Wednesday, August 31, 2016

To Have and to Hold Novella Collection Book Review

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About the Book
 
Love Takes the Cake by Betsy St. Amant


She’s known for her delicious cakes, but there’s no recipe for dealing with the new man in her life.


Charlotte Cantrell is always the baker; never the bride. When Will, a regular at Charlotte’s bakery, catches her attention, she can only hope that he is the reliable man this single mother has always hoped to find. The problem is that he’s regularly stopping in to buy cookies for another girl. But when Charlotte is hired to bake a host of wedding goodies for a difficult bride and finds out Will is the best man, she has the perfect opportunity to get to know him better—and find out how serious Will is about this other girl in his life.


The Perfect Arrangement by Katie Ganshert


Meeting Nate was truly an accident—but Amelia finds that he’s one of the few people she can count on.


Amelia Woods is a small-town wallflower and the proud owner of Forget-Me-Nots, a quaint flower shop. Despite her success in business, her love life has always been a bit lackluster. Until she spies on her ex-boyfriend’s wedding and ends up in an embarrassing fender-bender with handsome wedding guest, Nate Gallagher.


Meanwhile, Amelia’s younger brother, William, has proposed to his girlfriend. Amelia would be excited except she has evidence that the fiancée is not who she says she is. It seems Nate is the only one available for any advice-giving, and he’s good at it—and pretty fun to talk to, too.


 

As Amelia works to craft the perfect flower arrangements for other people—including a ninety-year-old “fairy godmother” named George—she begins to wonder if real love is better than the dream. And if it is, will Nate still be interested when he learns who she is?


Love in the Details by Becky Wade


She left him to save his future, but they’ve never gotten over each other.


When Josh returns to his hometown of Martinsburg, Texas, to help his best friend get married, he didn’t intend to run into church wedding coordinator—and ex-girlfriend—Holly. He can’t help but pine after the girl he never got over.


Holly broke up with Josh years ago in an attempt to ensure his future success. But she loved him then and still loves him now. As she helps him plan his best friend’s wedding, she can’t help but feel horrible for the pain she caused him. And even though she longs to be with Josh, she doesn’t feel worthy of his big-time lifestyle when she is more comfortable in her small town world. Will Josh and Holly be able to keep things as they are when their true feelings threaten to surface at every turn? (Goodreads)



My Thoughts

It is rare when I get excited about reading a novella book set. I struggle with reading novellas because they are so short and many times I think authors struggle with making a full story in only a few pages. 
Oh my holy wow this book blew me away! LOVED each story and I really liked how there were only three authors (sometimes they fit in more but this was PERFECT). Now lets be real, you really can't go wrong with these three authors in the first place, as they are all fabulous. 
Love Takes the Cake was a sweet (no pun intended :) romance written by Betsy St. Amant. Good characters and a fun and light read that left me smiling. 
The Perfect Arrangement by Katie Ganshert left me wanting to be a florist. I love how Katie set the book up and how she added communication by way of emails. She did it in a very tactful and easy to read way. Fun love story and great setting. 
Love in the Details by Becky Wade- be still my heart! Having recently met Becky (major fan girl moment!) I have to say she is just as fun as her books. I adored this novella and to be honest it didn't even feel like a novella I got so into the characters and the setting. She did a splendid job creating characters that already knew each other from high school and building a great background for readers to understand. 

So overall this is a wonderful novella collection and you should probably read it because these authors have yet to disappoint. 

"I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for free in exchange for an honest review."













Saturday, August 27, 2016

Starving Hearts Book Review


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About the Book
 
Since her assault, Miss Annette Chetwynd has been plagued by nightmares and worries about an arranged marriage. But she yearns to find her anonymous rescuer. Unfortunately, her health and intellect prevent it. Both repel suitors and cause Annette to doubt God's existence, at least until He answers her prayers in an unusual way ...

Mr. Peter Adsley is joining the clergy, and he desires a godly wife by his side. After his failed attempt to obtain one, he engages in a clandestine meeting with the bewitching young woman who keeps crossing his path. But she is so unsettling.

