Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Veiled at Midnight (Twilight of the British Raj #3) by Christine Lindsay
VEILED AT MIDNIGHT—Book 3 of the series Twilight of the British Raj
As the British Empire comes to an end, millions flee to the roads. Caught up in the turbulent wake is Captain Cam Fraser, his sister Miriam, and the beautiful Indian Dassah.
Cam has never been able to put Dassah from his mind, ever since the days when he played with the orphans at the mission as a boy. But a British officer and the aide to the last viceroy cannot marry a poor Indian woman, can he?
As this becomes clear to Dassah, she has no option but to run. Cam may hold her heart—but she cannot let him break it again.
Miriam rails against the separation of the land of her birth, but is Lieutenant Colonel Jack Sunderland her soulmate or a distraction from what God has called her to do?
The 1947 Partition has separated the country these three love…but can they find their true homes before it separates them forever?
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
All Is Calm, All Is Bright by Colleen Coble
All Is Calm
It’s going to be an unexpectedly romantic Christmas at Bluebird Ranch.
Brendan Waddell has always considered Bluebird Ranch a little piece of heaven: an idyllic ranch that pairs abused children with abused horses, run by one of his Marine buddies. Now, it seems just the place to spend Christmas recovering from an on-the-job injury.
Lauren Everman first came to the ranch as a foster kid, but now knows it’s the perfect hideout. As the witness to a murder, Lauren needs somewhere to lie low. Her beauty immediately catches Brendan’s attention—but so does her secretive behavior. This Special Ops Intel man knows a woman on the run when he sees one. Can he trust her, or is she putting the ranch at risk? One thing is certain: he’s going to do everything he can to keep her safe so he can see what magic Christmas brings.
All Is Bright
A romantic Christmas wedding at Tidewater Inn gives Delilah’s unique gifts a chance to shine. But will her light be snuffed out before the bride and groom say “I do”?
As manager of the Tidewater Inn, Delilah Carter has been planning a spectacular Christmas wedding for her friend, Elin Summerall. But when Delilah’s car is forced off the road and into the ocean, she finally has to admit that the strange phone calls she’s been receiving lately may be more than just pranks.
Sheriff Tom Bourne has always had a soft spot for Delilah, and he’s determined to protect her. He hopes to win her heart by giving her the surprise gift of a lifetime . . . but first he has to make sure nothing happens to her before Christmas Day.
It’s the season of miracles. But will both Elin and Delilah get the ones they need this holiday season?
Amazon
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Best-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana. Visit her website at www.colleencoble.com.
My Review
It’s going to be an unexpectedly romantic Christmas at Bluebird Ranch.
Brendan Waddell has always considered Bluebird Ranch a little piece of heaven: an idyllic ranch that pairs abused children with abused horses, run by one of his Marine buddies. Now, it seems just the place to spend Christmas recovering from an on-the-job injury.
Lauren Everman first came to the ranch as a foster kid, but now knows it’s the perfect hideout. As the witness to a murder, Lauren needs somewhere to lie low. Her beauty immediately catches Brendan’s attention—but so does her secretive behavior. This Special Ops Intel man knows a woman on the run when he sees one. Can he trust her, or is she putting the ranch at risk? One thing is certain: he’s going to do everything he can to keep her safe so he can see what magic Christmas brings.
All Is Bright
A romantic Christmas wedding at Tidewater Inn gives Delilah’s unique gifts a chance to shine. But will her light be snuffed out before the bride and groom say “I do”?
As manager of the Tidewater Inn, Delilah Carter has been planning a spectacular Christmas wedding for her friend, Elin Summerall. But when Delilah’s car is forced off the road and into the ocean, she finally has to admit that the strange phone calls she’s been receiving lately may be more than just pranks.
Sheriff Tom Bourne has always had a soft spot for Delilah, and he’s determined to protect her. He hopes to win her heart by giving her the surprise gift of a lifetime . . . but first he has to make sure nothing happens to her before Christmas Day.
It’s the season of miracles. But will both Elin and Delilah get the ones they need this holiday season?
Amazon
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Best-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana. Visit her website at www.colleencoble.com.
My Review
Colleen Coble has done it again, she keeps me turning the pages until
there are no more, and then I can’t wait for her next book.
These are novellas from two of previous book settings, the Bluebird Ranch and Tidewater Inn, and yes we have met some of these characters before, so you are in for a real treat.
There is romance, weddings, and reuniting with old friends, and of course, danger around each corner, and not know where it is coming from. Who or whom would want to kill these sweet people? It takes awhile to find out, and while there are a few hints along the way, you still keep wondering and hoping no one we love will be murdered.
Pick this one up for a time when you want to savor and have a little time for reading, you can read each one in a single sitting, but all can be read alone. Enjoy.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson and was not required to give a positive review.
These are novellas from two of previous book settings, the Bluebird Ranch and Tidewater Inn, and yes we have met some of these characters before, so you are in for a real treat.
