The Wandering Season Review

About the Book

 Unraveling the tangled roots of her family takes her places she never expected.

Veronica Stratton, a specialty food broker with a business riding close to the margins, visits her parents in idyllic Estes Park for Christmas. With the holiday comes a DNA test from her younger sister and an engagement ring from her longtime boyfriend. The test confirms her secret she's adopted. The ring rattles her even more, and she realizes that she might not be as ready to commit as she'd thought.

With so much that she'd counted on suddenly falling apart, Veronica is looking for an escape. Inspired by her best friend, she plans to go to Europe to see four of the places listed on her DNA ancestry report. She treks to County Mayo in Ireland; the Dordogne region of France; Copenhagen, Denmark; and Tuscany in Italy. She hopes to learn a bit about where her family lived and to make more connections for her struggling business, but she finds that each stop brings her visions of her ancestors that raise more questions than they answer. And among those pressing questions is how brooding Irish restauranteur Niall Callaghan will fit into her visions for the future. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

I was hooked by the premise of this story and I started in with pretty high expectations. This novel had a bit of an Eat Pray Love vibe where Veronica travels to the different countries and finds romance and food etc. The first half the book is the best and I enjoyed it immensely. The ancestry twist is interesting and while there is humor there is a lot of heart between family and also friends. There is an adoption thread that takes unexpected twists and turns that I wasn't expecting. The last part of the book moved a bit slower for me but was still enjoyable. There is a little bit of a time travel element in the form of "visions" of the past. Is this realistic? Of course not. Yet, isn't this fiction? I enjoyed it because it is a unique idea and just imagine if you could see your ancestors from so long ago?! The food conversations and details are delightful and add so much to the story. Be warned, this book will probably make you hungry! Overall I found this to be an enjoyable read with some fresh character perspectives. 

Four Stars.

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

The Letters Book Review

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 About the Book

Rose Schrock is a plain woman with a simple plan. Determined to find a way to support her family and pay off her late husband's debts, she sets to work to convert the basement of her Amish farmhouse into an inn. While her family, especially her cranky mother-in-law, is unhappy with Rose's big idea, her friend and neighbor, Galen King, supports the decision and he helps with the conversion. As Rose finalizes preparations for visitors, she prays. She asks God to bless each guest who stays at the Inn at Eagle Hill. As the first guest arrives and settles in, Rose is surprised to discover that her entire family is the one who receives the blessings, in the most unexpected ways. And she's even more surprised when that guest decides to play matchmaker for Galen King.
With her signature plot twists combined with gentle Amish romance, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites readers back to Stoney Ridge for fresh stories of simple pleasures despite the complexity of life. Fisher's tale of God's providence and provision will delight her fans and create many new ones. Welcome to the Inn at Eagle Hill. (Goodreads)

My Review

When I got this book I was really hoping that it would be uniquely Amish and a fun story. There are some good parts, and the general idea of the book is good- starting an inn to support her family while learning life lessons. But this was not a book that I could get into reading, or relate with characters. I kept getting to the next chapter and flipping to see how much longer the book was. I hate to say that about any book but that is what happened. Amish lovers will enjoy the twist and tales but if you are on the edge about reading much Amish fiction I wouldn't pick this book up. 

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

 

Suzanne Woods Fisher is celebrating the release of the first book, The Letters, in her new series by giving away 2 iPads, 2 Kindle Fires and 2 Nook HDs! Wow!

Two grand prize winners will receive:

• An iPad
• The Letters by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Four second place winners will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HD or a Nook HD - winner's choice!
• The Letters by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 17th. All winners will be announced August 19th at Suzanne's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Suzanne's blog on the 19th to see if you won one of the great prizes! (Or better yet, subscribe to her blog and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)

The Prayer Box Book Review

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 About the Book

When Iola Anne Poole, an old-timer on Hatteras Island, passes away in her bed at ninety-one, the struggling young mother in her rental cottage, Tandi Jo Reese, finds herself charged with the task of cleaning out Iola's rambling Victorian house.Running from a messy, dangerous past, Tandi never expects to find more than a temporary hiding place within Iola's walls, but everything changes with the discovery of eighty-one carefully decorated prayer boxes, one for each year, spanning from Iola's youth to her last days. Hidden in the boxes is the story of a lifetime, written on random bits of paper--the hopes and wishes, fears and thoughts of an unassuming but complex woman passing through the seasons of an extraordinary, unsung life filled with journeys of faith, observations on love, and one final lesson that could change everything for Tandi.(Goodreads)

My Review

  This is the second book by Lisa Wingate that I have read and it is by far the best! The Prayer Box is a great story full of real life characters. Wingate does not sugar coat a hard life of a single mom, who is overcoming her addiction to pain pills. While raising two children Tandi has strayed on her responsibilities but is slowly getting back on the right path. To my reading dismay she continues to be in a relationship with Ross, a man who could care less about her or her kids. Tandi's life changes drastically when she is asked to clean out Iola Poole's house. She finds a stack of old prayer boxes that depicted the life of Iola Poole and takes you back in time to another century. 

