Thursday, August 30, 2018

I Read With Audra Presents: Homespun: Amish and Mennonite Women in Their Own Words by Lorilee Craker








“Will interest anyone who’s curious about the plain lifestyle,” said Publishers Weekly. I’ve always found the Amish and their lifestyle fascinating. So I requested “Homespun” to review (thanks, Audra Jennings PR). It’s a collection of short essays by Amish and Mennonite women.
Straight from the pens of Amish and Mennonite women . . . 
Straight from the pens of Amish and Mennonite women . . .
Ever wish you could visit with a group of Amish or Mennonite women over a cup of coffee? In the pages of Homespun, Amish and Plain Mennonite women swap stories and spin yarns while we listen in. Lorilee Craker, bestselling author of Money Secrets of the Amish, collects these personal writings about hospitality, home, grief, joy, and walks with God. Hear from one woman who struggles with feeling inferior to her sister, from another about her longing for a baby, and from a third who accidentally bought stretchy material to sew her husband’s pants. Each woman’s story is a testament to the grace of God and the blessings of community.
Behind Amish romance novels and tourist spots and television shows stand real people, with longings and loves just like the rest of us. Every Amish and Mennonite woman has a story. In Homespun, you get to hear some of them.



About the editor:


Editor Lorilee Craker is the author of thirteen books, including Money Secrets of the AmishAnne of Green Gables, My Daughter, and Me; My Journey to Heaven with Marv Besteman; and the New York Times bestseller Through the Story with Lynne Spears. Connect with her at LorileeCraker.com.


Do you enjoy reading about the Amish? Is there a book by or about someone Amish that you would recommend?

My Review

The author has given us a group of writings, that felt like I was receiving letters from friends. Some are going to make you wish to have tissues handy, and others had me laughing out loud, wait till you read about the fussy son who wanted something green in his lunch and the mom put only a head of lettuce in the next day, loved it!
Trying to read just one and then go do something, it didn’t work, I felt like I was reading about friends. There is a great deal of faith shared here, and felt uplifted and wanted more even after I read the last one offered.

I received this book from the Publisher Herald Press and Audra Reads, and was not required to give a positive review.





Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Celebrate Lit Presents: Toby's Troubles (An Appleton WV Romantic Mystery #4) by Carole Brown

Tobys troubles celebration tour copy

About the Book

Book Title: Toby’s Troubles
Author: Carole Brown
Genre: Romantic Mystery, Cozy Mystery
Release date: July 1, 2018




Tobys troubles

Everyone loves Toby Gibson. A co-owner of Undiscovered Treasures, a unique shop of antiques, collectables and junk, Toby is friendly, generous to a fault, the director of the local plays in Appleton and supports his church’s youth functions. But the minute his sister, Caroline and her new husband, take off for their honeymoon, a “ghost” begins to haunt the shop—or maybe it’s just an intruder. If so, Toby has no idea for what he is looking. To add to his troubles, he suspects Amy, not only is bidding for the property he’s wanted forever, but is in love with him. And he’s not interested.
Amy Sanderson who owns the only flower shop in Appleton—Bloomin’ Life—is drawn into capturing Toby’s “ghost” when her own business is damaged by a destructive intruder. Having loved Toby from childhood, she’s more than willing to join forces with him. But she has no interest in being his best friend or like a sister to him. And if she has to resort to schemes of outbidding him at his frequent auction attendences to get his attention, then so be it. She can be just as stubborn as the man who’s determined to ignore her love.
In between the break-ins, destruction of property, thefts and personal competitions against each other, Amy and Toby work together to find the thief who seems so determined to find a valuable item, he’ll stop at nothing.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Carole Brown

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of ten books, she loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?

Guest Post from Carole Brown

Antique Shops, A Thief, the Community Theater, and Love
Toby’s Troubles, Book Four from the Appleton, West Virginia Romantic Mysteries series
I knew when I wrote this book who Toby was. But capturing Toby’s personality and presenting it in the right way, was a challenge for me. Readers can see his teasing, fun-loving character when he labels the person who’s breaking into his shop as a ghost. But Toby is also serious, smart and successful. The side of him who has had plenty of girl friends, but who’s never gotten serious with any of them, is prominent too. But I didn’t want him to seem frivolous and uncaring, because he isn’t that. With a focus on his interests, love has never—as of yet—been a primary concern, so when Amy Sanderson strolls into his life, she turns out to be his confidant in the time of his troubles. The question is: can she not only have a place in his life as a best friend, but also capture his heart?