There is romance, weddings, and reuniting with old friends, and of course, danger around each corner, and not know where it is coming from. Who or whom would want to kill these sweet people? It takes awhile to find out, and while there are a few hints along the way, you still keep wondering and hoping no one we love will be murdered.
Pick this one up for a time when you want to savor and have a little time for reading, you can read each one in a single sitting, but all can be read alone. Enjoy.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson and was not required to give a positive review.
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Andi Unstoppable (Andi Boggs #3) by Amanda Flower
Andi Boggs and her best friend Colin Carter are at it again … in this third book of the Andi Boggs series, Andi Unstoppable, school has begun for the two Killdeer middle schoolers and the science teacher has a great idea! He is an expert birder and wants his class to share in the fun. In a birding group with Colin and her biggest school rival, Ava, Andi sets out to be the first student in class to spot the elusive Kirtland's warbler but ends up spotting the town’s resident ghost instead!
Together with her friends, Andi takes on another small town mystery—is the legend of the ghost of Dominika Shalley more than just a story? And does her sudden appearance have anything to do with the holes the friends find in the Shalley graveyard as they look for the rare bird?
About The Author
Amanda Flower is a two-time Agatha Award-nominated mystery author of over a dozen novels, including the national bestselling Amish Quilt Shop Mystery Series, which she writes under the name Isabella Alan. She has written mysteries for a number of publishers including Penguin Random House, B&H Publishing, Zonderkidz, and Midnight Ink. In addition to being an author, Amanda is an academic librarian for a small college near Cleveland. Visit her online at www.amandaflower.com, www.isabellaalan.com, and Twitter @aflowerwriter.
www.amandaflower.com
My Review
Andi and her fellow detective Calvin, her next-door neighbor, are given
and assignment by their teacher of finding a rare bird that has been
sighted in their area, the Kirtland’s Warbler. Now that is an assignment
that I would love, but these kids are being offered a chance to get
good grades and experience nature in a raw form.
Now Calvin’s Aunt Claudette is a real birder, she has traveled the globe looking for rare species, and is in town to see the Kirkland. She offers to help them and they end up camping in the park and seeing a ghost, now that is a bit more than birding,
These kids also have to put up with a classmate with whom they have a mutual dislike, come along as these three try to work together and end up solving another mystery at the same time.
A really nice teen read that will grab their attention and keep it to the end.
I received this book through Booklook Bloggers and was not required to give a positive review.
Now Calvin’s Aunt Claudette is a real birder, she has traveled the globe looking for rare species, and is in town to see the Kirkland. She offers to help them and they end up camping in the park and seeing a ghost, now that is a bit more than birding,
These kids also have to put up with a classmate with whom they have a mutual dislike, come along as these three try to work together and end up solving another mystery at the same time.
A really nice teen read that will grab their attention and keep it to the end.
I received this book through Booklook Bloggers and was not required to give a positive review.
Sunday, December 20, 2015
2015 Midwinter's Eve Giveaway Hop
I am giving away a $10 Amazon gift card to help you get that book you have been wanting. Just fill out the rafflecopter below to be entered. Good Luck!!
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Friday, December 18, 2015
The Midwife's Choice (At Home in Trinity #2) by Delia Parr
A Winning Combination of
Small-Town History and Sweet Romance
Martha Cade is a midwife in the town of Trinity in 1830s Pennsylvania. In a time when the traditional ways of medicine are constantly being questioned by new doctors fresh from medical school, Martha tries to balance her life's calling with the demands of her family. Recently reunited with her estranged seventeen-year-old daughter, Martha finds herself torn between guiding her child and allowing her to be an adult. And the town of Trinity itself is fraught with secrets: as a midwife, Martha knows which families are troubled, which wives are unhappy, and which husbands have crossed the line from discipline to abuse...
As Martha struggles with the conflicts of being a mother, a midwife, and a woman, she learns the greatest lessons of all--that hope can shine even in the darkest hours, and that faith has a way of making the impossible possible.
About The Author
Delia Parr is the author of sixteen historical and inspirational historical romance novels, including The Midwife's Tale, Hearts Awakening, Love's First Bloom, and Hidden Affections. The mother of three grown children, she was a longtime high school teacher in southern New Jersey before retiring to Florida's sunny west coast. In between visits to her grandchildren in several different states, she spends her time writing and volunteering alongside other women who share a bond of sisterhood as sisters of faith.
My Review
I loved my return trip to Trinity and spending more time with Martha Cade and the other folks we have come to love here. Victoria has returned home, at least she is safe and sound, and there is a lot more to this young woman’s story.
This story is filled with love and there is some tragedy and violence, and the ending is so very surprising, I loved it! A really good read about the use of a midwife in early America before the medical society of doctors took over and they started to disappear for a while.