This was a very good book, well written, full of detail, history uniqueness, and great characters. I really liked reading how Tandi grows, her life is so realistic to many people's life today, it was nice to see that things can change. 

I recommend to those who like a story with a little depth, and good solid characters. 

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

Still Life in Shadows

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 About the Book

It’s been fourteen years since Gideon Miller ran away from his Amish community in Carlisle, Pennsylvania as a boy of sixteen.  Gideon arrives in the Smoky Mountains town of Twin Branches and settles in at the local auto mechanic's garage. He meets a host of interesting characters –the most recent acquaintances are Kiki, an autistic teen, and her sister Mari. Known as the "Getaway Savior" he helps other Amish boys and girls relocate to life in modern America.
On day the phone rings. On the other end is his brother Moriah calling from Florida. Of course Gideon welcomes his brother to stay with him and offers him a job. But Moriah is caught in a web which ends in his death and forces Gideon to return to the town of his youth, with his brother’s body in the back of a hearse and Mari and Kiki at his side. He must face not only the community he ran away from years ago but also his own web of bitterness. Will he be able to give his anger over to God and forgive his father?(Goodreads)

  

My Review

I had read a lot of reviews about this book before I received it in the mail. The start of the book I was completely interested. There is intrigue and multiple characters and events happening. After the first few chapters it was difficult to continue to read. I like the main character, Gideon, but he was the only person I really liked. There is an overall sense of mystery throughout the book and it is completely unique from typical Amish fiction. Still this was not my favorite book and I can't recommend it. But seeing all of the positive reviews, others are enjoying it so perhaps you might too!

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

 

When Mockingbirds Sing Book Review

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About the Book

What marks the boundary between a miracle of God and the imagination of a child?
Nine-year-old Leah’s invisible friend seems harmless enough until he aids her in upsetting the tranquility of her new town, a place where her parents desperately hoped she’d finally be able to make friends and fit in. Hidden within a picture she paints for a failed toymaker are numbers that win the toymaker millions. Suddenly, townspeople are divided between those who see Leah as a prophet and those who are afraid of the danger she represents. Caught in the middle is Leah’s agnostic father, who clashes with a powerful town pastor over Leah’s prophecies and what to do about them.
When the imaginary friend’s predictions take an ominous turn and Leah announces that a grave danger looms, doubts arise over the truthfulness of her claims. As a violent storm emerges on the day of the annual carnival, Leah’s family and the town of Mattingly must make a final choice to cling to all they know or embrace the things she believes in that cannot be seen. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

This is such a unique book that took me some time to read the entire story. There are so many things going on and it's a lot to take in. I loved Leah and everything about her character. She gets made fun of and then says she sees the Rainbow Man and everyone thinks she is crazy. She also has a stutter which most people just like to avoid talking with her. As the story moves on crazy things happen and Leah is confused or caught in between two sides of people. Her father irritated me and the ending was a lot different than what I was expecting. Overall this is an alright read, I don't think it is a book that I would re-read. I recommend to those who like to see more in depth books. 

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

 

Red Dawn Rising

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 Red Dawn Rising by Sue Duffy is the second book in the Red Returning Trilogy.

Twenty-seven-year-old Cass Rodino is a hardworking, dedicated set designer on Broadway. But, like the actors who take the stage every night, she is masking a different reality. Her secrets lie deep within past wounds too severe to expose to anyone.

Evgeny Kozlov has secrets of his own. A former KGB assassin, he is trying to outrun the underground revolution he once served. Trying to right his wrongs, he's in a race against time and against a former colleague, Ivan, who has sinister plans to bring down the United States, including an assassination attempt on famed pianist Liesl Bower.

As Cass and Evgeny separately set out to save Liesl from an impending doom, both are hurled into a fierce CIA/FBI dragnet, not knowing that their formidable opponent--a most unlikely predator--is already closing in on them.