Let’s talk about:

Antique Shops
Who doesn’t love a place filled with valuable items, interesting history, and hard-to-find items? Undiscovered Treasures—a shop of antiques, collectibles and junk—could be described as the town gathering place. Everyone loves browsing there. Deciding on such a place for the business of brother and sister, Toby and Caroline Gibson, was a fun choice. From grandfather clocks to unique shaped vases, it’s a shop where treasure hunters could just find what they’re looking for.
A Thief:
There are way too many new people visiting Appleton, West Virginia, so how is someone like Toby suppose to guess what the thief is after? The thief definitely knows what he’s looking for, just not where. He’s tall, thin and a fast runner, especially when escaping across a rooftop. But then, maybe it’s not a new person in town. Maybe the thief is Toby’s part time help, who has a mystery all of his own. It makes things interesting, and a bit terrifying for everyone.
The Community Theater:
One of Toby’s loves is directing and overseeing the community theater. Caroline Gibson writes some of the plays, the actors are usually taken from the West Virginia area, and all proceeds go to charities. But when their main actors, of the current play, elope and leave the play desolate, someone has to step in to fill the gaps. Toby struggles with decisions he doesn’t want to make.
Love
Toby is smart, funny, and a resourseful man. He’s also busy with his community theater activities and his business. Known as the one man in town who’s not interested, at the current time, in getting married, his reputation of loving and leaving is in danger of being wrecked by one small woman. Can she sabotage his well-laid plans and help him realize it’s now or never? Could it be the time when real love is captured by two people, even when one of them seems doomed to ignore what God’s put in their hearts?
I love creating characters. Developing them into real people with real desires, moods, troubles

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, August 21
Godly Book Reviews, August 21
The Avid Reader, August 22
Splashes of Joy, August 27
Maureen’s Musing, August 29
Mary Hake, August 29
Pause for Tales, August 31
Lighthouse Academy, September 1
Texas Book-aholic, September 2
Jeanette’s Thoughts, September 2
Carpe Diem, September 3
Bigreadersite, September 3

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Carole is giving away a grand prize that includes winner’s choice of one of the two attached mugs, winner’s choice of a print or kindle copy of Toby’s Troubles and a tote bag!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d1c2/toby-s-troubles-celebration-tour-giveaway


My Review





This is a sweet love story and a big mystery, with break-ins, theft, mystery people, kidnapping, a lot of action.
What is going on in this small town? He owns an Antique Shop, and she owns a flower shop, she is crazy in love with him, and he thinks of her as a sister, really?
With non-stop action, someone wants something they have, or do they, and they are not sure which one of them has what? We ponder this as we read this page-turner, and what is going on, who is stealing and destroying things?
Yes, the answers will come, but it takes a while, and you want the answers right! Keep turning, they are here, and you will love the story the author has given us. Enjoy!

Tuesday, August 28, 2018

The Mending by Susan Lantz Simpson






Malinda Stauffer is happy that her gut frienden Phoebe Yoder may soon be married. Of course, Malinda can't help wondering about her own future. She hopes someday to find the same contentment as a wife and mother that she has helping her own mamm care for Malinda's father and five brothers. But a challenging health issue has her convinced no man wants the burden of a fraa who needs rest when there are farms to tend and businesses to run. Adding to her stress is the unwanted attention of an aggressive big city doctor smitten by her--an unsettling distraction she has kept to herself.

Timothy Brenneman works alongside Malinda's brother, Sam, handcrafting the finest Amish furniture in St. Mary's County. He can't recall when Sam's little schweschder blossomed into a beautiful young woman--but he would do anything to hold Malinda close and soothe the sad yearning in her eyes. Sensing her unease at the mention of her doctor only confirms his desire to protect her. Healing, however, is in Gott's hands, and a hard lesson in the true meaning of love may soon bless them both in ways they never imagined.


Amazon 


About The Author



Susan Lantz Simpson has been writing stories and poetry ever since she penned her first poem at the age of six. She has always loved the magic of words and how they can entertain and enlighten others. Her love of words and books led her to earn a degree in English/Education. She has taught students from Prekindergarten to high school and has also worked as an editor for the federal government. She also holds a degree in nursing and has worked in hospitals and in community health. She writes inspirational stories of love and faith and has published a middle-grade novel (Ginger and the Bully). She lives in Maryland and is the mother of two wonderful daughters. She is a member of ACFW and Maryland Christian Writers Group. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys reading, walking, and doing needlework.