Destined for disappointments, Peter and Annette endure disgraceful situations. Will Peter's faith sustain him through overwhelming setbacks? Can Annette overcome her doubts? Or will their starving hearts yield to the machinations of a mad man? (Goodreads)



Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/28OtflH

About the author:



Janine Mendenhall
 teaches teens English, of all things! Sometimes she sleeps, but most nights she reads, writes, or watches movies like Pride and Prejudice and claims she's researching her next book. Splickety Love and Splickety Prime have published her flash fiction. She and her husband, Tom, live in North Carolina where they and their two golden retrievers help gratify the needs of their five children and two cats.




My Thoughts

What a lovely cover! It instantly made me want to jump into the pages of this book. I loved the setting and the overall story line. The ending came unexpectedly and I thought it flowed fairly smooth. The only thing is that I felt disconnected from the characters. I liked Peter a lot I just wish I could have gotten to know him better. I wanted to be more a part of the story and really get what was going through their minds. Otherwise this is a decent read and I look forward to more from Janine Mendenhall.  

Four stars. 

"I received this book from Litfuse for free in exchange for an honest review."







Will Annette's search for love and acceptance replace the loss and hurt in her heart? Find out in Janine Mendenhall's book one, Starving Hearts, of the Triangular Trade Trilogy. Since her assault, Miss Annette Chetwynd has been plagued by nightmares and worries about an arranged marriage. But she yearns to find her anonymous rescuer. Unfortunately, her health and intellect prevent it. Both repel suitors and cause Annette to doubt God’s existence, at least until He answers her prayers in an unusual way. . . .

Join in the search for love and acceptance with Janine and Starving Hearts by entering to win the Delightful Heart Gift Pack Giveaway.

starving hearts - 400 

One grand prize winner will receive:
starving hearts - collage 

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on September 12. The winner will be announced September 13 on Janine's blog.

starving hearts - enterbanner

Monday, August 22, 2016

Until Then Book Review and Giveaway!

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 About the Book 

 Growing up with a distant mother and absentee father, Michelle's childhood has been far from idyllic. Her only attention comes from her partying friends and the guys who are more than happy to give her the affection she longs for. But when one party goes wrong, Michelle's family hatches a plan to get her out of Chicago and away from her so-called friends.

College plans are low on Michelle's priority list, especially with no money to pay for it, until her grandparents offer to foot the bill for her entire tuition. There's just one catch. Michelle must choose between three schools - all hours away from Chicago and all Christian colleges.

Michelle's reluctant choice leads her to an unfamiliar place, where she's faced with new relationships and unexpected decisions that could change her life and her heart forever.

PG-13 for sensuality. ( Goodreads)


 My Thoughts

 This is the second book in a series and I highly recommend that you read them in order! Michelle's life story is written in these pages and I found it to be very realistic and well written. Krista Noorman (the author) really brought her writing up a notch with writing this book in the simple fact that I think it was just written better than the first. I love the story line and while she says it's PG-13 there are no details or descriptions of sexual encounter it's just implied. It's for more mature audiences but still a very clean book. And if you are gasping at the thought, truly the love of Christ shines after the dark places in this book. 
It was fun to see Michelle grow and honestly this was a hard book to put down. The only thing that sort of irritated me was the never ending boyfriend drama, which while realistic almost dragged on too long for me. 
But the redeeming story line and the strong characters and setting made this book worth while. Highly recommend! 4 Stars!

"I received this book from the author for free in exchange for an honest review." 

Giveaway! See Below Rafflecopter.






a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, August 21, 2016

The Long Journey to Jake Palmer





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 About the Book

Corporate trainer Jake Palmer coaches people to see deeper into themselves—yet he barely knows himself anymore. Recently divorced and weary of the business life, Jake reluctantly agrees to a lake-house vacation with friends, hoping to escape for ten days.


