Sunday, March 29, 2020

A Remarkable Novel-Before I Called You Mine



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 About the Book

Lauren Bailey may be a romantic at heart, but after a decade of matchmaking schemes gone wrong, there's only one match she's committed to now--the one that will make her a mother. Lauren is a dedicated first grade teacher in Idaho, and her love for children has led her to the path of international adoption. To satisfy her adoption agency's requirements, she gladly agreed to remain single for the foreseeable future; however, just as her long wait comes to an end, Lauren is blindsided by a complication she never saw coming: Joshua Avery.

Joshua may be a substitute teacher by day, but Lauren finds his passion for creating educational technology as fascinating as his antics in the classroom. Though she does her best to downplay the undeniable connection between them, his relentless pursuit of her heart puts her commitment to stay unattached to the test and causes her once-firm conviction to waver.

With an impossible decision looming, Lauren might very well find herself choosing between the two deepest desires of her heart . . . even if saying yes to one means letting go of the other. (Goodreads)






My Thoughts

 

 I love everything that Nicole Deese has written but this might be her best yet. From page one you are sucked into a story line that captures your heart in every way. This book is so well written I really couldn't get enough and I don't understand why it had to end! I laughed (Joshua might have entered into the top hero list), I cried (this is rare for me), and I stayed up way to late to read it from start to finish. This story holds all the emotions so be prepared. I LOVED that this story was not predictable. I LOVED that Nicole wrote the unexpected. I LOVED the beautiful way she portrays what it means to honor God even when it is hard. I LOVED the romance it was perfection. I LOVED the real life family dynamic that is dealt with in Lauren's life. I LOVED the adoption story that made me cry. This is hands down one of the best contemporary novels I have read. If you haven't picked up a Nicole Deese novel please do. You won't be disappointed. 


Five stars. 

"I received this book from the publisher for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."










 

Saturday, March 28, 2020

The Englisch Daughter Review

 


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About the Book


A marriage is tested in this Old Order Amish novel of longing for renewed love and a path for forgiveness from the best-selling author of Gathering the Threads .

Old Order Amish wife and mother Jemima has put her marriage and family ahead of herself for years. She's set herself aside. Raising four children, she's followed all the rules and has been patient in looking forward to her time to chase a dream of her own.

But when she finds out that her life savings for pursuing that dream is gone--and her husband, Roy, has been hiding a child with another woman--her entire world is shattered. Will she be able to listen to God and love Roy's child? With so much at stake, how can she and Roy fix their relationship before their lives come crashing down? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I am a fan of Cindy Woodsmall. Amish fiction is not my "go to" genre but Cindy has a way of creating unique Amish stories. I will be honest and say this simply was not the book for me. I know many others have loved it so this is just my personal opinion. I was expecting something a lot different and while this story holds a lot of difficult real life topics, I cringed most of my way through the book. Not necessarily because of the tough situation but because of how it was written into the story line. There were a few times I wasn't sure if I was reading Amish fiction or not. There were times I was really surprised that the story kept going. BUT the key thing that I think is important is that forgiveness matters. Not just to those you need to forgive but also for yourself in order to move on. I think that part of the issue is that the healing process in this book happens way too fast and I found that to be incredibly unrealistic for the situation. Yes, you can forgive but trust and healing take a lot of time. 
I am sure some folks will love this book and relate to it. It was not for me but I am eager to read Cindy's next book. 

Three Stars.

"I received this book from WaterBrook for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."















Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Mama Kisses, Papa Hugs

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 About the Book


From the creator of the best-selling God Gave Us You comes a warm exploration of the ways parents show affection--and how it mirrors God's affection for his followers.

Parents are always looking out for the perfect bedtime book to create a sense of well-being before a night of rest. Mama Kisses, Papa Hugs explores a child's curiosity about how love is shown between parent and child, with the reassurance that Mama and Papa will always love their little one. And like Lisa Tawn Bergren's young protagonist asks his mother, this question is pressing on the minds of many children:

"Mama, how does God kiss us?"

Mama smiled. "He kisses us a hundred times a day; although if you don't pay attention, you might miss it."

"At night he kisses us with a shooting star. In the morning, he kisses us with sunlight, crawling across the fields and into our windows. On a hot summer afternoon, he kisses us with a gentle breeze. But most of all, he kisses us through our family. That's how God made us. That's why I give you Mama kisses." (Goodreads)


My Thoughts

This is such a great book! The illustrations are lovely and the story is a fun read along for kiddos. It goes through and talks about all the fun ways that animals "hug" or "kiss". So for example lions and tigers give their cubs "slurpy licks" to take care of them and pigs snuggle in the mud etc. It is fun and the wording makes it a perfect story. The only thing is I wish that it was a board book but it is still a fun book for littles. 
 