This book does touch on a very sensitive subject and laws were very different in early America. Woman did not have the same standing in society, and the husband was always right. Almost like cattle in that the wife belonged to the husband, and I cringed at who believed in this.
There is a bit of romance in the making here, or maybe it has existed for years, even before each had married others, between Martha and Thomas. We wonder if Martha can ever move towards a new life, or will she allow a relationship to build with Thomas.
This town will warm your heart and come to rally around a young woman in trouble, loved how they helped her and it will make you smile.
Don’t miss this one, it is the second book in the story, but all of the facts are filled in for you, of course the first book is awesome and you will realize that you want more once you have read this one. Enjoy!
I received this book through Bethany House Publishers Blogger Program and was not required to give a positive review.
Laguna Lights (Laguna Beach #3) by Kaira Rouda
Welcome back to Laguna Beach, California ...
Laura Kinkaid’s glamorous Hollywood life is falling apart. After years of reality television stardom beginning in high school on Laguna Nights, her career and relationship with her long-term boyfriend Scott are fizzling out. Laura decides to go home to Laguna Beach for the weekend to attend a baby shower for her high school friend. That decision – and a car accident – will lead her to a new future, if she’s ready to take a chance at love.
Paul Dorn’s former life in New York City is far behind him and he’s working in a popular Laguna Beach surf shop when fate brings the most beautiful woman he’s ever met into his life. The attraction is instant and he has an overwhelming desire to protect her. While Paul’s retail sales career is a short-term job for market research purposes, his focus on Laura is long-term.
Will Laura allow a handsome stranger to help her create a future unlike her past, or will the bright lights of Hollywood pull her back to LA?
***Laguna Lights can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone novel. And if you enjoy Laura and Paul's love story, please consider reading the rest of the Laguna Beach series.
Laguna Nights (Laguna Beach Book 1), Madison and Josh's story
Laguna Heights (Laguna Beach Book 2), Annie and Hank's story
Laguna Lights (Laguna Beach Book 3), Laura and Paul's story
Laguna Sights (Laguna Beach Book 4), Coming early 2016!
About the Author:
Kaira Rouda is a bestselling, multiple award-winning author of contemporary women's fiction and sexy modern romance novels that sparkle with humor and heart. Her women's fiction titles include HERE, HOME, HOPE, ALL THE DIFFERENCE and IN THE MIRROR. Her bestselling short story is titled, A MOTHER'S DAY. Kaira's work has won the Indie Excellence Award, USA Book Awards, the Reader's Choice Awards and honorable mention in the Writer's Digest International Book Awards. Her books have been widely reviewed and featured in leading magazines.
My Review
This is a very quick read and begins with two people calling it quits after a long romance that started in high school. Scott and Laura have been living the fast pace life of Hollywood, and as stars. Laura’s star has faded a bit, but Scott is still rising, and he is now looking elsewhere.
What would you do if you were in a long-term relationship and it ended? Why head back home to Laguna Beach, and that is where life takes a complete turn for Laura.
You need to pick this one up that is full of surprises and fate, and a mother who won’t give up and hopes to bring Scott back into Laura’s life.
There are some x-rated scenes in this book, which is not my typical read, and the story for me would have been good without the added sex. Guess that is what sells for some people, not me.
I received this book through Pump Up Your Book and was not required to give a positive review.
Thursday, December 17, 2015
I Am A Reader, Not A Writer Presents: Roman's Holiday Blog Tour & Giveaway
Roman's Holiday by Susan Aylworth
Four years after Roman Kincaid was catapulted into stardom as a country-western singer and A-list movie star, he is burned out: exhausted by a grueling schedule, drained by the ceaseless demands of producers and managers, weary of meeting the needs of others at the expense of his own. Leaving a sold-out show in Phoenix, he rents a car and drives north and east, landing in the Painted Desert town of Rainbow Rock.
Nearly three years after leaving her old life behind, Lottie Beale is feeding people and baking pies, managing the Kachina Café and tending secrets of her own. When circumstances conspire to give two attractive people some time alone together amid the world-class vistas of the Four Corners, they discover more than either had bargained for.
Excerpt:
In the kitchen with the door swinging closed between them, she took a moment to gather herself, planning to be at her sunniest when she went back to the dining room. He’s leaving and I’m not going with him. At least I can send him away with a smile. She cut into her “Roman’s Holiday” pie and plated two slices, each on a swirl of chocolate sauce. Then she added another swirl and a dollop of whipped cream to the top. Picking up two forks, she took a deep breath, pretended a smile, and went to serve the man she loved. “Here it is, the new pie sensation of the century.”
“I can hardly wait.”
She
set a slice in front of him. “Before you take a bite, I want you to
know I made it to taste like you. No, that’s not what I mean! Not to
taste like you taste—” She stopped herself. Then she grinned. “If I knew
how to make that, every woman in the country would buy it.”
Roman acknowledged the compliment with a nod.