Book 2 of the Red Returning Trilogy, Red Dawn Rising mixes suspense, action, and romance in a tale of personal tragedy and triumph that will keep readers pivoting between the evil desires of world powers and the redeeming powers of personal faith, life, and love. (Goodreads)

The first few chapters of this book got me interested, Cass's character I love and the author did an amazing job with her character. Aside from that, I did not enjoy this book too much. I really wanted to and the first part of the book had me hooked, but my interest could not be held. I really liked the setting and characters but the overall plot of the book was not for me. 

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

A Season of Mysteries Book Review

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 A Season of Mysteries by Rusty Whitener is a unique story about a boy's past.

 About the Book

Some may think the ability to recall entire conversations verbatim is a remarkable gift. But to fifty-year-old Dr. Richard Powell, it is a disruptive burden. He is being haunted by words. The words take him back to 1976, to the unforgettable summer when he and his friends of Boy Scout Troup 44 first witness an epic conflict between good and evil.

Faith was relatively new to Zack, Donnie, Skeeter, and the other boys who had played together on the 1971 champion Little League team. That baseball season was forever imprinted on their souls, due in large part to the life-changing actions of a boy named Rafer. But this summer--1976--they would discover the real depth of their souls and the dangerous influences battling for control of their lives.

A follow-up to Whitener's acclaimed debut novel, A Season of Mysteries takes readers back to a time between the innocence of childhood and the uncertainty of teenage years; where girls, studies, and life's bigger issues become a reality. With the same gripping prose that made Whitener an award-winning screenplay writer, A Season of Mysteries explores the seen and unseen spiritual powers at work and the Ultimate Power who controls it all.(Goodreads)

My Review

I was confused as to what this book was about and it took my by surprise as to how detailed this book takes a man's life. While the start of the book presents the rest of the story, this was a difficult book for me to get into reading. While the past life of the boys in this book is somewhat interesting, there is a ton of dialogue and my interest was not held. I'm sure many people will like this book but I can't recommend it. 

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

Ray of Light Book Review



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Ray of Light by Shelley Shepard Gray is the second book in the Days of Redemption Series.
 
About the Book

When two hearts connect on a beach in Florida, is it a brief romance . . . or the start of a lasting love?

After family secrets come to light, causing an uproar, Roman Keim is taking a much-needed vacation to Pinecraft, the Amish snowbird community in Florida. The warm weather is a welcome break from the bleak Ohio winter, as is a week off from all his family's drama. But Roman's own drama begins when he meets his next-door neighbors: Amanda Yoder, a beautiful young widow, and her adorable daughter, Regina.

In the two years since her husband died, Amanda has never looked at another man. She certainly doesn't intend to get married again. But she can't deny that there's something special between her and Roman. As his week in Pinecraft comes to a close, Amanda knows that, in spite of her attempt to remain distant, she's given Roman a piece of her heart. And her daughter seems to have fallen in love, too.

Is there hope for a second chance at love for Amanda? Or will duty call Roman home first, far from the two women who have captured his heart?(Goodreads)

My Review

I have not read the first book to this series and perhaps I should have before I read this book. I was really disappointed with the story line. I could not get into readng the story, it just seems like the other Amish books I have read. I am always hoping for something different, this book is set in Florida, which is a nice change from the typical Amish setting. The rest of the story was just nothing new to me. I know a lot of people will love it because of the author and setting, but this was just not the book for me.

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







Bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray brings inspirational romance to life in this sweet tale of love in the Amish community, Ray of Light, the second installment of her Days of Redemption series.
Roman Keim just wants a break from the family drama at his snowy Ohio home when he heads to an Amish snowbird community in Florida. There he meets Amanda Yoder and her daughter Regina who soon are warming his heart. But will Roman return to Ohio or will he stay and help the young widow embrace a second chance at love?
The author of the series Sisters of the Heart and Seasons of Sugarcreek, Shelley Shepard Gray delivers an honest, tender love story in Ray of Light, featuring the challenges of faith, family, and romance.
Purchase a copy here.
Learn more at Shelley’s website.

Catch a Falling Star Book Review Litfuse Tour

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Catch a Falling Star by Beth K. Vogt. is a delight and the perfect summer read!

