Beyond All Dreams Book Review

 

 About the Book

Sweeping and Romantic Historical Drama from an Award-Winning Author
Anna O'Brien leads a predictable and quiet life as a map librarian at the illustrious Library of Congress until she stumbles across a baffling mystery of a ship disappeared at sea. She is thwarted in her attempts to uncover information, but her determination outweighs her shyness and she turns to a dashing congressman for help.
Luke Callahan was one of the nation's most powerful congressmen until his promising career became shadowed in scandal. Eager to share in a new cause and intrigued by the winsome librarian, he joins forces with Anna to solve the mystery of the lost ship.
Opposites in every way, Anna and Luke are unexpectedly drawn to each other despite the strict rules forbidding Anna from any romantic entanglement with a member of Congress.
From the gilded halls of the Capitol, where powerful men shape the future of the nation, to the scholarly archives of the nation's finest library, Anna and Luke are soon embroiled in secrets much bigger and more perilous than they ever imagined. Is bringing the truth to light worth risking all they've ever dreamed for themselves? (Goodreads)

 My Review

I am a fan of Elizabeth Camden and was so looking forward to this book. I like Anna's character well enough and her job at the Library of Congress is fun to read about. I found the relationship between Anna and Luke humorous, Camden usually includes a bit of humor. There is an overall mystery that tangles the book up and threads a bit of suspense. Is Luke really who he says he is? What happened so long ago to Anna's father? This part of the story is interesting and I honestly wish there was more detail on this particular part of the story.

There are a lot of politics in this book that I honestly couldn't get into. The little details about Congress and Luke's job didn't intrigue me and I wish that wasn't the case. I have loved all of Elizabeth's books but this one was a bit of a let down for me. I think it was mainly the setting and I just couldn't get into the characters lives. I look forward to her next book though and still recommend her as an author!

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

 

Travel back in time to the U.S. Capitol and the Library of Congress in Elizabeth Camden's newest release, Beyond All Dreams. From the gilded halls of the Capitol where powerful men shape the future of the nation, to the scholarly archives of the nation's finest library, Anna and Luke are soon embroiled in secrets much bigger and more perilous than they ever imagined. Is bringing the truth to light worth risking all they've ever dreamed for their futures?

Elizabeth is celebrating the release of Beyond All Dreams with a Kindle giveaway and Facebook party on February 17.

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• One copy of Beyond All Dreams

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 2/17. Winner will be announced at Elizabeth's 2/17 Beyond All Dreams Facebook author chat party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Elizabeth and historical fiction fans, as well as for the opportunity to win some great prizes!
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 17th!

The Earth Diet Book Review

 

About the Book

Beauty queen Miss Earth Australia Liana Werner-Gray got a wake-up call at the age of 21, when she was diagnosed with a precancerous tumor in her throat. Realizing that health issues were holding her back, including in her entertainment career, she decided to change her lifestyle. Through juicing and using the whole-food recipes shared in this book, Liana healed herself in only three months.      This success inspired Liana to create the Earth Diet and make information on the incredible power of plant-based and natural food available to others. She has since used her recipes to help thousands of people with cancer, diabetes, acne, addictions, obesity, and more.      When you get the essential vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients your body needs, you can’t help but feel better. In this book, you’ll find more than 100 nutrient-dense recipes that provide proper nutrition. The Earth Diet is inclusive, with recipes for every person, ranging from raw vegans to meat eaters. It also features specific guidelines for weight loss, boosting the immune system, increasing your energy, juice cleansing, and more. If you’re looking for great-tasting recipes to help you live your healthiest life ever, then this book is for you. (Goodreads)

My Review

You have to have an open mind if topics such as this book are not your norm. I've read other reviews on the book and many people I know would bash this book without even reading it. I definitely don't agree with everything in this book. The author is telling us what worked for her and her mother and I have no doubt that it was good! No cookbook or book for that matter is the "right" book. Everyone is different so that being said- I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was well organized and while I thought it was going to be a cookbook that part didn't really come until the end.

