Kit Kat and Lucy: The Country Cats Who Changed a City Girl's World

The True Story of How Two Quirky Stray Cats Changed Their Adopted Human Forever
After years of loving the vibrant city life in San Francisco, Lonnie Hull DuPont reluctantly trades her three-room apartment on foggy, lively Telegraph Hill for a farmhouse on a quiet plain in Michigan. She immediately misses the rhythm and the pace of the city, and the isolation country living brings has her longing for something more.
Enter Kit Kat and Lucy--stray cats who arrive at the farmhouse a year apart and each ask to move in. The antics and oddities of these two strong personalities wrapped in fur bring a new light to the farmhouse and DuPont's life. Kit Kat, an obsessive-compulsive tortoiseshell, can purr her new human into a happier state of mind. Lucy, the playful, leaping Russian Blue who can nail a bat right out of the air, makes her laugh.
From the hysterical process of getting two strange cats to like each other, to the exciting years of watching those cats thrive--and inspire DuPont in the process--this book is an energetic tale of cat and human foibles. Animals enrich our lives, and the heartwarming story of how Kit Kat and Lucy changed one woman's world will leave readers enchanted.

Amazon 

About The Author

Lonnie Hull DuPont is an award-winning poet, book editor, and writer. She is the author of several books, including five compilations of animal stories under the pseudonym of Callie Smith Grant. A member of the Cat Writers Association, she lives in rural Michigan with her husband and their cats.

My Review

The book is written in the first person by Lonnie Hull DuPont and her relationship with animals, mainly her cats, which actually found her and her husband, and we are about enter into an in-depth look at their lives.
The story does begin in San Francisco and when Lonnie and her husband Joe for financial reasons need to relocate and head back to where she hails from in Michigan. They move into a money pit of an old house, but Lonnie feels she has returned to her roots, but Joe has a long commute every day to work. During this settling in time a stray cat shows up and they try to rehome her, only for her to find her way back to them, so Kit Kat has a home.
Of course, life has twists and when a Russian Blue kitty shows up, and no one can take her, they end up with their second cat, Lucy. From the descriptions of these cats, I was looking up Russian Blue and wanting one, now I already have two dogs and a cat, so no I don’t need another, but it is in the file.
I know that animals give unconditional love, and these little darlings are no exception, I love how they sense our feelings and sickness, and they are right by our side, she deals with depression and loss with the help of these gifts from God.
This is a heart-warming book, and I for one wanted it to continue, but I had to say goodbye.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell and was not required to give a positive review.

King of the Friend Zone by Sheralyn Pratt

From the Power of the Matchmaker series:

Esme Taylor has an amazing fiancé, a lifelong best friend, and a problem.

The problem stems from the fact that her best friend is named Hunter and, well. . .he’s kind of (totally) hot. It’s hate at first sight when her fiancé, Jon, and Hunter meet. Jon’s convinced that Hunter is in love with Esme, and that Hunter must be out of the picture if their upcoming marriage is to succeed.

Esme thinks Jon is paranoid.

The truth is, Jon’s not that far off. Hunter is in love with his best friend and always has been. What Jon has wrong, however, is that Hunter never had any plans of ruining Esme’s happily ever after. Hunter wants what’s best for Esme, even if that’s not him.

When Jon pushes hard to end Esme and Hunter’s friendship, opposition comes from the most unlikely of places. It’s an eccentric lady with a cookie cart who suggests a different solution to Esme’s problem: Hunter and Esme should give each other a chance.

They’ve both thought of the possibility over the years—of course they have. But with a ring already on Esme’s finger and a heap of hurt feelings and broken trust in the mix, there hasn’t been a worse time to explore the depths of their feelings for each other.

Both Esme and Hunter think it’s time to move on and leave childhood crushes in the past. The question is: Can one woman and the taste of one cookie change their minds?

Amazon



Author Sheralyn Pratt

Some describe Sheralyn as a girl who's been around the block and worked at every shop. This isn't far from the truth. Writing is what she loves most, however. There's a magical power in stepping into new perspectives time and again, and seeing the world through different eyes. Few things increase empathy more than walking in another's shoes for 100,000 words or so. At least that seems to be the trend so far.