About the Book

 What does a girl do when life doesn’t go according to her plan? At thirty-six, Kendall Haynes has seen some of her dreams come true. She’s a family physician helping kids with severe allergies and asthma achieve more fulfilling lives—a childhood struggle she knows all too well. But are Kendall’s dreams of having it all—a career, a husband, children—nothing more than a childhood fantasy? God says He knows the plans He has for her—why can’t Kendall figure them out and be content with her life?

Griffin Walker prefers flying solo—both as an Air Force pilot and in his personal life. But a wrong choice and health problems pulled him out of the cockpit. His attempts to get out of “flying a desk” are complicated by his parents’ death—making Griffin the reluctant guardian of his sixteen-year-old brother, Ian. How did his life get so off course? Can he get his life back on track…or has there been a divine plan all along?

Catch a Falling Star reminds readers that romance isn’t just for twenty-somethings and that sometimes letting go of your “wish I may, wish I might” dreams is the only way to embrace everything God has waiting for you. (Goodreads)

My Review

 I loved reading this book for a few main reasons. The characters are completely believable and easy to relate with. The setting is my favorite because I grew up in the area and the author paints the picture vividly. Also, Kendall's dog is named Sully after Sully in Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman, one of my all time favorite shows. Beth Vogt is someone I think I should meet. Anyway, love the plot and reading how the characters grow throughout the story. Great romance, made me laugh a lot, and simply a good book. I have not read Beth's first book Wish You Were Here, but after reading this I think it is a must read!

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

Celebrate the release of Catch a Falling Star (Howard Books) with Beth K. Vogt by entering to win a Romantic Weekend Getaway and RSVPing for her June 4th Author Chat Party.

  One "lucky" winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa Cash Card (Perfect for a weekend stay at a hotel or B&B!)
• Catch a Falling Star and Wish You Were Here by Beth Vogt (Swoon-worthy!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 3rd. Winner will be announced at the "Catch a Falling Star" Facebook Author Chat Party on June 4th. Connect with Beth for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Beth will also share an exclusive look at her next book and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Catch a Falling Star and join Beth on the evening of June 4th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 4th!

Undeniably Yours Book Review CFBA Blog Tour

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This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Undeniably Yours Bethany House Publishers (May 1, 2013) by Becky Wade

Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade  is the first book to the Porter Family Series.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Meg Cole's father dies unexpectedly, she becomes the majority shareholder of his oil company and the single inheritor of his fortune. Though Meg is soft-spoken and tenderhearted--more interested in art than in oil--she's forced to return home to Texas and to Whispering Creek Ranch to take up the reins of her father's empire.

The last thing she has the patience or the sanity to deal with? Her father's thoroughbred racehorse farm. She gives its manager, Bo Porter, six months to close the place down.

Bo's determined to resent the woman who's decided to rob him of his dream. But instead of anger, Meg evokes within him a profound desire to protect. The more time he spends with her, the more he longs to overcome every obstacle that separates them--her wealth, his unworthiness, her family's outrage--and earn the right to love her.

But just when Meg begins to realize that Bo might be the one thing on the ranch worth keeping, their fragile bond is viciously broken by a force from Meg's past. Can their love--and their belief that God can work through every circumstance--survive?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Undeniably Yours, go HERE.

I loved this book! Honestly, I thought it was going to be something I had read before and I just wasn't excited about reading this book. I had not read Becky Wade's first book My Stubborn Heart so I dived into Undeniably Yours with doubt. I was very wrong! Though contemporary fiction is not my favorite this surpassed many of the books I have read this year and is definitely at the top. I loved reading about the characters, Meg and Bo, and the author did a great job creating this setting in Texas. I laughed out loud a couple of times because some scenes are written so well I could visualize them in all their hilarity. While the overall story line does not push Christianity there is an definite relationship that the characters have with the Lord.  Becky Wade even had to include a bit of suspense to go along with this great love story, very well written!

The romance is fun to read and it is overall a great book. I recommend to anyone who enjoys reading some romance. 

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

During her childhood in California, Becky frequently produced homemade plays starring her sisters, friends, and cousins. These plays almost always featured a heroine, a prince, and a love story with a happy ending. She's been a fan of all things romantic ever since.

Becky and her husband lived overseas in the Caribbean and Australia before settling in Dallas, Texas. It was during her years abroad that Becky's passion for reading turned into a passion for writing. She published three historical romances for the general market, put her career on hold for many years to care for her kids, and eventually returned to writing sheerly for the love of it. Her first contemporary Christian romance, My Stubborn Heart, has been named a finalist for Romance Writers of America's RITA Award. Her newest release, Undeniably Yours, is available now.