She
tried again. “I wanted it to taste like who you are. Ugh, I’m botching
this something awful. Just taste it and tell me what you think.” She
waited while he cut a bite of the pie and lifted it to his mouth.
“Oh Lottie.” He closed his eyes, savoring the flavor. “It’s marvelous.”
“Really? You’re not just saying that?”
“It’s mar-ve-lous!”
“I thought it was a winner. Glad you like it.”
“Like it? I love it! Tastes like me, huh?”
“Well, like who you are, like what this time together has meant… to me.”
Author Susan Aylworth
Susan Aylworth started her first book when she was nine. "It was called Buff, The Proud Stallion. I wrote eight whole pages." For her fifth grade career day, she stated her ambition to become "a rich and famous author." Decades later, she is pleased to have achieved the 'author' part of that goal. A former university professor, she enjoys researching backgrounds and careers for her novels. "It's one way to live many lives at once." She lives in northern California with her husband of 45 years and two spoiled cats.
Blog Tour Giveaway - $25 Amazon Gift Card or $25 in Paypal Cash Ends 1/21/16 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Amish Homecoming by Jo Ann Brown
The Prodigal Daughter Returns
Ten years ago, Amish quiltmaker Leah Beiler and her twin brother left their community and family without a word. Now she's finally come home—with her orphaned young niece. Leah has much to explain to so many, including Ezra Stoltzfus. Before she left, she dreamed of marrying the handsome dairy farmer. But now that she's lived among the English and is raising a child who knows nothing of Amish ways, Ezra worries she'll leave again. Leah will have to prove to Ezra that her future is in Paradise Springs—and with him—forever.
Amazon
About The Author
Jo Ann Brown has been creating characters and stories for as long as she can remember. Her first stories were populated with her friends and sisters. She wrote her first novel in high school, and it happily resides in the very back of her file cabinet. Fast forward through college, serving in the Army as a quartermaster officer, getting married, and increasing her blessings with three children...and Jo Ann sold her first book (a western historical romance) in 1987. Since it was published in 1988, she has sold over 100 titles and has become a best-selling and award-winning author. Romantic Times called her "a truly talented author." She writes romance, mystery, and paranormal under a variety of pen names. She currently writes for Harlequin Love Inspired Historical and Guideposts mystery series as Jo Ann Brown, and she writes paranormal, Regency romances, and mysteries for ImaJinn. She also is co-authoring an Amish series for Berkley with Cameron Dokey. They write as Marianne Ellis.
Her books have been translated into nearly a dozen languages and are sold on every continent except Antarctica. A sought-after speaker, she has been teaching creative writing for over 20 years, and she established several popular fiction courses at Brown University.
She has always lived on the east coast, but now resides in Nevada with her husband and two chubby cats.
Homepage
My Review
In Amish Homecoming you will find yourself quickly absorbed into the Amish culture, and wanting to stay.
Leah left when her brother Johnny had a fight with her Dad, and she worried about her twin, and in the end is away for ten years. A lot happened during that time and now Leah is the guardian of her niece Mandy, and her brother is gone.
Can you imagine a young English girl of ten thrown into the Amish life, meeting relatives she never knew, and then attending Amish services, three hours long?
What a different story here, and we will root for Leah to resume her relationship with her neighbor Ezra, but ten years is a long time, and hearts change, is there a chance they can be together.
Can Leah, a woman who is always the first to aid those in distress and wears her heart on her sleeve, regain her father’s love? Such hurt and a long time apart, will she be able to step back into this community and be accepted.
A recommended sweet read with a different twist. Enjoy!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Love Inspired, and was not required to give a positive review.
Leah left when her brother Johnny had a fight with her Dad, and she worried about her twin, and in the end is away for ten years. A lot happened during that time and now Leah is the guardian of her niece Mandy, and her brother is gone.
Can you imagine a young English girl of ten thrown into the Amish life, meeting relatives she never knew, and then attending Amish services, three hours long?
What a different story here, and we will root for Leah to resume her relationship with her neighbor Ezra, but ten years is a long time, and hearts change, is there a chance they can be together.
Can Leah, a woman who is always the first to aid those in distress and wears her heart on her sleeve, regain her father’s love? Such hurt and a long time apart, will she be able to step back into this community and be accepted.
A recommended sweet read with a different twist. Enjoy!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Love Inspired, and was not required to give a positive review.
Twelve Days in December by Michele Paige Holmes
A Christmas Novella from the bestselling Hearthfire Romance series by Michele Paige Holmes:
Five months isn’t enough time to grieve the death of her husband and marry again, but when the unexpected opportunity to take her sister’s place as the bride of wealthy New York businessman, William Vancer, presents itself, twenty-four year-old Charlotte Holbrook agrees. Their marriage of convenience will provide a secure future for her son, while William will be able to claim the inheritance he needs to expand his company westward.