Website 


My Review


The author has given us a story that affects so many people, and many have the same decisions, but this one has a twist the patient is Amish, and she has the same wants and desires that most young Amish woman have, to be a wife and mother.
Add a young man who has secretly cared for her for most of his life, and you will think a quick romance, nope, we wonder right to the end if these two can overcome the obstacles to ever being together.
I loved that we are reunited and updated with some the characters from the first book in this series, The Promise, and yes this one can be read alone, and yet there is another one to come, and I personally cannot wait!
I did find this story a bit scary at times, and wondered what was going to happen, some people just won’t take “no” for an answer.
You don’t want to miss this one!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zebra, and was not required to give a positive review.


Secret at Pebble Creek (Hope Chest of Dreams #4) by Lisa Jones Baker







When Jessica Beachy temporarily moves into the home of her late great uncle, Sam Beachy, she merely plans to remodel, sell, and head back to the city. She's used to busy St. Louis and can't imagine how she'll spend her time in the quiet Amish countryside. But the carpenter she hires, Eli Miller, doesn't think selling Sam's home is a good idea. And while he's steadfast in his Amish faith, he's instantly drawn to Jessica's vivacity and unexpected caring--especially as peaceful country ways make her question the dream she thought she wanted . .

But a lucrative offer to turn the house into a vacation retreat confronts Jessica with a heartbreaking choice. It will take trust, perseverance--and discovering a hope chest thought forever lost--for Jessica and Eli to boldly face obstacles and embark on a joyous future together.


Amazon


About The Author




Lisa Jones Baker grew up near a small Amish town in Illinois that she frequented with her family on weekends. She's also a dog lover and a fan of Scottsdale, Arizona, where she spent nearly two decades. Lisa graduated from Illinois State University with a French major, has been on 5 out of 7 continents, and considers her parents the best in the world. Raised in a Christian home, Lisa has always been blessed with love and support.  

 Website


My Review

This is the fourth book in this series, but this one can be read alone, and while Sam is no longer with us, and the young girls have grown up and have families of their own, his legacy lives on.
We meet part of Sam’s family that left the Amish and has come, oh no, to sell Pebble Creek. What starts out as a done deal, well now you will need to read this heartwarming story to find out the rest.
Will the beautiful gift Sam made his wife be found? What will become of the now modern Amish home?
A sweet a delightful quick read, with a little romance thrown in, and welcome to a less stressful life.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zebra, and was not required to give a positive review 









 

Celebrate Lit Presents: Ties That Blind (Sight Unseen #3) by Chautona Havig

Ties That Blind FB Banner

Blog Stops

Live. Love. Read. , August 18
Fiction Aficionado, August 20
Among the Reads, August 20
Lots of Helpers, August 22
Cordially Barbara, August 23
All-of-a-kind Mom, August 23
Multifarious, August 24
Texas Book-aholic, August 26
A Reader’s Brain, August 27
Carpe Diem, August 28
Bigreadersite, August 30
Mary Hake, August 30
Pause for Tales, August 31

About the Book

Title: Ties that Blind
Author: Chautona Havig
Release date: August, 2018
Genre: Suspense




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He may not be the only person in the Rockland area to wake up without a memory, but he might be the only killer…
Simon Prescott, the latest victim of spontaneous amnesia in Rockland, is under suspicion of murder. The evidence, though weak and circumstantial, points only to him. He’s confident he didn’t do it, but there’s no way to prove it. Grieving for a wife he doesn’t remember, Simon refuses to allow his family in, refuses to cooperate with police, and is heading straight for the pokey if he doesn’t figure out something and fast.
Enter: Ella Weeks and Vikki Jeffries. The previous two victims are determined to help him, and with jail time looming, Simon capitulates. But what Vikki and Ella find as they work through Simon’s life reveals astounding and rather chilling evidence of a bigger scheme than any of them could have imagined.
They’re on the verge of total discovery, but the closer they get, the less confident they are that they want to know.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

ChautonaThe author of dozens of books in a variety of genres, Chautona Havig lives and writes in California’s Mojave Desert where she uses story to nudge her readers to the feet of the Master Storyteller.