These days Becky can be found failing but trying to keep up with her housework, sweating at the gym, carting her kids around town, playing tennis, hunched over her computer, eating chocolate, or collapsed on the sofa watching TV with her husband.

Shattered Rose Book Review

 

 

 

 

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Shattered Rose by T. L. Gray is her first book and also the first book in the Winsor series.

 

 

When obsession and love blend, and darkness consumes the mind and spirit, is it even possible to recognize the light?

Set in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, nineteen-year-old Avery Nichols embarks on a journey of love, loss and recognition that perfection is often an illusion. She gives all she has to the one man who cannot love her back, but still refuses let her go. Now another fights to give her everything she doesn’t believe she deserves.

It is the beginning of her sophomore year at Winsor University, and Avery is determined that nothing will stop her momentum, not even the internal battle she has fought for four years. Forced to live on campus because of her alumni scholarship, Avery is thrilled when she is placed in the coveted University Apartments and is swept away by her roommate’s cousin, Jake, whose charm and charisma touches every part of her soul and shatters every piece of her heart. Broken and lost, Avery meets Parker, a man who not only offers her hope, but also teaches her to love in ways she never thought possible.

Jake is complicated and damaged, fighting to find his way after the loss of his mother, and despite his every attempt to stop it, Avery gets behind his defenses and forces him to feel once again. He doesn’t want to love her, but can’t let her go. Parker is genuine, honest, and falls for Avery the moment he sees her. He wants nothing more than to love her, if she would only let him.(Goodreads)

 

 

 

I was excited when the author asked me to review her new book, Shattered Rose. It is self published so she is marketing by herself. I love the cover and I think she is a great new author. Before receiving this book I read up on all of the reviews to see what everyone else was saying. The author also informed me that there were a lot of real issues discussed in the book such as underage drinking, sex before marriage, and eating disorders. I enjoy reading books that are true to real life but also show that it's not always a good way to live. This story hit close to home life is not easy, looking at one's body and not liking what you see, longing for the attention of someone, especially a boy, and drinking like everyone else. I love how one person in this book proves to Avery that she has value and that Christ is a true Savior.

 As a word of caution these issues are discussed, some in detail, while not obscene, it did not hinder my reading the entire book. I read the book fairly quickly, it's 402 pages so it's not short. I could relate with Avery during a lot of her struggles and I think that is why I enjoyed the book. If you can relate to a character the book is so much more interesting.

The setting is also great, aside from the college campus they are near Asheville, NC.  For a new author, I think T. L. Gray did a great job. I am really looking forward to the next book. I would reccomend this to young adults, it seems to fit more in that category, but it is a good read for anyone.

 

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

 

Learn more about T. L. Gray at her website.

 

 

Magnificent Malevolence Book Review

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Magnificent Malevolence by Derek Wilson is very much like the Screwtape letters, just written in a different time. 

C. S. Lewis, who introduced Screwtape, a senior devil, to the world in 1942, knew that evil is powerful and personal. He understood that its main thrust was against God and the people of God.

There can be no doubt that Lewis would agree that Screwtape and his diabolical colleagues have not ceased their operations in the last seventy years. As the human decades have passed, the same war has been fought, with new weapons and different battle tactics.

How fortunate, then, that the following account, rescued from the archives of the Low Command's Ministry of Misinformation, has fallen into our hands. This remarkable manuscript outlines the career of the prominent devil, Crumblewit SOD (Order of the Sons of Darkness, 1st Class). It was in a much mutilated state and has only, with difficulty, been cut and pasted together to make a reasonably coherent narrative of the activities of a post-Screwtape generation of devils. It is not, of course, "true" in the sense of being an objective appraisal of the struggles between good and evil which dominated human affairs in the period from 1950 to 2000. The account is distorted by Crumblewit's truly diabolical conceit and also his ability for self-delusion. However, it does shed fresh light on the ups and down experienced by the church throughout this period.

Crumblewit's energies were entirely deployed in the religious arena. He was employed exclusively in undermining the attempts of Christians to bring to bear upon world events the prerogatives of love, peace, and justice and to carry out the mission entrusted to them by Jesus .(Goodreads)

 I just read the Screwtape Letters last year for the first time and surprisingly enjoyed the book. C. S. Lewis is a delight to read, though some of his work a bit challenging for me. This book is very comparable. It has the same tone and the monologue is a lot the same. Crumblewit and SOD clan use somewhat cheesy names and plans but it takes a talented author to write like that. For someone to even write about the devil and evils so clearly and twist the readers minds I would think would be challenging. I did like the Screwtape Letters more so than this book, but if you like C.S. Lewis' Screwtape Letters you should read Magnificent Malevolence.