Some random things to know about Sheralyn: * She's a wanderer (geographically) * She can write a novel, but doesn't have the attention span for one page in a journal * She vehemently disagrees with Stephen King's stance that authors should not watch TV * She is pretty much incapable of sleeping before midnight.

Website * Twitter * Facebook



My Review

This story is set in San Francisco and we are with Esme and her favorite city park, and perfect Jon knowing this, uses this background to ask for her hand in marriage. Jon is every girls dream, tall, dark and handsome, and also a very rich doctor.
Esme feels she has arrived and found just what she has been looking for, but when Jon starts changing his spots, can she adapt to what he wants.
Hunter and Emse were brought up together, mom’s are best friends and spent a lot of time together, and are still doing so. Hunter is tall, blond and also handsome, but Esme thinks of him as another brother, and Jon thinks of him as a threat, is he right, or are they like siblings.
As wedding looms will the two you are rooting for end up together, maybe, and again maybe not? Who is right in all of this, Jon can see what is happening, and is he right or just wanting to make sure he keeps Esme. We also see one of these two becoming abusive, one wants to maintain control and not let go.
This story will make you think, keep page turning, and wanting more.
I received this book through Inspired Kathy, and was not required to give a positive review.

Sarah's Orphans (Plain and Simple Miracles #3) by Vannetta Chapman

Orphaned...But Never Abandoned by God

Sarah Yoder belongs to a Plain community in Oklahoma, but her days are far from simple. Life suddenly gets complicated when a series of tragic events unfold, leaving her in charge of the household.

Alone with her younger siblings, Sarah is exhausted but finally at peace. Then she nearly runs over a small Hispanic boy with her buggy...and somehow finds herself sheltering two more orphans.

Paul Byler moved to Cody's Creek to help his brother in a time of need. But now that Joseph has recovered from his heart attack, Paul's ready for a quiet place of his own. The only problem? His new property lands him next door to the orphaned Yoder family—and a calling from God he can't seem to ignore.

A story of extraordinary grace and love in the face of desperate need, Sarah's Orphans is the third standalone novel in the Plain and Simple Miracles collection by Vannetta Chapman.

Amazon





About The Author 

Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace. She has published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, receiving more than two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather’s birthplace of Albion, Pennsylvania.

Her novel, Falling to Pieces, was a 2012 ACFW Carol Award winner for best mystery. All of her books have been Christian Book Distributor bestsellers. She currently writes Amish fiction for Abingdon Press, Zondervan, and Harvest House. Chapman lives in the Texas hill country with her husband.

For more information, visit her at www.VannettaChapman.com or blog with her at http://vannettachapman.wordpress.com/. 

She can also be found at http://www.facebook.com/VannettaChapman


My Review

Sarah has not had an easy life, her father had problems and when he passes, her mother cannot deal with life, and Sarah along with her brother Andy become parents to their siblings.
Fate then places Sarah at the right place at the right time, when Mateo and Mia abandoned children cross her path. I found the children delightful, especially considering the hard life they have endured, and they have abandonment in common with Sarah.
On top of everything a new neighbor has bought the rundown farm bordering their land, and Sarah does not have a high opinion of him, boy is she wrong. Sarah’s brothers and Mateo take to Paul, and he is soon a great influence on all. He begins to have feelings for Sarah, but will she open her heart, or will she be able to add to her loved ones.
This story will break your heart at times, and I could feel how the little ones felt when they saw their mother, where do their allegiances lie? You will be holding your breath wondering how this story is going to end, and therefore won’t be able to put it down.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Author, and was not required to give a positive review.

 

My Sister's Prayer (Cousins of the Dove #2) by Mindy Starns Clark, Leslie Gould

Women of Fearless Devotion Virginia, 1705 Celeste Talbot is usually such a sensible young woman--until she falls for an English soldier reassigned to the Colonies. Leaving her Huguenot family behind, she sets sail for America, only to learn that her younger sister Berta has been kidnapped and forced on board the very same ship. Whom can Celeste trust? The dashing soldier? Or the vigilant carpenter who remains by their side in the perilous New World? Virginia, present day Madeline "Maddee" Talbot has her hands full when she agrees to take in her younger sister Nicole following a serious car accident. The young women grew apart when Nicole fell into drug addiction, and Maddee prays this will be the start of a better life for her sister. But as they investigate a trauma from their childhood, Maddee must keep a diligent eye on Nicole--and the shadowy figure watching them from afar. From the Christy Award-winning team of Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould, My Sister's Prayer tells the epic tale of two women compelled to protect their sisters, confront their fears, and navigate the muddy waters of betrayal to find true love.