To begin their perfect and perfectly safe arrangement, William allots the last twelve days in December to become acquainted with his new family—a task more easily accomplished than he had imagined. For in Charlotte he finds a tender heart and companion, while stepping into the role of father to her son, brings William a great measure of joy as well. Before the twelve days have passed, he finds himself wishing their marriage of convenience could be something much more.
For Charlotte, every day with William is one of overwhelming gratitude, as he anticipates and provides for her needs, as well as the fondest desires of her heart. More than material comforts, William offers friendship as well, and a loving concern that Charlotte has gone too long without. Guilt ridden, she struggles with her growing attraction and wonders how she can ever remain loyal to her first husband, while allowing herself to love William as he deserves.
About The Author
Michele Holmes spent her childhood and youth in Northern California and Arizona. After marrying her high school sweetheart in the Oakland Temple they moved to Utah, and she now feels very blessed to enjoy a beautiful mountain view from her Provo home.
Michele graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in elementary education—something that has come in handy with her five children, all of whom require food, transportation, or Band-Aids the moment she sits down at her computer.
In spite of all the interruptions, Michele is busy at work, with more story ideas in her head than she will ever likely have time to write. Michele’s first published novel, Counting Stars, won the 2007 Whitney Award for best romance. All the Stars in Heaven continues the story of one of the characters from that first novel.
My Review
Loved this sweet novella, only 81 pages, and yet a lot is packed in these pages, and I could have kept reading.
A story that is fill with a lot of twists, love and compassion, there is a lot of heart break leading up to the twelve days that we live with these two honeymooners.
Not quite a mail order bride story, but getting close, maybe substitute bride. Can’t imagine marrying under these circumstances, but being desperate, and helping out your sister.
Guess in the end the fifth time is a charm for William and 1882 may just be his lucky year.
I received this book from I Am a Reader, Not A Writer and was not required to give a positive review.
The Mountain Midwife by Laurie Alice Eakes
For nearly two hundred years, women in Ashley Tolliver’s family have practiced the art of midwifery in their mountain community. Now she wants to take her skills a step further, but attending medical school means abandoning those women to whom she has dedicated her life, the mountains she loves, and the awakening of her heart.
Ashley Tolliver has tended to the women of her small Appalachian community for years. As their midwife, she thinks she has seen it all. Until a young woman gives birth at Ashley’s home and is abducted just as Ashley tries to take the dangerously bleeding mother to the nearest hospital. Now Ashley is on a mission to find the woman and her newborn baby . . . before it’s too late.
Hunter McDermott is on a quest—to track down his birth mother. After receiving more media attention than he could ever want for being in the right place at the right time, he receives a mysterious phone call from a woman claiming to be his mother. Hunter seeks out the aid of the local midwife in the mountain town where the phone call originated—surely she can shed some light on his own family background.
Ashley isn’t prepared for the way Hunter’s entrance into her world affects her heart and her future. He reignites dreams of having her own family that she has long put aside in favor of earning her medical degree and being able to do even more for her community. But is it commitment to her calling or fear of the unknown that keeps her feet firmly planted in the Appalachian soil? Or is it something more—fear of her growing feelings for Hunter—that makes her hesitant to explore the world beyond the mountains?
Amazon
About The Author
“Eakes has a charming way
of making her novels come to life without being over the top,”
writes Romantic times of bestselling, award-winning author Laurie
Alice Eakes. Since she lay in bed as a child telling herself
stories, she has fulfilled her dream of becoming a published author,
with a degree in English and French from Asbury University and a
master’s degree in writing fiction from Seton Hill University
contributing to her career path. Now she has nearly two dozen books
in print.
After enough moves in the past five years to make U-Haul’s stock rise, she now lives in Houston, Texas, where she and her husband are exploring their new neighborhood. Although they haven’t been blessed with children—yet--they have sundry lovable dogs and cats. If the carpet is relatively free of animal fur, then she is either frustrated with the current manuscript, or brainstorming another, the only two times she genuinely enjoys housework.
Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaurieAEakes
After enough moves in the past five years to make U-Haul’s stock rise, she now lives in Houston, Texas, where she and her husband are exploring their new neighborhood. Although they haven’t been blessed with children—yet--they have sundry lovable dogs and cats. If the carpet is relatively free of animal fur, then she is either frustrated with the current manuscript, or brainstorming another, the only two times she genuinely enjoys housework.
Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaurieAEakes
Read excerpts from her books at:
http://www.lauriealiceeakes.com
My Review
Ashley and Hunter paths cross in unexpected ways, and their lives and
all that they have ever believed have then shaken to the core.
Ashley has put her life wish of becoming a doctor on hold as she gave up her studies and came home to help her Grandmother and in the end take over her practice. She is still saving and planning to eventually go back to school and fulfill her dream.
Hunter is and engineer and has lived a very affluent life in the Washington, D.C. area. He is the odd one in the family as the rest are all lawyers. He is on the news and seems everyone is recognizing him, and that is the catalyst to the phone call from someone claiming to be his mother. No way, he loves his mother, and doesn’t have another!