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

Jennifer: An O'Malley Love Story Book Review CFBA Blog Tour

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Jennifer: An O’Malley Love Story Bethany House Publishers (May 1, 2013) by Dee Henderson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dee Henderson is the bestselling, award-winning author of 15 previous novels, including the acclaimed O'MALLEY series and UNCOMMON HEROES series. These days, most authors are out there energetically promoting their books in print and broadcast and via social media—wherever they can get attention. But Dee Henderson keeps a low profile. She avoids telephone interviews because of hearing problems, declined to provide a current photo, and will say only that she lives in Illinois.

ABOUT THE BOOK

It's a summer of change for Jennifer O'Malley. The busy physician has a pediatrics practice in Dallas, and meeting Tom Peterson, and falling in love, is adding a rich layer to her life. She's sorting out how to introduce him to her family--she's the youngest of seven--and thinking about marriage.

She's falling in love with Jesus too, and knows God is good. But that faith is about to be tested in a way she didn't expect, and the results will soon transform her entire family.


If you would like to read the first chapter of Jennifer: An O’Malley Love Story, go to HERE.




My Review

 

I really enjoyed this story about Jennifer. Sadly I have not read any other books by Dee Henderson but this one made me interested in all the others. This book is a prequel to the O'Malley series and Dee adds and note at the back of this book so the reader knows where we are at compared to the rest of the series. This book is tiny and a fast read, but it does have a sweet love story and also talks about Jennifer meeting Christ. For being such a short book it has a lot in it and if you are a Dee Henderson fan you will want to read it!

 

 

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

Sanctuary Book Review

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 The Sanctuary by Ted Dekker is a page turner that fans will definitely want to read.

THE SANCTUARY is the gripping story of vigilante priest, Danny Hansen, who is now serving a fifty year prison term in California for the murder of two abusive men. Filled with remorse, Danny is determined to live out his days by a code of non-violence and maneuvers deftly within a ruthless prison system.

But when Renee Gilmore, the woman he loves, receives a box containing a bloody finger and draconian demands from a mysterious enemy on the outside, Danny must find a way to escape.

They are both drawn into a terrifying game of life and death. If Renee fails, the priest will die; if Danny fails, Renee will die. And the body count will not stop at two.

THE SANCTUARY is Ted Dekker at his best, a powerful thriller that relentlessly plumbs the depths of punishment and rehabilitation, both in a flawed corrections system and in the human heart. (Goodreads)

I am a huge fan of Ted Dekker, he is one of my favorite authors because he writes unique plots and is truly a talented writer. I was excited to request this book to review and it did not disappoint. While I like a couple of his other books more so than this one, The Sanctuary took me inside a world I had not seen. This book is about the prison system and Dekker creates a creepy thriller that I could not put down. I like the characters, Renee made me laugh but is a realistic character. The plot twisted my mind, yet was not as confusing as some of Dekker's other books. In any case this is a great book and I highly recommend it!

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

Read what else Ted Dekker has written.

Pastors' Wives Book Review Litfuse Blog Tour

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 Pastors' Wives by Lisa Cullen is a fun read that looks at the lives of women who ended up married to a pastor-ready or not!

What’s it like when the man you married is already married to God? asks Pastors’ Wives, an often surprising yet always emotionally true first novel set in a world most of us know only from the outside.

Lisa Takeuchi Cullen’s debut novel Pastors’ Wives follows three women whose lives converge and intertwine at a Southern evangelical megachurch. Ruthie follows her Wall Street husband from New York to Magnolia, a fictional suburb of Atlanta, when he hears a calling to serve at a megachurch called Greenleaf. Reeling from the death of her mother, Ruthie suffers a crisis of faith—in God, in her marriage, and in herself. Candace is Greenleaf’s First Lady,” a force of nature who’ll stop at nothing to protect her church and her superstar husband. Ginger, married to Candace’s son, struggles to play dutiful wife and mother while burying her calamitous past. All their roads collide in one chaotic event that exposes their true selves. Inspired by Cullen’s reporting as a staff writer for Time magazine, Pastors’ Wives is a dramatic portrayal of the private lives of pastors’ wives, caught between the demands of faith, marriage, duty, and love.(Goodreads)

This book follows three women and their everyday life journey from their perspective, not the camera's or the people sitting in the church audience. Ruthie is Catholic-the megachurch stuff she doesn't really get, yet suddenly she is a wife to the new pastor. Candace rules the roost and runs Greenleaf church alongside her husband, she is the leading lady solving all the issues. Ginger's past is not a pleasant one, her husband is never home, and her in-laws (Candace Green) are driving her crazy. All three of these stories are written together so that they blend into each others lives and you are wanting to read more. 