Guest Post from Chautona

What Does It All Mean, Anyway?

“So why is this series called ‘Sight Unseen’ if it’s about people who lose their memories? Why the vision references?”
I can’t pretend I wanted to answer her question. She isn’t the first to ask, and I doubt she’ll be the last.  I tried to explain.
Look, it’s a valid question. Originally, the first book was called From the Cinders, and if it had remained a stand-alone book, it still would be. But when I finished with another person waking up to no memories and a hint that something sinister might be behind it all, I had to change it to fit two books—no, three!
Recall. Rewind. Refresh. I liked those titles. But that still didn’t give me the name of a series. I kept studying. Tried again.
I read what would become None So Blind three times in a row, if I recall correctly. And as I read it, a theme emerged. Ella Weeks hadn’t been blind to her faults even before her memory loss. Even her husband hadn’t been, despite his obvious love for her. But those around her had been blind to her awareness of those faults—to her silent cries for help in overcoming them.

Will Not See emerged with a similar theme.

Vikki had a past that she hid from and refused to acknowledge. And even as those around her drew closer to provide support, she still managed to block out all that she found frightening—even physically shutting down and shutting out life.
So, when it came time to plan the final book in the series, the one that would now tie together everything that had happened, I knew I wanted something that also fit with the other titles. And one night it came to me. Ties That Blind. So often our ties to people blind us to their faults—to the destructive influences they have in our lives. And Simon Prescott will learn that lesson in a rather lonely, horrible way.

The Sight Unseen series reminds us of what Paul said in Corinthians.

Now we see through dark glasses… we can’t really make it all out. But with the Lord, when we’re truly with Him in eternity, we’ll see things as clearly as we do when we are face to face.
And that’s what faith is all about, right? It’s the “substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” When we “buy in” to the Lord Jesus, we’re taking it all in faith. We’re trusting in Him, “Sight Unseen,” just as the characters in this series do with every element of their lives.
I hope their journeys bless you as they have me as I wrote them.

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away a grand prize of the entire Sight Unseen series in paperback!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d295/ties-that-blind-celebration-tour-giveaway

"Ties that Blind" is available in Kindle edition:
  • File Size: 4405 KB
  • Print Length: 277 pages
  • Publication Date: August 7, 2018
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B07FXRLK3P



My Review




The blip that was offered about this book sounded very interesting, and I decided to read it, and boy be ready for quite the ride.
Hard to imagine yourself in Simon’s shoes, bang, bang pounding on a door and walking but feeling still asleep, that is how we begin.
As the story unfolds you will be shaking your head, and wondering just what is going on?
At first, I felt a bit lost, and if I did, just imagine Simon, but as I pushed though things became clearer and clearer, but wow!
The drug is to take care of problems sounds like a wonderful idea, but? Loved the way the author’s mind works here, a bit deep, makes more and more sense as the facts unfold, and my take away is Greed!
A don’t miss story that feels so real, could really happen? Could be!

I received this book through Celebrate Lit Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.






Monday, August 27, 2018

The Best of Intentions (Canadian Crossings, #1) by Susan Anne Mason






In the aftermath of tragedy, Grace hopes to reclaim her nephew from the relatives who rejected her sister because of her class. Under an alias, she becomes her nephew's nanny to observe the formidable family up close. Unexpectedly, she begins to fall for the boy's guardian, who is promised to another. Can Grace protect her nephew . . . and her heart?

Amazon


About The Author








I have always loved to write. As a teen, I wrote my first novel, only to be politely rejected by my publisher of choice.

Life got in the way – university, marriage and children became the priority. Then once I had time to start reading again, the writing bug bit once more.
I enjoy writing both contemporary and historical Inspirational romances. “Romance sprinkled with faith” describes my writing style. I love themes of forgiveness and redemption!
I am a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the Romance Writers of America. My association with such amazing groups of people has been the biggest asset toward learning my craft.
Home for me is Brampton, Ontario, Canada (near Toronto), where I live with my husband, our two children and two cats. My day job is a part-time secretary at a local church. In my spare time, I like to read and research our family history online.