The story is set in the rural Appliatian Mountains of Virginia, and we travel the back roads here, and meet a lot of the people. This place really requires a truck or four-wheel drive, and someone is trying to kill them on these dangerous gravel roads.
Why is there danger, and what is pulling these two together? A really fast pace read that will keep you page turning and wanting the answers. In the end will there be answers but will they survive? There are several sub stories and some are unanswered but most have conclusions and we have to be satisfied with the answers whether we agree or wanted what happens.
I received this book through Net Galley and Zondervan Fiction and was not required to give a positive review.
Ashley has put her life wish of becoming a doctor on hold as she gave up her studies and came home to help her Grandmother and in the end take over her practice. She is still saving and planning to eventually go back to school and fulfill her dream.
Hunter is and engineer and has lived a very affluent life in the Washington, D.C. area. He is the odd one in the family as the rest are all lawyers. He is on the news and seems everyone is recognizing him, and that is the catalyst to the phone call from someone claiming to be his mother. No way, he loves his mother, and doesn’t have another!
The story is set in the rural Appliatian Mountains of Virginia, and we travel the back roads here, and meet a lot of the people. This place really requires a truck or four-wheel drive, and someone is trying to kill them on these dangerous gravel roads.
Why is there danger, and what is pulling these two together? A really fast pace read that will keep you page turning and wanting the answers. In the end will there be answers but will they survive? There are several sub stories and some are unanswered but most have conclusions and we have to be satisfied with the answers whether we agree or wanted what happens.
I received this book through Net Galley and Zondervan Fiction and was not required to give a positive review.
Monday, December 14, 2015
Asleep on the Hay: A Dust Bowl Christmas by Ben Sowards Giveaway & Review
Asleep on the Hay: A Dust Bowl Christmas by Ben Sowards It’s Christmas Eve when a knock comes at the door of Paul’s family farmhouse. A small family is stranded due to a broken-down truck and seeks shelter for the evening. Paul’s grandfather not only welcomes them in, but offers them dinner and a bed for the night. Even though it is a season of giving, Paul’s heart is not filled with charity. It’s the height of the Dust Bowl and food is scarce. Why should he share what little he has with strangers? Worse, in order to help the sick baby, Paul will have to sell his beloved calf to buy a part to fix the truck. Angry, he retreats to the barn, where he sleeps and dreams of faraway Bethlehem. In his dream, he visits Mary and Joseph, and their newborn son, Jesus. The family offers Paul food and shelter and warmth—extending to him the love and charity he lacks and teaching him of the true meaning of Christmas.
Author & Illustrator Ben Sowards Ben Sowards is the illustrator of many well-loved picture books, including A Christmas Dress for Ellen, Seven Miracles that Saved America, and Christmas Oranges. Ben Sowards teaches others to paint both traditionally and digitally at Southern Utah University, where has directed the illustration program since 2001.
$25 Blog Tour Giveaway Giveaway Enter to win an Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 12/30/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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My Review
I was drawn to this book by the beautifully illustrated cover, and once you start turning the pages you are treated to eye-catching pictures, that go with the story so beautifully.
This story is set during a very hard time in America, the depression and the dust bowl. People are dying from breathing in the soil, and when our young friend Paul will be asked to make a very difficult sacrifice.
My boys enjoyed this story and debated whether they could do what young Paul is asked to do. We spoke of the sacrifice our God made by having is Son come and save us, and then Paul’s sacrifice didn’t seem as bad.
A hard decision for young ones, and this is a beautiful book to have in your home, especially during the Christmas season.
I received this book from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
Sunday, December 13, 2015
Evangelicals for Life Conference - The Cultural Battle for Human Dignity | Evangelicals for Life
Clear your schedules January 21–22, 2016, because Focus on the Family and The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission will host Evangelicals for Life, a major pro-life conference held in conjunction with the March for Life event.
The event will take place in Washington, D.C., at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill. Evangelicals from across the country will gather to hear from leading speakers, such as David Platt, Russell Moore, Jim Daly, Kelly Rosati, and others—to be equipped and encouraged to become a voice for life! The event will also be simulcast for FREE so individuals, churches, and organizations from coast-to-coast and around the world can take part.
Speakers will encourage evangelicals to engage the culture on issues of abortion and end-of-life decisions, and the event will affirm the evangelical belief in the sanctity of life, that every life matters to God and is created in His image.
For more information, visit http://evangelicals.life/.
Readers of this blog will receive 15% off their registration by using the code FocusLife.
Russell Moore will be speaking at Evangelicals for Life. He is President of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention. He is a theologian, ethicist, frequent cultural commentator, and author of several books. In the guest post below, he speaks to the importance of hosting the conference in the midst of the cultural battle for human dignity.