I really enjoyed this book. This is Lisa's debut book and I think she did a fantastic job. While this book isn't necessarily an inspirational Christian novel, I think it has a great story line. There is not anything that I found to be offensive and many of the trials these women go through are exactly how it is in real life. Pastor's and their wives are normal people just like everyone else, and while everything might look good on the outside, this book takes you behind closed doors.

 If you are looking for a light fun read, I highly recommend Pastors' Wives!

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

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/klK8c

Meet Lisa:

Lisa Takeuchi Cullen was a longtime staff writer for TIME magazine. She now develops TV pilots for production companies and recently sold her first pilot for "The Ordained" to CBS. Born in Japan, Cullen lives in New Jersey with family.

Find out more about Lisa at http://lisacullen.com.

Lisa Takeuchi Cullen is celebrating the release of her debut novel, Pastors' Wives, with an iPad Mini Giveaway and connecting with readers on Facebook on May 23rd!

One winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini
• A $25 iTunes gift card

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 22nd. Winner will be announced at the "Pastors' Wives" Author Chat Party on May 23rd. Connect with Lisa for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Lisa will also be giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Pastors' Wives and join Lisa on the evening of May 23rd for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 23rd!

Katie's Choice Book Review CFBA Tour

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This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Katie's Choice B&H Books (May 1, 2013) by Amy Lillard

 

Katie Rose Fisher loved Samuel Beachy with an intensity that shook their Amish district. No one doubted they would one day marry, until Samuel turned his back on the church and joined the world of the English.

Alone now in Clover Ridge, Katie Rose dedicates her life to God and the school children she teaches each day. Although she secretly longs for more, Katie knows God’s hand is at work, and she is happy.

News correspondent Zane Carson never even knew Oklahoma had an Amish community until he got the chance to live among them and learn about their day-to-day activities. Their simple way of life is intriguing, but not half as much as the young teacher.

Katie Rose is flattered over the attention she receives from Zane, but she has resolved to never marry. Even if she were to entertain the idea, it surely couldn’t be with an outsider like Zane.

Never one prone to the restraints of organized religion, Zane finds a comfort in the rituals and blessings in the day to day righteous living of this small Amish community. He finds himself, God, and love with Katie Rose.

But as Zane draws closer to Katie Rose, Samuel comes back to repent his ways and return to his place at her side. Can Zane convince Katie Rose that he is committed to adapting to her way of life, or will Samuel win her affections back for himself once again?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Katie's Choice, go HERE.

Katie's Choice  by Amy Lillard is the second book in the Clover Ridge Series. 

I was pleasantly surprised with this book, as I have not read the first book to this series. Amy Lillard is a new author to me and this is some great writing! The characters I loved, especially Zane Carson. Zane is a war correspondent-yet he ends up with an assignment in Amish country. Katie Rose has had her heart broken but remains strong in her faith and in who she is as a teacher. Her beliefs and peace about her choices really shine through her character. When Zane shows up to write an article on the Amish, he has a lot to learn, but Katie catches his attention. 

This story is not difficult to figure out, the ending will not surprise you and neither will the main story line. But there is something about this book that made it different than some of the other Amish novels I have read. There is more humor and I really liked how Amy incorporated their faith in God, even if it takes Zane awhile to figure out.

Recommend to those who are in the mood for a lazy day and Amish romance. 

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

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I’m a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess.

I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I’ve retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I’m from Texas. (?) Rob and I have been married for over twenty years and have a son–a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!

I love homemade tacos, shoes, and romance novels–not necessarily in that order. I’m a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I’m shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.

I believe that God is love. I guess that’s why I adore romances.