When he arrives, Jake hears the legend of Willow Lake—about a lost corridor that leads to a place where one’s deepest longings will be fulfilled.


Jake scoffs at the idea, but can’t shake a sliver of hope that the corridor is real. And when he meets a man who mutters cryptic speculations about the corridor, Jake is determined to find the path, find himself, and fix his crumbling life.


But the journey will become more treacherous with each step Jake takes. (Goodreads)



 My Thoughts

I really enjoyed Rubart's earlier books, but lately I just can't seem to get into his novels. This book intrigued me and I have to say was a well written idea. I liked the characters and setting I just couldn't love the story line. It felt slow and too predictable for such an author as this, who is known to write stories that twist the mind ( at least to me). The cover is beautiful and Jake Palmer is a good character I just thought it was missing something. I wish I could say otherwise. 
Three stars. 

"I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for free in exchange for an honest review."








 

Friday, August 19, 2016

Searching the Scriptures Book Review


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 About the Book
 Are you getting the spiritual nourishment you need?We've all experienced times when we have not eaten a balanced diet or we've eaten too many sweets. We feel sick, light-headed, and occasionally depressed, or we become irritated and edgy. It's the body's way of letting us know that it's lacking sufficient nourishment. Optimal health requires optimal nutrition. The same is true spiritually speaking. Without sufficient and regular biblical nutrition, our inner life begins to suffer the consequences. We become shallow and selfish, more demanding and less gentle, and quick to react impatiently, rashly, and angrily. These are telltale signs of inner malnutrition.In "Searching the Scriptures," respected Bible teacher Chuck Swindoll shows us how to dig deep into Scripture and uncover its profound truths for our lives. He outlines the principles of Bible study that will help you understand God's Word, apply it, and communicate it clearly to those around you. Too many people try to go it alone, without a guide, for this life and the next. Chuck explains how we can fix our own spiritual meals, then invites us to feast on nourishing truths we can discover in God's Word. (Goodreads)


My Thoughts

Charles Swindoll is a very well know and well respected author and I have read a few of his articles before. I didn't realize what all this book would hold until I opened the pages. This is a step by step book on how to read and study the Bible starting with who wrote the Bible, and how it is organized. It includes maps, lists, charts, and examples that I thought was very well done. I like the layout and the end of each chapter has questions, which I could see this book being used almost as a Bible study or small group. While Searching the Scriptures could be a bit overwhelming for a new Christian I think this would be the perfect book that explains how the Bible is set up. This isn't a read real quick type book either, it is a slow actual process that makes you take the time and think about your purpose in reading the Bible etc. 

I found this book to be factual and very helpful, something to hold on to and look back on as well. 
Five stars. 


"I received this book from Tyndale Blog Network for free in exchange for an honest review."

Monday, August 15, 2016

God Gave Us Thankful Hearts Children's Book

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About the Book 
 
Adventurous Lil Pup is bummed that hibernating season will soon be coming to the Great North Woods. Why should so many of his friends have to go in for the winter and leave Lil Pup without pals? Mama reminds her little wolf that not all animals hibernate, and how he can be grateful for the beautiful autumn season for jumping in leaf piles, eating apple treats, and celebrating the wonders of fall with his forest friends. And she points out
I think the trick to having a thankful heart is thinking about the things that make us happy, rather than the things that don t.
As Mama and Lil Pup explore, she reminds him that God is the giver of all good things. Lil Pup learns that even when something fun comes to an end; his heart can be thankful when he sets his mind on the best things in his life.
This inviting addition to the best-selling God Gave Us series, with nearly 2.5 million books sold, helps little ones to understand how giving thanks warms hearts and brings joy." (Goodreads)



My Thoughts

 I love anything to do with Autumn and children's books have the best illustrations for this time of year! Lisa Tawn Bergren writes with such a gift in showing kids they are special. This book is all about being thankful, not because of thanksgiving but simply being thankful for each other. Little Pup is dreading winter, but Mama shows him that God creates seasons and while you aren't excited about it you can still be thankful in the simple things. This is a good book for adults too in my opinion. We get so greedy and in a constant want of things or situations. Truly we need to be more thankful. 
Great book and a must read!
Five stars!