Why We’re Hosting the Evangelicals For Life Conference
By Russell Moore
As many Christians sat at their computer and watched a casual dinner conversation over the price of dismembered children, a lot of us probably thought: “But what can I do about this?” This is a question I hear often from pro-life evangelicals. Many Christians are utterly convinced in their heart of the personhood and dignity of the unborn, yet don’t know how to faithfully effectively advocate for life.
It’s important to understand that the cultural battle for human dignity doesn’t begin on Capitol Hill or on CNN. It begins in your family, in your local church, and in your neighborhood. In fact, many of the people we know most vulnerable to the abortionist’s rhetoric are not actually pro-choice, they’re just scared, scared to scandalize a church with their secret. The false gospel of the abortion clinic, which says, “We can make all your trouble go away for you,” is overwhelmingly seductive.
What these people need more than a lesson in embryonic development is to have the Gospel preached to their conscience. This means much more than simply offering “The Romans Road” or prompting a sinner’s prayer; it means speaking directly with the message of Jesus’ complete sovereignty of the universe, his righteous indignation on the murder of the unborn, and most importantly, his complete absorption of God’s wrath on the cross, and his invitation to mercy and fellowship and the imputed righteousness of the Son of God.
The Gospel disarms the appeal of the abortion clinic because it offers truth with love, judgment with mercy, and righteousness with grace. The consciences around us don’t believe what they’re telling themselves. They’re scared and confused. Shine a light on their conscience, and then present the Gospel of reconciliation.
Moreover, the pro-life movement has set an example worthy of our imitation when it comes to practical, holistic mercy ministry. For over 40 years since Roe v. Wade, those committed to defending unborn life have done much more than preach and teach; they have welcomed the scared, the vulnerable, and the wounded and loved them. This has looked like the establishment of crisis pregnancy centers all around cities. It has looked like adoption advocacy and building a culture of adoption in local churches. It’s true that our pro-life witness has a long way to go, but we do not, thankfully, conform to the caricature that says we believe life “begins at conception and ends at birth.”
Questions like these are why I am excited to be a part of the Evangelicals For Life Conference in January. This conference exists to help evangelicals articulate a truly Christian doctrine on the dignity of all human life. Being pro-life, after all, means much more than being against abortion on demand; it means believing in the dignity of the elderly and infirm, and advocating for compassion and inclusion of the poor, the orphan, and the widow. No doctrine of human dignity that fails to speak to these cases is fully “pro-life.”
Sometimes Christians are encouraged to leave issues like this behind. Sometimes the fight for human dignity is portrayed as “culture war” baggage. For those of us that watched an executive from Planned Parenthood talk about the most valuable anatomy of dead children, we know this to be false. The stakes for human life and human dignity could not be higher, and the plight of those ignored by the world does not go unnoticed by our heavenly Father.
We have a Gospel word to speak to the abortionist and the unborn, to the orphan and those not considering adoption. Will you join me in Washington, on January 21-22, as we seek to speak this word?
This article was adapted from the original article posted on Russell Moore's website.
Amish Christmas at North Star: Four Stories of Love and Family By: Cindy Woodsmall, Mindy Starns Clark, Amanda Flower, Katie Ganshert
One night four lives entered the world by the hands of an Amish midwife, just outside North Star, Pennsylvania.
Rebekah’s babies, as they are called, are now grown adults and in four heartwarming novellas each young person experiences a journey of discovery, love, and the wonder of Christmas.
Guiding Star by Katie Ganshert
Curiosity gets the best of Englisher Chase Wellington when he investigates the twenty-five-year-old disappearance of an Amish baby. When he finds adventurous Elle McAllister in Iowa will his discoveries upend her world?
Mourning Star by Amanda Flower
Eden Hochstetler slips from her parents’ fudge shop to investigate the death of her friend Isaac Yoder. Who is guilty? Isaac’s handsome great nephew Jacob, an angry Englisher, or someone else?
In the Stars by Cindy Woodsmall
Kore Detweiler has nursed his broken heart, avoiding North Star after Savilla Beiler suddenly rejected his love. But when he is called to return home, he and Savilla must join forces to keep a family together.
Star of Grace by Mindy Starns Clark and Emily Clark
Andy Danner left North Star to work in construction in a new Amish settlement in Louisiana. His little brother devises a scheme to bring Andy home for Christmas, and unwittingly unleashes the power of forgiveness in an old widower’s life.
My Thoughts
Four short stories, less than 100 pages each, by four amazing authors that will keep you page turning and wanting more, and soon you are moving to the next story in the book.
The stories are based on a terrible snowy night twenty-five years ago, when Rebekah Schlabach the local midwife opens her door for one busy night, and in the end four babies are born, three girls and a boy. The stories that follow are an update about the lives of these babies now known as “Rebekah’s Babies”.
These stories are heart warming, and loved the finding and updating each of these individual children, now all grown up. A different author, Cindy Woodsmall, Mindy Starns Clark (and Emily Clark), Amanda Flower, and Katie Ganshert updates each story, but they all come back to Rebekah. A timely treat for this time of the year and with little time, these a quick individual reads.