Website


My Review


As I read this book the title became more and more obvious of the, little white lies, or big ones, I could understand the author putting Grace in the position of wanting to fulfill her sister’s wishes and also wanting to be in life of this young child.
I found myself quickly page turning as we become involved in these characters lives, some you will quickly come to love and others, the old saying “if you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all”, sure comes to mind.
It has been one hundred years since WWI and the horrible Spanish Flu, and it is quickly fading from memories, I love that there are stories that help keep alive what this past generation went through and thank the author for bringing it to the forefront.
I am looking forward to the next book in this series, and hope to catch up on the lives of those we have already met.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

Friday, August 24, 2018

Journey to Jericho (The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls #4) by M.J. Thomas, Graham Howells






The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls series follows siblings Peter and Mary and their dog, Hank, as they discover ancient scrolls that transport them back to key moments in biblical history. In this fourth adventure, the time-traveling trio journeys to an ancient desert and finds the Israelites preparing to enter the Promised Land. With limited time to solve the secret of the scroll, Peter and Mary join Israelite spies on a reconnaissance mission to Jericho; sneak Rahab to safety; and ultimately face the scheming man in black as the walls of the city begin to crumble. Fans of the series will love this whirlwind adventure that brings the Bible to life.


  • Age Range: 6 - 9 years
  • Grade Level: 2 - 3
  • Series: Secret of the Hidden Scrolls (Book 4)
  • Paperback: 128 pages
  • Publisher: WorthyKids/Ideals (August 7, 2018)
  • Language: English
Amazon


About The Author





M. J. Thomas grew up in Florida playing sports and riding his bike to the library and an arcade named the Cosmic Cowboy. He graduated from Liberty University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies.
When his son Peter was nine years old, Mike went searching for books that would teach Peter about the Bible in a fun, imaginative way. Finding none, he decided to write his own series. In The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls, Mike combines biblical accuracy with adventure, imagination, and characters who are dear to his heart. Peter is named for Mike's son Peter; Mary, for his niece; and Hank, for the family dog.
Mike lives in Tennessee with his wife, Lori; two sons, Payton and Peter; and their dog, Hank.


My Review


My eleven-year-old has been enjoying these books since they came out, yes, he is above the age, but enjoyment has no age.
I think having the dog in the story is one of the things he really loves, as he tells me about Hank and what he is doing in the story.
For me I love the idea of my child reading bible stories, but written so he can enjoy the story all the while learning.
We have the dog, but also a young brother and sister, and while visiting their great uncle they have the wondrous adventures traveling back in time, all the while trying to solve the mystery of the scroll that they have in their possession, and I could hear mine trying to solve the puzzle ahead of time!

I received this book through the Publisher Worthy/Kids Ideals, and was not required to give a positive review.

Thursday, August 23, 2018

Write Now Literary Presents: The Works of Christ by Edward King



Write Now Literary is pleased to be coordinating a blog tour for Edward King. This tour will run August 23.  
Book your own tour here.
Book Title: The Works of Christ My Proof of God's Existence  
         
Genre: Christian, Poetry, Inspirational 
            
Paperback
ISBN: 9781498464451


Meet Edward





 Edward King is a positive-writing author, who tells us about how to look at things in a positive perspective. With his inspirational writings, he has come a long way from being at on verge of death to being able to inspire many people with both his life and his writings. With his quick healing from the death-defying car accident, Edward King goes through everyday looking to God for all of his answers and finds so much inspiration. He writes to show everyone the God he knows.


                                             About The Book






In August 2010, Edward King was in a traumatic car accident that nearly ended his young life. From this accident, he had an incredible out-of-body experience. This is his story along with a collection of simple poetry designed to help one come closer to Christ.

 



Click on logo to purchase a copy

                               
             

Connect socially



Sometimes we lose vision, and we're blinded by our desires,
but the Lord always cares about us, and he always inspires
a servant of his to show each of us some clues
that he will always love us, and his guidance, we'll never lose.
From our birth to our death, he will always be there
to cleanse us of our sins and enable us to care
and love every one of our brothers and sisters in his name,
for he loves us so much, he totally cleansed everyone's shame.