I have always been intrigued with the Amish culture, their gentle ways and slower-paced lifestyle. (And I love, love, love the fact that they stay married for their lifetime.) But until recently I never thought to blend this interest with my penchant for romance. Okay, okay, I’m a bit old-fashioned and even enjoy the gender roles that are present in this culture. I love to cook and take care of my family. Yes, that’s me June Cleaver with a laptop.

I dislike people trying to convince me to read the Twlight series (I’ll get to it or I won’t, either way I’m good with it), gratuitous violence, and strawberry ice cream. (I know I’m alone on this last one, and again, I’m good with it.)

Favorite movies–(besides HP) French Kiss, Maid of Honor, A Lot Like Love, Just Married, and Sweet Home Alabama. Oh, and Miss Congeniality, Sabrina (both versions) and a 1940′s movie called Dear Ruth. If you haven’t seen it, you should! A-dorable. Anything with Doris Day and most all of Marilyn’s and Audrey’s.

Past Darkness Book Review CFBA Blog Tour

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 Past Darkness by Laurel Woiwode is what I would categorize as young adult fiction.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Past Darkness Crossway (April 30, 2013) by Laurel Woiwode

ABOUT THE BOOK

Gabrielle Larson is an average, 15 year old girl living in Chicago when tragedy strikes. In the aftermath, she is forced to relocate to rural North Dakota and henceforth spends the next chapter of her life learning to cope with trials involving everything from family to faith. Laurel Woiwode, daughter of critically acclaimed novelist Larry Woiwode, offers here a moving story that will be appreciated by female and male readers alike. Past Darkness is not preachy or heavy-handed, but rather a touching story about the importance of family, the power of music, and the ever-present mercy of God.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Past Darkness, go HERE,

 

My Review

The plot for this book looked good, but I had no idea what type of book it would be about. I was surprised to find it to be young adult fiction, which I enjoy. It is written in first-person narrative which did not bother me, but I will warn you there are explicit words used a few times. The words are not awful but not what I would expect from a Christian publishing company, especially a young adult book. 

The story spans a long amount of time, covering years of Gabrielle's life in a short amount of time. Honestly, I think this is a sweet book that I know I would have enjoyed when I was younger. There is little depth in the characters or in the plot but it does show some emotion when she breaks down years after a tragic incident, which is when I really felt for the character.  

 

Recommend to young adults for a quick read.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Laurel Woiwode graduated with honors from Jamestown College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in both English and History. She works with ESL students, writes movie reviews at reelquickie.areavoices.com, works on writing and editing projects, and is always ready for outdoor adventures. Laurel grew up in rural North Dakota, has had an avid interest in animals, nature, and literature since childhood, and she is the author of Past Darkness.

Invisible Book Review

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Invisible by Ginny Yttrup is a novel with characters that many could relate with.

Ellyn DeMoss -- chef, café owner, and lover of butter -- is hiding behind her extra weight. But what is she hiding? While Ellyn sees the good in others, she has only condemnation for herself. So when a handsome widower claims he’s attracted to Ellyn, she’s certain there’s something wrong with him. Sabina Jackson -- tall, slender, and exotic -- left her husband, young adult daughters, and a thriving counseling practice to spend a year in Northern California where she says she’s come to heal. But it seems to Ellyn that Sabina’s doing more hiding than healing. What’s she hiding from? Is it God? Twila Boaz has come out of hiding and is working to gain back the pounds she lost when her only goal was to disappear. When her eating disorder is triggered again, though she longs to hide, she instead follows God and fights for her own survival. But will she succeed? As these women’s lives intertwine, their eyes open to the glory within each of them as they begin to recognize themselves as being created in God’s image. (Goodreads)

Ginny Yttrup is a talented author whom I have never read before and I am delighted to discover! This book is written from the heart, it is obvious in the writing that the author understand the difficulties she writes about. This book has four main characters and you the read the book from each point of view in order to really see the personal struggles and pain that isn't spoken. Because of the going back and forth between people I had to pay better attention to what I was reading and what point of view I was reading. 

This book and the life struggles were so realistic to me I felt like the author was reading my mind. Ellyn struggles with her weight, dieting, and seeing herself as beautiful. Sabina has it all but depression is overcoming her life. Twila's parents split up and her life took a downward spiral as an eating disorder took over. Dr. Miles has lost someone special and is healing from that wound while trying to see what God has in store for him. All of these people and their lives blend together in this California town that creates the story Invisible. 

This is a fantastic book that I highly recommend to anyone. It's worth the read, I couldn't put it down. 

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

Head over to Ginny's website!

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