I received this book from Blogging For Books and was not required to give a positive review.
Thursday, December 10, 2015
At Love's Bidding by Regina Jennings
She sells priceless antiques. He sells livestock by the pound. Is he really the man to make a bid for her heart?
After helping her grandfather at their Boston auction house, Miranda Wimplegate discovers she’s accidentally sold a powerful family’s prized portrait to an anonymous bidder. Desperate to appease the people who could ruin them forever, they track it to the Missouri Ozarks and make an outlandish offer to buy the local auction house and all its holdings before the painting can move again.
Upon crossing the country, however, Miranda and her grandfather discover their new auction house doesn’t deal in fine antiques, but in livestock. And its frustratingly handsome manager, Wyatt Ballentine, is annoyed to discover his fussy new bosses don’t know a thing about the business he’s single-handedly kept afloat. Faced with more heads of cattle than they can count–but no mysterious painting–Miranda and Wyatt form an unlikely but charged partnership to try and prevent a bad situation from getting worse.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
About The Author
Find out more about Regina at http://www.reginajennings.com/.
My Review
Paths are about to cross when the Wimplegate’s Auction House accidently sells a family heirloom that was not supposed to sold as part of the LeBlanc families belongings. Actually the grandfather Wimplegate is aging, and we meet head on the loosing of a love one while they are still alive with dementia.
Miranda Wimplegate decides to help her grandfather track down the lost portrait and they head to the Missouri Ozarks, and try and save their business with the recovery. You will find several chuckles and laughs as they see the new auction house they bought, and then some of the priceless antiques, not, that grandpa buys.
We meet Wyatt and again a chuckle as they try and dress him as if he is in Boston Ma, where their Auction House is. We do travel the beautiful countryside, and wonder if the two opposites in Miranda and Wyatt could possibly attract.
There is danger, and then there is not fitting in with your family, and the journey to find your roots.
It took me awhile to get through this book, and the epilogue at the end didn’t seem to give more information about the story I had just read, which was a bit of disappointment.
I received this book through Litfuse Publicity Book tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
An Amish Year: Four Amish Novellas by Beth Wiseman
Spend a year in Amish country with four sweet romances.
Rooted in Love
Rosemary Lantz is doing her best to run her family’s household. She excels at all her tasks except one: gardening. Saul Petersheim has pursued Rosemary for years, but Rosemary keeps turning him down. What Saul doesn’t know is that she has good reason—something no one can know—especially not him.
A Love for Irma Rose
The year is 1957, and young Irma Rose has a choice to make. Marry the man who loves her? Or go after Jonas, the high-spirited, yet noncommittal man her heart loves?
Patchwork Perfect
Eli Byler has been a widower for two years when he chooses to make a fresh start in Paradise, Pennsylvania. Eli’s children are determined to keep their family the way it is, but they aren’t in Paradise long before the available ladies begin to show an interest in Eli.
As Eli juggles the admiration of two women, he meets Miriam Fisher—the most unconventional Amish woman he’s ever met. She doesn’t fit the mold for what Eli is looking for, but it isn’t long before Eli realizes that Miriam is everything he wants. But with two children constantly trying to sabotage his efforts, will he ever be happy again?
When Christmas Comes Again
Katherine knows the first Christmas without Elias will be hard for her and the children. But when a mysterious Englischer appears with photographs of her late husband, Katherine begins to wonder what other blessings Christmas could have in store.
About The Author
Beth Wiseman is a Carol Award Winner, Inspirational Readers Choice Winner, INSPY Winner, and the best-selling author of the Daughters of the Promise series and the Land of Canaan series. All of her books have held spots on the ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) bestseller list and the CBA (Christian Book Association) bestseller list. She grew up in Houston, Texas and now resides in a small town west of Houston with a population of around 300. She lives with her husband, two dogs, two cats, two pot bellied pigs, two chickens and a pygmy goat. Her two grown sons also live in Texas. Beth has been writing in some capacity for most of her life. She's a former award-winning journalist with eleven honors, including 'First Place News Writing' for The Texas Press Association. However, writing love stories with a spiritual message is where her heart is. When Beth isn't writing (which is seldom these days) she enjoys traveling, cooking, fishing, reading, or just settling in for a good movie. Her best times are spent with family and friends!
BethWiseman.com
Amazon
My Review
Beth Wiseman has a gift of drawing the reader into the story, and we are soon walking in the main character’s shoes and living their lives.
This book has four novellas, and having read most all of Beth’s books, I have read some of these before, but I sure didn’t mind reading them again, and enjoying.
Love a read that I can sit down and finish in one sitting, and with each of these stories it is a possibility and each become page-turners, so you do have to read to the end.
These stories will warm you heart and make you want more, I for one am glad I read these, and can’t wait for the next book to come out.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.
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