Celebrate Lit Presents: Out of North Korea by Alana Terry

Out of North Korea FB Banner copy

About the Book




Out of North Korea



Book Title: Out of North Korea
Author: Alana Terry
Genre: Christian Thriller/Suspense
Release date: June 25, 2018
A single photograph could cost his life …
Ian McAllister has searched the world over, hunting for that all-elusive perfect photograph.
He finds it on a tourist trip to North Korea when he stumbles upon a young street kid foraging for roots.
Unaware that this single act will brand him a spy and cost his freedom, Ian takes the shot.
Now he must pay the penalty.
A true-to-life novel about an American imprisoned behind North Korea’s closed borders.
A gripping tale of courage, faith, and hope from award-winning Christian novelist Alana Terry.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

alana terry

Alana is a pastor’s wife, homeschooling mom, self-diagnosed chicken lady, and Christian suspense author. Her novels have won awards from Women of Faith, Book Club Network, Grace Awards, Readers’ Favorite, and more. Alana’s passion for social justice, human rights, and religious freedom shines through her writing, and her books are known for raising tough questions without preaching. She and her family live in rural Alaska where the northern lights in the winter and midnight sun in the summer make hauling water, surviving the annual mosquito apocalypse, and cleaning goat stalls in negative forty degrees worth every second.

Guest Post from Alana Terry

Have you seen in the news that the leaders of North and South Korea have both publicly stated their willingness to promote peace on the Korean peninsula? It was certainly a historic moment, and this part of the world has earned its place in global headlines.
My interest in North Korea, however, goes back over a decade, when as a young mother I received a prayer burden for the people of North Korea. Fast-forward to five years ago when my debut novel was released. The Beloved Daughter follows the life of a young girl who is sent to prison camp because of her father’s Christian faith. In addition to winning several awards, The Beloved Daughter gave an expression to my prayer burden to see North Korea free to worship the one true God.
Out of North Korea is unique among my other titles because it’s the first story that focuses on an American in North Korea. Ian McAllister is captured and held in a Pyongyang prison because of a photograph he took of a young homeless boy. I hope the message leaves you as inspired and encouraged as I was when I was writing it.

Blog Stops

All of a kind Mom, August 16
Multifarious, August 17
Mary Hake, August 17
Genesis 5020, August 20
Carpe Diem, August 24
Texas Book-aholic, August 26
A Reader’s Brain, August 27
Henry Happens, August 29
Bigreadersite, August 29

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Alana is giving away a grand prize of a $30 Amazon gift card!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/d06d/out-of-north-korea-celebration-tour-giveaway



My Review







The author made this story feel so real, I felt like I was picking up rocks from the river bed, and a story that could be on the news tonight.
This book has a lot going on, and the way Ian ends up there is totally believable, but so many surprises here, and before I knew it I was at the end of the book.
The power of prayer, yes, we experience this first hand, and then there are surprises. Wow! With my heart in my throat, I soon was wondering if he was going to survive, and you will need to read to the end to find out.

I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.




 

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

As the Tide Comes In by Cindy Woodsmall





 

New York Times best-selling author releases her first southern novel, a Steel Magnolias-meets-Sweet Home Alabama story set on St. Simons Island.

After losing two loved ones in a devastating tornado and suffering a head injury, Tara Abbott flees to St. Simons Island, where her disorientation causes the lines between imagination and reality, past and present to blur.

There she encounters island residents Julep Burnside, Luella Ward, Sue Beth Manning, and Dell Calhoun--The Glynn Girls--who have been friends since Bible camp, forty years earlier. When Julep's son Gavin identifies a troubled soul in need of help, can the Glynn Girls guide Tara back to herself?


Amazon 


About The Authors




Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times and CBA best-selling author who has written nineteen (and counting!) works of fiction and one of nonfiction. She and her dearest Old Order Amish friend, Miriam Flaud, coauthored the nonfiction, Plain Wisdom: An Invitation into an Amish Home and the Hearts of Two Women. Cindy's been featured on ABC Nightline and the front page of the Wall Street Journal, and has worked with National Geographic on a documentary concerning Amish life. In June of 2013, the Wall Street Journal listed Cindy as one of the top three Amish fiction writers.

She is also a veteran homeschool mom who no longer holds that position. As her children progressed in age, her desire to write grew stronger. After working through reservations whether this desire was something she should pursue, she began her writing journey. Her husband was her staunchest supporter as she aimed for what seemed impossible.


She’s won Fiction Book of the Year, Reviewer’s Choice Awards, Inspirational Reader’s Choice Contest, as well as one of Crossings' Best Books of the Year. She’s been a finalist for the prestigious Christy, Rita, and Carol Awards, Christian Book of the Year, and Christian Retailers Choice Awards. 