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for free in exchange for an honest review."
 






Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Deadly Encounter Book Giveaway!

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About the Book
Airport Ranger volunteer Stacy Broussard expected a peaceful Saturday morning ride around the perimeter of Houston's airport. What she encounters instead is a brutal homicide and a baffling mystery. Next to the body is an injured dog, the dead man's motorcycle, and a drone armed with a laser capable of taking down a 747.Though FBI Special Agent Alex LeBlanc sees a clear-cut case of terrorism, his past has taught him to be suspicious of everyone, even witnesses. Even bleeding-heart veterinarians like Stacy. But when her gruesome discovery is only the first in a string of incidences that throw her life into a tailspin, Alex begins to wonder if Stacy was targeted. As a health emergency endangers Stacy's community, and the task force pulls in leads from all directions, Alex and Stacy must work together to prevent another deadly encounter. (Goodreads)





GIVEAWAY!

I am continuing the giveaways in honor of the fact that I am going to the Christian Fiction Readers Retreat in a couple of weeks!
This giveaway includes:
One paperback copy of Deadly Encounter by DiAnn Mills! Must be U.S. only. 
Enter through the rafflecopter below!


Thursday, August 4, 2016

The Lady and the Lionheart eBook Giveaway!

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About the Book 
 
Two worlds collide when the circus comes to Victorian-era Virginia.

Raised amid the fame and mystique of the Big Top, Charlie Lionheart holds the audience in the palm of his hand. But while his act captivates thousands, it’s away from the spotlight where his true heart lies. Here he humbly cares for his pride of lions as if they were his brothers, a skill of bravery and strength that has prepared him for his most challenging feat yet—freeing an orphaned infant from the dark bondage of a sideshow. A trade so costly, it requires his life in exchange for hers, leaving him tarnished by the price of that choice.

As the circus tents are raised on the outskirts of Roanoke, nurse Ella Beckley arrives to tend to this Gypsy girl. All under the watchful eye of a guardian who not only bears a striking resemblance to the child, but who protects the baby with a love that wraps around Ella’s own tragic past, awakening a hope that goodness may yet reign. When their forbidden friendship deepens, Charlie dares to ask for her heart, bringing her behind the curtain of his secret world to reveal the sacrifice that gave hope to one little girl—boldly showing Ella that while her tattered faith is deeply scarred, the only marks that need be permanent are his own. (Goodreads)


Oh! And I highly recommend that you check out her Pinterest Boards!  

Giveaway!
 
In honor of this wonderful book and the fact that I am going to a readers retreat at the end of the month I think it's time to have some fun giveaways! I am so excited about this particular book so I'd love to give someone else the joy of reading it!

So if you haven't read this book or really would love to own it please enter below for a chance to win the Kindle eBook of The Lady and the Lionheart.


The Lady and the Lionheart A Must Read

 30344013

About the Book 
 
Two worlds collide when the circus comes to Victorian-era Virginia.

Raised amid the fame and mystique of the Big Top, Charlie Lionheart holds the audience in the palm of his hand. But while his act captivates thousands, it’s away from the spotlight where his true heart lies. Here he humbly cares for his pride of lions as if they were his brothers, a skill of bravery and strength that has prepared him for his most challenging feat yet—freeing an orphaned infant from the dark bondage of a sideshow. A trade so costly, it requires his life in exchange for hers, leaving him tarnished by the price of that choice.