 What you put into your body is important and I found it true that she also said the things that your skin soaks up are just as important. Perfumes and lotions and scents all soak into your skin so do you really want some of those things in your system? There is also a wonderful section of recipes for personal care products such as toothpaste and even mascara! I also loved the recipes that didn't have dairy or gluten, as my body can't digest them so good. Liana Werner-Gray also writes about how growing your own produce is always the best or getting things from the local market which I completely agree. Many of the topics I had read about before and were nothing new to me but I did get some good info from this book.

Five stars!

"Thanks to Hay House Publishers for sending me a copy for free in exchange for an honest review."

Where River's Part Book Review

 About the Book

Following in her estranged father's footsteps, Dr. Juliet Ryan has devoted her scientific acumen to corporate America, providing safe drinking water for millions--and affording her plenty of perks along the way. Then, without warning, a fast-moving disaster sweeps Juliet into a whirlpool of corporate scandal and puts lives at risk. As she scrambles to find answers, Juliet must face her deepest wounds and join forces with her father to expose a far-reaching conspiracy. Underneath it all, she struggles to forgive those who betrayed her trust--not least of all her own father. (Goodreads)

 My Review

After reading the first book in this series I was anxious to read the next! This book can be read completely stand alone from the other and I was surprised by the difference of topics and style. Juliet finally feels like she has gotten the career of her dreams. Success, handsome man, and just maybe everything else will fall into place. As things start to turn for the worst in every aspect of her life she is unsure where or who to turn to. 

This book really is unique with the setting and characters. I love San Antonio and the Riverwalk where much of the story takes place. It was interesting to see how a big company that provides bottled water could work. The best part of this book is the reality of life when things go horribly wrong and discovering God in the midst of the good and the bad. Kellie has a unique writing style and take on life and I enjoy her books. I did enjoy the first book more so than this one but both are good.

Four stars. 

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

Journal Review-Love It!

About the Journal

Do you ever stop to wonder how you got where you are? The Q&A a Day Journal shows you what was going through your head each day—for five years of your life. Simply turn to today’s date, answer the question at the top of the page, and when you finish the journal, start over. As you return to the daily questions again over the years, you’ll notice how your answers change (or don’t)! With questions that are sometimes provocative (“On a scale of one to ten, how happy are you?”), occasionally quirky (“What can you smell right now?”), and inevitably interesting (“If you could travel anywhere tomorrow, where would you go?”), this classically designed journal—embellished with beautiful details—is the perfect gift for anyone embarking on a new phase of life. (Goodreads)

My Review

I have kept a journal for over ten years now. I don't always write in it every day but I try to complete about one a year. I saw this journal and thought it was a brilliant idea!! It's so fun to go back and see how you have grown through previous writings. This little book is just that, it's small so it's not a big book you have to hold onto every day. Each page has a question for that day and only a few lines in which to answer. It doesn't require a lot of time so it makes it much more doable to write in every day. The questions are unique and fun and make me think, what do I really want today at this moment in time? How do I feel today really? All you add is the year and your comment and that's it! I can't wait to go back and read my answers in five years 2020!

This little journal is a wonderful idea and I wish I had heard about it sooner!

Highly recommend to anyone who wants to journal and doesn't want to spend a lot of time.

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

Breaker's Reef Book Review

 

 About the Book

The murders occurring on Cape Refuge mirror scenes in a local writer s novels. Could the killer be a copycat or the author himself?

When a teenage girl s body is discovered in a boat between Tybee Island and Cape Refuge, all evidence points to a famous mystery writer who has taken up residence in the small town: Marcus Gibson. After all, ex-con Sheila Caruso discovers that a scene in one of his books perfectly mirrors the brutal crime scene, and Gibson seems just eccentric enough to be murderous.

Police Chief Cade works to confirm the evidence but more devastation is just around the corner. He and Blair Owens discover a second dead teenager, again paralleling a scene in one of Gibson s books. Then Sheila s daughter, Sadie, goes missing.

In a race against time, there are many questions to be answered. Can Cade find the killer before Sadie is murdered too? What connection does Sheila have with the crimes? And is Marcus one of the killers or is the murderer still walking free, ready to prey on his next victim?" (Goodreads)

My Review

 This was a great conclusion for this series! This and the first book were my favorites from the series. This story line held more suspense for me throughout the book. I enjoyed the same characters of course but also the new ones introduced. I love the message of Christ within the pages, even during a murder investigation everyone's lives still continue on. Cade of course is knee deep in tracking down the murderer while trying to live his own personal life. Sheila and Sadie are in this book a lot and I enjoyed them more this book than any before. 