Erin Woodsmall is a writer, musician, wife, and mom of three. She has edited, brainstormed, and researched books with Cindy for almost a decade.




My Review




The author has given us a story of hope and survival, but with my heart in my throat, this is a story of life and faith in God.
There is so much heart ache here, and yet I found I didn’t want to put the book down, it kept drawing me in. I found my emotions at a fever pitch, and wanting to be able to change the past. In the end, you will find yourself holding your love one’s closer.
Is it a coincidence that Tara ends up on St. Simon’s Island, and I loved the way the author’s mind worked to bring her here?
This book will be lingering with you long after that final page is turned, and I loved how the book concluded.

I received this book through the Publisher Waterbrook, and was not required to give a positive review.  

Not Her Daughter by Rea Frey








Emma Grace Townsend. Five years old. Gray eyes. Brown hair. Missing since June.

Emma Townsend is lonely. Living with her cruel mother and clueless father, Emma retreats into her own world of quiet and solitude.
Sarah Walker. Successful entrepreneur. Broken-hearted. Abandoned by her mother. Kidnapper.

Sarah has never seen a girl so precious as the gray-eyed child in a crowded airport terminal—and when a second-chance encounter with Emma presents itself, Sarah takes her, far away from home. But if it’s to rescue a little girl from her damaging mother, is kidnapping wrong?
Amy Townsend. Unhappy wife. Unfit mother. Unsure she wants her daughter back.

Amy’s life is a string of disappointments, but her biggest issue is her inability to connect with her daughter. And now she’s gone without a trace.
As Sarah and Emma avoid the nationwide hunt, they form an unshakeable bond. But her real mother is at home, waiting for her to return—and the longer the search for Emma continues, Amy is forced to question if she really wants her back.
Emotionally powerful and wire-taut, Not Her Daughter raises the question of what it means to be a mother—and how far someone will go to keep a child safe.

Amazon

About The Author




Rea Frey is the author of four nonfiction books. Her debut novel, NOT HER DAUGHTER, will be released by St. Martin’s Press August 21, 2018.

When she’s not exercising, mothering, adulting, wifing, eating, or writing about herself in the third person, you can find her hard at work on her next book and ghostwriting for other people.

Read more at reafrey.com.



My Review




Wow! What a read, and found myself rooting for the person committing a crime, and yet you will feel some compassion for the parents, what a mess.
All the while we are with Emma and Sarah, child and kidnapper, you feel the joy and happiness, but what is going to happen her, you keep waiting for an arrest and the taking of the child back to her homelife.
The story felt so real, and what an ending, I never saw it coming, a really emotional read, and you will be asking yourself, just how far as a stranger would you go to protect a child?

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher St. Martin’s Press, and was not required to give a positive review.






Runaway Amish Bride by Leigh Bale






His Amish bride arrives...but he never proposed! Surprises await in Colorado Amish CourtshipsWidower Jakob Fisher isn't interested in remarrying, even to pretty Abigail Miller. But thanks to his daed's meddling, Abby's sitting in his Colorado farmhouse, expecting to be wed. While Jakob can't offer marriage, he can give Abby a job caring for his young children. But when he starts to fall for her, could Abby make Jakob's familye happy and whole once again?

Amazon


About The Author






Leigh Bale is Publisher's Weekly best selling author. She won the prestigious RWA Golden Heart in 2006 and was a finalist for the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, the Write Touch Reader's Award and the Bookseller's Best Award. She is the daughter of a retired U.S. forest ranger, holds a B.A. in History with honors and loves spending time with family, weeding the garden with her dog Sophie, and watching the little sagebrush lizards that live in her rock flowerbeds. You can reach Leigh at www.LeighBale.com.

My Review




Runaway Amish bride, well kind of, but not quite, especially as you quickly turn the pages, and not all is as it appears.
The author touches on some tough subjects here, and we meet them head on with putting faces to how people deal with grief, especially children. One little boy was naughty, but you will chuckle on how this young fellow deals with what he perceives as a threat to his deceased mom. Poor Abby!
We also put a face to abuse, both physical and mental, and how to deal with someone that has had that happened to them, all the while wondering how such evil could exist in supposedly Godly people?
Will warn you that once you turn the first page you will not be able to put the book down, it is a real compelling read.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.

Celebrate Lit Presents: Gladwynn Grant Gets Her Footing Author: Lisa R. Howeler

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