Amazon

About The Authors

Mindy Starns Clark is the bestselling author of the inspirational Million Dollar Mysteries, the Smart Chick Mysteries, and three standalone mysteries, as well as the nonfiction books The House That Cleans Itself and A Pocket Guide to Amish Life. Her novels include A Penny for Your Thoughts, Don't Take Any Wooden Nickels , A Dime a Dozen, A Quarter for a Kiss, The Buck Stops Here, The Trouble with Tulip, Blind Dates Can Be Murder, Elementary, My Dear Watkins, Whispers of the Bayou, Shadows of Lancaster County, and Under the Cajun Moon, and other books!

Mindy is also the author of numerous plays and musicals which have been performed all over the United States. She has written textbooks, articles, short stories, and more than 75 computer software manuals. Other writings appear in the anthologies What the Wind Picked Up (Inspirational Fiction), Death Knell V (Mystery Fiction), Divine Secrets of the Yahweh Sisterhood (Inspirational Anthology), and A Novel Idea (Inspirational Nonfiction).

A former singer and stand-up comedian, Mindy lives with her husband and two teenage daughters near Valley Forge, PA. She enjoys speaking to churches, civic groups, and libraries across the country. Her unique blend of humor and insight make her an audience favorite.  

Leslie Gould is the author of the bestselling Courtships of Lancaster County series and coauthor, with Mindy Starns Clark, of the #1 bestselling The Amish Midwife. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Portland State University and has taught fiction writing at Multnomah University as an adjunct professor. She resides with her family in Portland, Oregon.










My Review

This book begins in the present time with Middies’ sister ready to come live with her, a drug addict who was terribly injured in a car accident and now is going to live with her. Just as we go about dealing with all that is required we learn about some letters written in the early 1700’s by a Talbot woman, and before we know it we are there with Celeste and her sister Berta.
Wait a minute I was absorbed in Maddie and Nicole’s story and now I’m in the 1700’s, and enjoying this part of the story when we are back in the present, you are going to see that the two stories of the same family have a lot in common. I got so I didn’t want to leave either era but then I loved where I was, whether the past or present.
I was enjoying this book so much that I didn’t want it to end, and wanting it to go on and on, a really great read!
I received this book through Harvest House Publishers and was not required to give a positive review.

Like a Bee to Honey (The Honeybee Sisters #3) by Jennifer Beckstrand

Affectionately dubbed The Honeybee Sisters in their Wisconsin Amish community, the three Christner girls are devoted beekeepers who are coming-of-age—and discovering the sweet surprise of love…
 
Shy, skittish Rose Christner is more comfortable tending to the beehives on the family farm and keeping her aunt’s unruly cats in line than attending social gatherings with the rest of the die youngie. A childhood trauma and secret shame keep her heart under lock and key, and Rose just can’t accept the sweet attention she’s receiving from a handsome neighbor. But the more she shies away from Josiah Yoder, the more their families sneakily plot to bring them together. And when a vandal who’s been plaguing the Honeybee Farm starts targeting Rose, Josiah’s steadfast protection—and patience—just may lead her into his waiting arms.

Amazon




About The Author

Jennifer Beckstrand grew up with a steady diet of William Shakespeare and Jane Austen. After all that literary immersion, I naturally decided to get a degree in mathematics, which came in handy when one of my six children needed help with homework. After my fourth daughter was born, I started writing. By juggling diaper changes, soccer games, music lessons, laundry, and two more children, I finished my first manuscript—a Western—in just under fourteen years.

I have always been fascinated by the Amish way of life and now write Inspirational Amish Romance. I am drawn to the strong faith of the Plain people and admire the importance they put on enduring family ties. I have visited and studied Amish communities in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin where I met with a bishop and a minister as well as several Amish mamms, dats, and children. It has always impressed me at what salt-of-the-earth people they are. My interactions with these kind people have been some of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I have a dear Amish friend with whom I correspond in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. She helps me keep my facts straight and gives me inspiration for my stories.