As the circus tents are raised on the outskirts of Roanoke, nurse Ella Beckley arrives to tend to this Gypsy girl. All under the watchful eye of a guardian who not only bears a striking resemblance to the child, but who protects the baby with a love that wraps around Ella’s own tragic past, awakening a hope that goodness may yet reign. When their forbidden friendship deepens, Charlie dares to ask for her heart, bringing her behind the curtain of his secret world to reveal the sacrifice that gave hope to one little girl—boldly showing Ella that while her tattered faith is deeply scarred, the only marks that need be permanent are his own. (Goodreads)



 My Thoughts

I knew this book would be wonderful but I was not prepared for the beauty within its pages. This book. This story. These characters. Bischof is so talented and this is by far the best book of the year. It is very rare for me to read a book and laugh out loud and cry, this story made me do both. Everything in this story was wonderful, but the Gospel message blew me away. Bischof wrote what many can't and that is a realistic Gospel message that isn't fluffed up or just thrown out there to add a quick Christian perspective. It was woven throughout the book and written with such raw honesty and heart.
If you haven't read anything by Joanne Bischof you must! Her books are my favorite and this story touched my heart. 







Wednesday, August 3, 2016

When Hope Prevails Book Review


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About the Book 
 
When Beth Thatcher returns to Coal Valley, she has much to be excited about. She anticipates Jarrick's proposal of marriage and perhaps a spring wedding. The mine is expanding, and there are more schoolchildren than ever.
But the town's rapid growth brings many challenges. A second teacher is assigned, and Beth finds herself going head-to-head with a very different philosophy of education--one that dismisses religion and rejects God. Fearful for the children who sit under the influence of Robert Harris Hughes, Beth struggles to know how to respond.
At the same time, Beth wonders if Jarrick is considering a position at her father's company simply for her sake. Should she admit her feelings on the matter? Or keep silent and allow Jarrick to make up his own mind? (Goodreads)


My Thoughts

This is the third book in this series that is a companion to the TV show When Calls the Heart. If you haven't read the previous books, I highly recommend that you do before picking this one up. I adore the cover of this novel and the story line simply continues on from before. It's very different than the TV show so at times I get a tad confused but I still love the setting and the characters. Big things happen within these pages that fans will be anxious to read about. I found the plot not as exciting as some but still a solid historical read. 

Four stars. 

"I received this book from Bethany House for free in exchange for an honest review." 






 

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Life of the Party Book Review




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About the Book
 
Before Mary Kay, Martha Stewart, and Joy Mangano, there was Brownie Wise, the charismatic Tupperware executive who converted postwar optimism into a record-breaking sales engine powered by American housewives. In Life of the Party, Bob Kealing offers the definitive portrait of Wise, a plucky businesswoman who divorced her alcoholic husband, started her own successful business, and eventually caught the eye of Tupperware inventor, Earl Tupper, whose plastic containers were collecting dust on store shelves.

The Tupperware Party that Wise popularized, a master-class in the soft sell, drove Tupperware's sales to soaring heights. It also gave minimally educated and economically invisible postwar women, including some African-American women, an acceptable outlet for making their own money for their families—and for being rewarded for their efforts. With the people skills of Dale Carnegie, the looks of Doris Day, and the magnetism of Eva Peron, Wise was as popular among her many devoted followers as she was among the press, and she become the first woman to appear on the cover of BusinessWeek in 1954. Then, at the height of her success, Wise's ascent ended as quickly as it began. Earl Tupper fired her under mysterious circumstances, wrote her out of Tupperware's success story, and left her with a pittance. He walked away with a fortune and she disappeared—until now.

Originally published as Tupperware Unsealed by the University Press of Florida in 2008—and optioned by Sony Pictures, with Sandra Bullock attached to star—this revised and updated edition is perfectly timed to take advantage of renewed interest in this long-overlooked American business icon. (Goodreads)



My Thoughts

 I love biographies and I thought a story about a strong lady would be interesting. Tupperware had a huge market back in the 50s-on to even present day. Brownie Wise took this product and made it part of a home party business and boy did she sell it! Wow! The numbers on how much she sold and how popular she made this company is phenomenal. She was a single mother who wanted to make some extra cash and she had to drive to really make something of herself and do well. I found this book encouraging, even though the ending wasn't what I expected. I love that this story is real and I learned about the time period of the 50s. 
Great book five stars. 

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for free in exchange for an honest review."