that someone set.  

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I was excited about this book, but was disappointed.  It started off with adventure, but then it dragged until the end of the book, when it just ended.  I realize that when people began settling in America they faced hardships, but I think the Fleisher's had more than their share.  After all, it is fiction so things can turn out better than they really do.  

Read more about the book here. 

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FOR FREE FROM MOODY PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

November 15, 2014

Quilted by Christmas 
"Quilted by Christmas"
Jodie Bailey

High school sweethearts Taryn and Justin, at one time were inseparable.  They had this big argument in which Justin claims Taryn was a manipulator, only wanting what pleased her.  Justin leaves to join the army and Taryn vows to never love again.
Taryn decides to become completely independent and pours herself into teaching high school and helping her Grandma Jemma.  Then Justin returns home to help his father and Grandma Jemma's health takes a turn for the worse.  Taryn needs help.  Justin is there to help shoulder the burden.  But Taryn can't forget their last words that they had with each other.  What would Justin do if he knew Taryn's closely guarded secret?  
Can Justin forgive Taryn for what she has done?  More importantly can Taryn accept the fact that God has forgiven her and accept this unconditional love?

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The thing I enjoyed the most about this book was being reminded of God's forgiveness.  No matter what we do we can always seek His love and forgiveness, and know He is ready and waiting to give it.

Read more about the book here. 

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

November 3, 2014

Becoming Bea 
"Becoming Bea"
Leslie Gould

Beatrice Look shies away from people and would rather read poetry than anything.  She is also quick to let others know how she feels ans is often very critical of others.  But she begins to learn patience and kindness while helping a family overwhelmed by the arrival of triplets.

However, there is one person she doubts she will ever find peace with, Ben Rupp.  They have known each other for ever.  They both share a love of reading and are also constantly bickering.  But beneath all this bickering, an attraction awaits.  Can they put aside those hostile feelings so their real feelings can shine through?  Or is their relationship damaged beyond repair?

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Interesting story line.  Somehow not enough of the true spirit of the Amish was present.  I don't understand how they could carry a grudge from their grade school spelling bee.  

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

October 1, 2014

Hidden in the Stars 
"Hidden In The Stars"
Robin Caroll

Sophia Montgomery has just made the Olympic Gymnastics team.   But while visiting her mother, they are attacked.  Sophia loses her mother and her ability to speak.  She can identify the attackers, but she doesn't know what they were after.

While in the hospital, Sophia gets an unexpected visitor, her grandmother.  The grandmother she thought was dead.

Detective Julian Frazier, is determined to solve the case.  But he's distracted by the pull Sophia has on his heart and his own questions about why God would allow this senseless violence.  Because of this, Julian misses an important clue right in front of him.

Will he be able to save Sophia or will the murderer silence her forever?

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A good mystery read without all of the gory details.  This book was written with just a hint of romance to keep it interesting.

Read more about the book here. 

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES. 

August 21, 2014


A Grand Design 
"A Grand Design"
Amber Stockton

Alyssa Denham enters a contest in a bridal magazine on a dare & wins an ideal honeymoon trip, except she's not even dating anyone.  So she takes her best friend, Libby.  The trip is to Mackinac Island.  Alyssa is no stranger to the island for that is where her grandmother resides and she had been spending her vacation their until her father passed away.  But that is not the real reason she stopped going to the island.  Her grandmother also has plans for her & Libby to help her finish a friendship quilt started years ago.  Grandma also has ulterior motives & hires handsome Scott Whitman to be her carriage driver.  But can Alyssa forget the past so she can embrace the future?  Can she trust God to heal her fractured heart? 

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I enjoyed the detailed descriptions of Mackinac Island as I have always wanted to visit there.  Very well written.

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM LITFUSE ONLINE FREE.