Five Stars. 

"I received this book from the publisher for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."








Monday, March 23, 2020

One Little Lie Review with Celebrate Lit Tours


One Little Lie FB Banner



About the Book

Book:  One Little Lie
Author: Colleen Coble
Genre:  Romantic Suspense
Release Date: March 3, 2020
one little lie

It started with one little lie. But Jane Hardy will do everything in her power to uncover the truth in this gripping new romantic suspense.
Jane Hardy is appointed interim sheriff in Pelican Harbor, Alabama, after her father retires, but there’s no time for an adjustment period. When her father is arrested for theft and then implicated in a recent murder, Jane quickly realizes she’s facing someone out to destroy the only family she has.
After escaping with her father from a cult fifteen years ago, Jane has searched relentlessly for her mother—who refused to leave—ever since. Could someone from that horrible past have found them?
Reid Bechtol is well-known for his documentaries, and his latest project involves covering Jane’s career. Jane has little interest in the attention, but the committee who appointed her loves the idea of the publicity.
Jane finds herself depending on Reid’s calm manner as he follows her around filming, and they begin working together to clear her father. But Reid has his own secrets from the past, and the gulf between them may be impossible to cross—especially once her father’s lie catches up with him.

Click here to get your copy.


About the Author

Colleen Coble
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. You can visit her website at http://colleencoble.com.

Blog Stops

Back Porch Reads, March 10
The Avid Reader, March 11
By The Book, March 12
Older & Smarter?, March 12
Remembrancy, March 12
Betti Mace, March 13
Emily Yager, March 13
Bigreadersite, March 14
CarpeDiem, March 15
Robin’s Nest, March 17
Stories By Gina, March 18
Mary Hake, March 18
Empowermoms, March 18
Hallie Reads, March 19
Quiet Quilter, March 20
Simple Harvest Reads, March 20 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Splashes of Joy, March 21
Moments, March 21
amandainpa, March 21
Pause for Tales, March 22


My Thoughts 

I try to get my hands on any Colleen Coble suspense book. I am super excited about this new series. I really liked the backstory on the characters in this book. There is a lot about cults and that lifestyle which I found to be fascinating. I liked the story line but to be honest I did struggle a bit with it not being very suspenseful. In my opinion most of the story was predictable. I didn't feel like I was on the edge of my seat at all, which I have come to expect from a Coble novel. That isn't to say the book wasn't a good read it just wasn't what I was expecting. I do think that book two might have some awesome twists and this story seems to be leading up to an even bigger plot. The book will leave you with a bit of a cliff hanger so be ready! 

Four Stars. 

"I received this book from Thomas Nelson for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Friday, March 20, 2020

Killer Harvest Review With Celebrate Lit Tours

Killer Harvest FB Banner

About the Book

Book:  Killer Harvest
Author: Tanya Stowe
Genre:  Inspirational Romantic Suspense
Release Date: March, 2020
Killer Harvest 
Can she stop a deadly crop virus from ending up in the wrong hands? Biologist and single mom Sassa Nilsson just witnessed her mentor’s brutal murder by environmental extremists. Now she’s the last link to a deadly pathogen they plan unleashing—and their number one target! But can handsome border patrol agent Jared De Luca shield Sassa and her baby long enough to find a cure…before the entire world faces the unthinkable consequences?


Click here for your copy.


About the Author

Tanya Stowe 
Tanya Stowe is a Christian Fiction author with an unexpected edge. She is married to the love of her life, her high school sweetheart. They have four children and twenty-one grandchildren, a true adventure. She fills her books with the unusual…mysteries and exotic travel, even a murder or two. No matter where Tanya takes you…on a trip to foreign lands or a suspenseful journey packed with danger…be prepared for the extraordinary.

More from Tanya

As a teenager, I spent my summers water-skiing on the King’s River in Central California. Even though we lived on the coast and the ocean, we traveled inland to the smooth river waters every other weekend for our sport. We camped on a sandy beach, skimmed over the water all day long and at night sat under a sky full of brilliant stars and listened to the sound of the water rippling past. Since we lived on the coast with a heavy marine layer, the amazing sky always fascinated me. Surrounded by massive cottonwood trees, with the smell of ripe fruit drifting toward us, my river experiences were different from home and more than memorable. On some nights we’d hear the splash and laughter as teenagers, somewhere across the river, came down to swim. I always wondered what it would be like to live in the nearby small, neat-as-a-pin town, to know the same people all of my life and to be able to drive down to the river with my friends on any given night. I envied those teenagers and always knew I’d someday write a story about central California. I didn’t know it would involve biological warfare and crazed killers…but that transition is another story all its own! I’ll stop here and hope you enjoy Killer Harvest!