I think the murder case was intriguing and overall the end wraps up nicely with all of the characters. 

I highly recommend this series and that you read them in order. 

Five stars. 

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

Dashing Dish Cookbook Review

 About the Book

From the creator of the wildly popular cooking and healthy lifestyle website DashingDish.com, comes a clean eating cookbook designed to give home cooks a healthy start to 2015. Dashing Dish: 100 Simple and Delicious Recipes for Clean Eating (Nelson Books) by Katie Farrell combines delicious and simple recipes with easy tips for incorporating clean eating habits for a healthier lifestyle.  As a registered nurse, Farrell has spent years teaching others about nutrition, health and overall wellbeing. Since its inception, her hit website DashingDish.com has garnered more than 25,000 monthly subscribers who access her recipes, cooking videos and fitness plans.

For readers new to clean eating, Dashing Dish makes it easy to transition by providing lists of valuable pantry, fridge and freezer items helpful for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The book also includes important conversion charts and offers clean substitutes for some popular unhealthy foods, making the jump to clean eating as simple as possible. 

My Review

 I love food. I also love the cover of this cookbook! I am always open to new ideas for meals. There are so many things you can do, I'm just not always that creative and need others to show me what to do! This book is all about clean eating. So there are a few recipes that call for protein powder ( though she does list a substitution at times). To me this also seemed like a great cookbook for a home of one or two people. There are many recipes that are "cake for one" or "dessert for one". I like this idea because then you don't end up making a bunch of goodies and eat it all. This way she shows you how to make a smaller amount that is much better for you. The pictures are great and for each recipe. I think that is pretty important this day in age and I like to see what I am making. The only thing I didn't like so much is the use of so much Stevia, which I really don't like myself. I also discovered that many of these recipes were nothing new to me. I did find some great recipes though! The book is split up into sections after the intro and clean eating topics: Breakfast Lunch, Dinner, Side Dishes, Snacks, and Desserts. 

My favorites are The Best Giant Frittata, Peanut Butter Breakfast Bars, Lightened Up Salmon Cakes, and Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken. So that shows you the variety and that seems to be in each section. The organization of the book is wonderful and overall this is a good cookbook. 

If you are clean eating and trying to come up with new ideas, perhaps you should check this cookbook out!

 "I received this book from Icon Media Group for free in exchange for an honest review."

 

River's Edge Review

 About the Book

The man Lisa Jackson loved most may have betrayed her. Another used deception to manipulate her. But did one of them kill her? Ben Jackson is sure to defeat Jonathan Cleary in Cape Refuge s mayoral race, until his wife turns up missing the day before a major debate. Suspecting foul play, Police Chief Cade launches an island-wide search. But it takes a psychic s vision to point police to the riverside and Lisa s body. The evidence implicating Ben in his wife s murder is convincing. But as a local scandal escalates into a national media circus, Cade s instincts tell him to dig deeper. And he s not the only one. Blair Owens of the Cape Refuge Journal is using her investigative skills to uncover a rat s nest of dirty secrets and more than one person with a motive for murder. But Blair s methods are jeopardizing her relationship with Cade, and an unsolicited prediction from the psychic only adds to her troubles. Is the man s so-called gift truly from God, as he claims? Did Lisa s murder have anything to do with the mayoral race, her husband s alleged affair, or her decade-long struggle with infertility? Whoever the killer is, he s about to take his evasion of justice to the next, lethal level. And someone else is going to die." (Goodreads)

My Review

I have read all the books in this series thus far and I'm such a fan of Terri Blackstock. I do think that her more recent books are my favorite and a bit more suspenseful but this is still a great series. That being said this book is centered around infertility in every way. It was interesting to read about and get into the emotions of the characters. The murder is to a woman named Lisa who has been trying for years to have a child. Add some politics, shady business owners, and media and you have yourself a puzzle. 

I really like Cade, the man who looks into each murder in each book. He is a great character and it's nice to see how his life progresses throughout the series. I do recommend reading these books in order as the characters and parts of the storyline do flow in each of them. 

I really liked this book and the way the author tries to mess with the reader's mind. There is also a huge message on living a Christian life in a bit of a side story. 