My goal is to write uplifting, inspiring stories with happy endings and hopeful messages. If my books make readers want to give themselves a big hug or jump up and down for joy, I’ve done my job. I am a member of Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers and am represented by Mary Sue Seymour of The Seymour Agency.

There are three Amish romances in the Forever After in Apple Lake Series (Summerside/Guideposts). Kate’s Song, Rebecca’s Rose, and Miriam’s Quilt are all now available.

I have six Amish Roamish buggymances in the works with Kensington Books. The first and second books, Huckleberry Hill and Huckleberry Summer, are now available in stores and online. The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill is set in northern Wisconsin Amish country.

The series, The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill, is about an elderly Amish couple who try to find suitable mates for their grandchildren. What could be more fun than throwing two young people together to see if sparks ignite? No one would ever suspect two octogenarian Amish folks of mischief.

Romantic Times gave Huckleberry Hill 4 1/2 stars and chose Huckleberry Summer as a TOP PICK.

I have four daughters, two sons, three sons-in-law, and two adorable grandsons. I live in the foothills of the Wasatch Front with my husband and one son still left at home.

Links

Website  http://www.jenniferbeckstrand.com/

Twitter https://twitter.com/JenniferBeckst1

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jenniferbeckstrandfans?fref=ts

Goodreads  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5362202.Jennifer_Beckstrand

My Review

This is the third and final book in the Honeybee Sister’s Series, and the book wraps up beautifully. We learn some of the reasons why Rose is so shy and the hurts she holds herself responsible for.
We have already read Lily’s and Poppy’s story of their romances, and hope that Rose will finally have a chance to let go of the pain that she holds in her heart.
Aunt Bitsy is still keeping a strong hold on her girls, and some of those boys whom you are not to feed, get the stink eye from her!
While the family is still being terrorized by someone, we hope that the culprit will finally be found out before someone is hurt, who would do all of these horrible things to them, and why?
I really hate to let these people go, and yet it seem great to finally find out the answers, don’t let this great read pass you by. Also be ready for some great laugh out loud chuckles.
I received this book through Zebra Publishing and was not required to give a positive review.

Happy Birthday to You! by Michelle Medlock Adams, Sandra Rodriguez

A fun-filled musical book that celebrates the joy of a child's birthday This musical board book includes all the ingredients that make a birthday special for a child: balloons and presents, cake and candles, and, of course, the birthday song! Follow along throughout a day of celebration, concluding with a good-night prayer, then push the button to hear the melody of Happy Birthday. The book features a photo pocket on the last page to allow for personalization.

Amazon



About The Author

Michelle Medlock Adams is an award-winning journalist and best-selling author, earning top honors from the Associated Press, the Society of Professional Journalists and the Hoosier State Press Association. Author of over 70 books and a regular blogger for Guideposts, Michelle has written more than 1,000 articles for newspapers and magazines since graduating with a journalism degree from Indiana University. 
http://www.michellemedlockadams.com/ 

Mexican artist living in London with my lovely husband , our fantastic 8 year old manager and the most awesome pet rats Snow and Sky … heyyy don’t say EW,…thats rude! I started drawing when I was about 11 I actually wanted to write a diary but I was afraid someone could read it , so drawing was like my secret diary!
I found my inspiration in simple everyday life , people walking their dogs , children playing in the park , school run …
The most important thing for me in my work is to be able to transmit emotions and movement , that is why my favourite technique is water colours. I love the strength, the spontaneity and most of all how the colours blend. In my free time I love traveling and learning languages I have lived in Mexico city , Rome, Madrid, and London! If I wasn’t and illustrator I would be working as an Aerial dancer in a circus ! - See more at: http://www.advocate-art.com/community/2015/08/06/artist-feature-sandra-rodriguez/#sthash.pDRKdWpH.dpuf

Mexican artist living in London with my lovely husband , our fantastic 8 year old manager and the most awesome pet rats Snow and Sky … heyyy don’t say EW,…thats rude! I started drawing when I was about 11 I actually wanted to write a diary but I was afraid someone could read it , so drawing was like my secret diary!
I found my inspiration in simple everyday life , people walking their dogs , children playing in the park , school run …
The most important thing for me in my work is to be able to transmit emotions and movement , that is why my favourite technique is water colours. I love the strength, the spontaneity and most of all how the colours blend. In my free time I love traveling and learning languages I have lived in Mexico city , Rome, Madrid, and London! If I wasn’t and illustrator I would be working as an Aerial dancer in a circus ! - See more at: http://www.advocate-art.com/community/2015/08/06/artist-feature-sandra-rodriguez/#sthash.pDRKdWpH.dpuf

Sandra Rodriguez grew up in Mexico in a house with a big garden. From doodling her way through math class to playing with her dogs, her creative spirit was evident. Rodriguez's illustrations are inspired by simple, everyday life: children playin in the park, people waling their dogs, families interacting after school. Rodriguez favors watercolor because it allows her to transmit the movement and emotion of life into her illustration.