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, March 7
Simple Harvest Reads, March 8 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Among the Reads, March 9
Genesis 5020, March 9
Betti Mace, March 12
Bigreadersite, March 12
Older & Smarter?, March 14
Remembrancy, March 15
Emily Yager, March 16
Mary Hake, March 17
Pause for Tales, March 18
SPLASHES of Joy, March 19
Hallie Reads, March 19
Artistic Nobody, March 20 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tanya is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.



My Thoughts


 This book started out great! There is a lot of action and excitement and I was curious to find out what in the world was going on. I liked the characters and the overall idea for the story line. The middle of the book slowed a little for me and I struggled to be totally invested in the rest of the book. While I think it was a decent suspense novel it just wasn't my favorite. I will be interested in other books that Tanya writes in the future though! 
If you enjoy suspense this could be a great read for you. 

Three Stars. 

"I received this book from the publisher for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."














 









Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Saturday, March 14, 2020

The Wingfeather Saga: North! Or Be Eaten


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 About the Book

Now in hardcover for the first time, featuring all-new illustrations! First they found themselves On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness. Now they must make their way North! Or Be Eaten . . .

Janner, Tink, and Leeli Igiby thought they were normal children with normal lives and a normal past. But now they know they're really the Lost Jewels of Anniera, heirs to a legendary kingdom across the sea, and suddenly everyone wants to kill them.

In order to survive, the Igibys must flee to the safety of the Ice Prairies, where the lizardlike Fangs of Dang cannot follow. First, however, they have to escape the monsters of Glipwood Forest, the thieving Stranders of the East Ben, and the dreaded Fork Factory.

But even more dangerous are the jealousies and bitterness that threaten to tear them apart. Janner and his siblings must learn the hard way that the love of a family is more important than anything else.

Full of characters rich in heart, smarts, and courage, North! Or Be Eaten is a tale children of all ages will cherish, families can read aloud, and readers' groups are sure to enjoy discussing for its many layers of meaning. Extra features include new interior illustrations from Joe Sutphin, funny footnotes, a map of the fantastical world, inventive appendices, and fanciful line art in the tradition of the original Frank L. Baum Wizard of Oz storybooks. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I had never heard of these books until now. This genre is not my go to but I thought I would give it a try and see if I would enjoy North! Or Be Eaten. I love how imaginative the author is and the world that is created. The many quirky characters make this book what it is and I think a broad age group will enjoy it! The storyline for me got a little muddled in the middle. I liked the illustrations though that added a lot. I am going to share this book with others that I know will love it! 


Three stars.

"I received this book for free from the publisher. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review." 










 

Tuesday, March 3, 2020

The Runaway Bride Review

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About the Book

Wealthy Arabella Lawrence flees to British Columbia on a bride ship still wearing the scars of past mistakes. One of the few single women in the boomtown, she immediately has suitors, but she is determined not to find herself trapped again by a poor choice.

Vying for her hand are two very different men. Lieutenant Richard Drummond is a gentleman in the Navy and is held in high esteem. Peter Kelly is the town's baker and has worked hard to build a thriving business. He and Drummond not only compete for Arabella's affections, but clash over their views of how the natives should be treated in the midst of a smallpox outbreak.

As Arabella begins to overcome her fears, she discovers someone in dire need—a starving girl abandoned by her tribe. Intent on helping the girl, Arabella leans on Peter's advice and guidance. Will she have the wisdom to make the right decision or will seeking what's right cost both her and Peter everything? Goodreads




My Thoughts

I really enjoy Jody's books and this cover is simply stunning! The first part of this story moved pretty slowly for me. I had a difficult time getting into the plot but I so loved Peter! He has the best personality and really made this book worthwhile in my opinion. I enjoy the history of the bride ships and also British Columbia. I feel like Jody does a great job making history come alive in all of her books. While this wasn't my favorite of hers, this series has been unique and if you haven't read one of her books you must! 

Four Stars. 

"I received this book from Bethany House for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."












Top Ten Tuesday: Books With Single-Word Titles

Today's Top Ten Tuesday features books with single-word titles! Here are the first ones that came to mind and some of my favorites. 



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