Highly recommend this series!!

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

The Dandelion Field Review

About the Book

This handsome firefighter makes a living coming to the rescue, but Gin doesn't need a man to fight her battles.

After Raine s dad walked out, Ginevieve Lightly never lived in one place too long, a rambling lifestyle that defined her daughter s youth. When their car dies in Banister Falls, Wisconsin, Gin promises Raine they can stay until she finishes her senior year of high school. Gin will do anything to make sure her daughter has a bright future . . . a future that s compromised when Raine reveals she s pregnant.

Dan Moretti has only ever called Banister Falls home. After losing his best friend in a tragic accident, Dan devoted himself to responding to fires, rescuing the helpless, and guiding Cody Bennett, his best friend's son, through life. With Cody being the epitome of the good kid, it was an easy job. Until he says four little words: The baby is mine.

Knowing gossip of Raine's pregnancy will erupt sooner or later in the small town, Gin's reflex is to grab the suitcase and escape to a new city, a new life. But with each passing day, Gin's feet stay rooted in Banister Falls, and she falls a little more for this local firefighter who shows her not all men abandon women at the first sign of smoke.

As Gin and Dan do the best they can to guide the two teenagers through their early entry into adulthood, they discover together that romance can bloom in the rockiest of situations. And God can turn the pieces of a broken past into a beautiful new beginning. " (Goodreads)

My Review

I started this book wary that the story line could go so many different ways from reading the back. I started the first chapter and I really don't think I set it down from there. It's a pretty easy read but it packs a punch! The characters are very real and I really loved reading about all of them. There are two story lines flowing together, Gin and Dan and then Raine and Cody have their own story line. This is contemporary fiction but reads like a real life circumstance where two teenagers end up growing up faster than planned. I think the author did a pretty good job with the overall storyline. Cody is a devote Christian and gets judged pretty harshly for getting a girl pregnant. I think this part of the story line was brushed over a tad with how their peers reacted. I'd like to see what happens next, where do they go from here? The book ends rather quickly. I really enjoyed this book, and that is saying a lot since I'm rather picky when it comes to contemporary fiction.

5 stars.

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

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1yGTVen

About the author:

Kathryn Springer is a USA Today bestselling author. She grew up in northern Wisconsin, where her parents published a weekly newspaper. As a child she spent many hours sitting at her mother's typewriter, plunking out stories, and credits her parents for instilling in her a love of books --- which eventually turned into a desire to tell stories of her own. Kathryn has written nineteen books with close to two million copies sold. She lives with her husband and three children in Marinette, Wisconsin.

Find Kathryn online: website, Facebook

Get ready for Valentine's Day with a new story of romance and falling in love in Kathryn Springer's The Dandelion Field. The handsome firefighter makes a living “coming to the rescue,” but Gin is used to fighting her own battles. Can a woman who doesn't believe in happy endings take a chance on a new beginning? 

Celebrate a second chance at love and family with Kathryn by entering her Kindle Fire giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• The Dandelion Field

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 15th. Winner will be announced February 16th on the Litfuse blog.

  {NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

Home is Where My People Are Review

 About the Book

All roads lead to home. It's easy to go through life believing that we can satisfy our longing for home with a three-bedroom, two-bath slice of the American dream that we mortgage at 4 percent and pay for over the course of thirty years. But ultimately, in our deepest places, we're really looking to belong and to be known. And what we sometimes miss in our search for the perfect spot to set up camp is that wherever we are on the long and winding road of life, God is at work in the journey, teaching us, shaping us, and refining us--sometimes through the most unlikely people and circumstances. In "Home Is Where My People Are," Sophie Hudson takes readers on a delightfully quirky journey through the South, introducing them to an unforgettable cast of characters, places, and experiences. Along the way, she reflects on how God has used each of the stops along the road to impart timeless spiritual wisdom and truth. Nobody embodies the South like Sophie Hudson, and this nostalgic celebration of home is sure to make even those north of the Mason-Dixon line long to settle in on the front porch with a glass of sweet tea and reflect on all of the people in our lives who--related or not--have come to represent home. Because at the end of the day, it's not the address on the front door or even the name on the mailbox that says home, but the people who live and laugh and love there, wherever "there" might happen to be. (Goodreads)