My Review

What a perfect gift for that special birthday child, whether boy or girl, this sturdy book is sure to hit the spot, and you will not be able to wait to give this delightful gift.
I can picture the little ones face as the bright colors draw their attention, and while grasping the thick cardboard book, just right for their hands, the book sings Happy Birthday to them. There is even a place in the back for you to place a picture of your favorite star of the day.
I can see this becoming the favorite gift of the day, it is so personal and loving, and other elements for making a special day perfect for them.
I received this book through Worthy Kids/Ideals and was not required to give a positive review.

Mexican artist living in London with my lovely husband , our fantastic 8 year old manager and the most awesome pet rats Snow and Sky … heyyy don’t say EW,…thats rude! I started drawing when I was about 11 I actually wanted to write a diary but I was afraid someone could read it , so drawing was like my secret diary!
I found my inspiration in simple everyday life , people walking their dogs , children playing in the park , school run …
The most important thing for me in my work is to be able to transmit emotions and movement , that is why my favourite technique is water colours. I love the strength, the spontaneity and most of all how the colours blend. In my free time I love traveling and learning languages I have lived in Mexico city , Rome, Madrid, and London! If I wasn’t and illustrator I would be working as an Aerial dancer in a circus ! - See more at: http://www.advocate-art.com/community/2015/08/06/artist-feature-sandra-rodriguez/#sthash.pDRKdWpH.dpuf

Fetching Sweetness: A Novel for Dog Lovers by Dana Mentink

Standing Between Stephanie and Her Dream
Is One Hundred Pounds of Lovable Trouble

It should have been so simple for Stephanie Pink: Meet up with Agnes Wharton in a small town in California, retrieve the reclusive author's valuable new manuscript, and be promoted to a full-fledged literary agent.

But Agnes's canine companion, Sweetness, decides to make a break for it before Stephanie can claim her prize. Until Agnes has Sweetness safely back at home in Eagle Cliff, Washington, Stephanie will never set eyes on the manuscript she needs to make her dreams come true.

When Stephanie tracks the runaway mutt to a campground, she meets Rhett Hastings—a man also on the run from a different life and a costly mistake. Rhett agrees to help Stephanie search for the missing dog...thus launching a surprising string of adventures and misadventures.

Once Sweetness gets added to the mix, it's a recipe for love and loss, merriment and mayhem, fun and faith in the backwoods of the Pacific Northwest.

Amazon



About The Author

Dana Mentink lives in California, where the weather is golden and the cheese is divine. Dana is an American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year finalist for romantic suspense and an award winner in the Pacific Northwest Writers Literary Contest. Her suspense novel, Betrayal in the Badlands, earned a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third and fourth grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with her husband, two daughters, a dog with social anxiety problems, a chubby box turtle, and a feisty parakeet.




My Review

Stephanie Pink feels her whole life and career depends on her scoring the new novel of a reclusive writer. Her hopes and dreams depend on this, and she is willing to do most anything to achieve her dream, and that of her deceased brother.
When the author demands she find her lost dog Sweetness, Stephanie is hot on the dogs trail, and ends up in a campground where she meets another soul trying to find himself, Rhett Hastings.
She soon has Rhett helping in the hysterical capture of Sweetness, and soon has two candidates, which one. This story sure has its escapades to try and get Sweetness to her owner, and in the end they end up with more than they started with.
This is also about people who feel God has let them down, and this journey may just be the one that God has orchestrated to bring Him back into their lives.
We have a lot of compassion and unknowns here, along with a bit of unforeseen romance, a love of animals, sweet and really wild, and traveling along the Western US coast.
I received this book through Litfuse, and was not required to give a positive review.