My Review

I suppose I wasn't sure what to expect with this book. It's a memoir but I guess I had hoped for a bit more. This is the first book by Sophie I have read and she definitely has her own quirky writing style, which is always fun! There is a bit of humor, some will find it more humorous than others. I enjoyed it but at times I was a bit irritated with the constant sarcasm. Sophie really paints a picture of life in the south during the 70s-90s. Everything from her hair to her clothes to her experience with college and a home cooked meal is discussed. I enjoyed some of her stories on her life more than others. The last few chapters I think were my favorite because she really hit the nail on the head about home and what it means. It's always interesting to hear someone's life story but it was difficult for me to get into her life a few times.

This is a fun spontaneous read where you can pick it up and get a few laughs and God moments. 

Four stars. 

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

Novel Interiors Review

 

 

 About the Book

For those who have ever lost themselves in the stylish worlds of novels like Sense and Sensibility, The Age of Innocence, Wuthering Heights, The Picture of Dorian Gray and countless others, this design book embraces the fantasy of time and place, showing you how to bring some of those elements into your own home.

Lisa Giramonti inspires a new approach to decorating: by teaching us through the lens of worlds we may already know and love. With gorgeous photographs by World of Interiors photographer Ivan Terestchenko, aspirational quotes, and tailored reading lists, Novel Interiors reveals the essence and details of interiors mentioned in great literary works. This is a stunning, photo-driven book that shares enchanting and timeless ways to live more elegantly. (Goodreads)

My Review

This is a beautifully large hardback book full of color. I enjoy reading magazines or books that have to do with homes and decorating. I love books and the author wanted to portray certain looks corresponding to a certain novel. I really enjoyed the first section of the book Shall I Put the Kettle On? The rooms are light and homey to me and more my style. These rooms reflect Charles Dickens, Jane Austin, Louisa May Alcott and a few others. 

The other sections are Remembrance of Things Past, Living in au Naturel, Oh,the Glamour of It All, Anything Goes, and Sometimes a Fantasy. 

The pictures are good and there are many side notes on what you could do with a certain idea. I wish there were more examples on how to do certain things but it is still a nice book to have on hand when you need an idea. Honestly, I think I get more out of my design magazines but then I think it's because I know I like certain things. 

Four stars. 

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

Still Life Book Review

About the Book

A tragic plane crash. One woman who lost her husband. Another who gave up her seat for him.

Ada spent her first twenty-five years with her family as part of a fringe religious sect. Her only contact with the outside world was through customers at their farm store. Then she met Julian, a photojournalist who'd come to document their lifestyle. They eloped mere days later and Ada was thrust into a completely new life as a wife, city-dweller, and an individual allowed to make her own decisions. But she has no idea who she is.

On her twenty-sixth birthday, Julian plans to fly home from an assignment to give her her first-ever birthday present. He's thrilled when Katherine Cramer gives up her seat so he can make the flight. But the plane crashes and everyone on board is killed, including Julian.

Ada is completely at a loss, with no friends and no marketable skills. When Julian's last photographs are published, her life erupts into chaos. She begins travelling--with Julian's camera for a companion--searching for answers to who she is and what she really wants.

Meanwhile, Katherine must live with the knowledge of "why "she gave up her seat--to extend her affair one more night. She recognizes her survival as a second chance to save her marriage. But is it too late?

When Ada's and Katherine's paths cross, they discover that there's still life ahead for both of them. (Goodreads)

My Review

I have mixed feelings while writing this review. There is a distinct writing style that Christa uses that I actually enjoy. I liked the overall idea about a tragedy happening and families figuring out where to go from there. I guess it was difficult to get into the characters for me. I really didn't understand Ada's side of the story I think I liked her friends the best out of the book. Katherine's story is a lot to handle. She is having an affair and then tragedy strikes. When the truth comes out, as it always does, I felt like she really had no regret about sleeping with another man. I didn't get any closure from that part of the story. I love that the book proves that Christ can be in any situation and that it might take the faith of a teen boy. But I feel like not a whole lot changed throughout the book.

I guess I was just disappointed with this book as it didn't grab me into the story line.

The cover is beautiful and I'm sure others will enjoy the book more than I did.

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