The First Songs of Christmas Review

About the Book

 Let the songs of the first Christmas turn your heart toward God’s glory.

During the holidays the musical tunes of the season are everywhere. Their nostalgic melodies warm our hearts. But the original Christmas songs are different; they lift our hearts to a holy God. They reveal the greatness, glory, and goodness of our Savior. Taking us beyond quaint imagery and feel-good lyrics, the Advent songs of the Bible unfold God’s redemptive plan for the world and His eternal purpose for the ages.

Reflecting her own love for the season, Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth offers meditations on the first two chapters of Luke’s gospel in The First Songs of Christmas. This 31-day Advent devotional shines new light on the ancient yet inspiring songs of Elizabeth, Mary, Zechariah, the angels, and Simeon.

These readings will lead you to contemplate the loveliness and essence of Christmas. Let this book be your companion as you spend the days surrounding Christmas the way these men, women, and angels did, your gaze fixed on our great God and Savior. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

 

This book ended up being a bit different from what I was expecting. It has short daily snippets that correspond with a particular verse or verses pertaining to the birth of Jesus. "Elizabeth's Song" is when Mary went and visited her and her response to Mary according to Luke. It is an interesting way to break down each verse and actually nice to just go verse by verse on what happened. I think the length of each day's reading is the perfect amount if you are wanting a fairly quick read. It would be fun to read as a family or on your own. Each day has extra verses for reference at the end to read further if you wish. 

While I think this is a nice book I am not sure it is my favorite advent type devotional. But I think if you are looking for something to help remind you the Reason for the season this might be the book for you!

Four Stars. 

"I received this book from Moody Publishers for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

A Deep Divide

 

About the Book

 After being kidnapped as a child, heiress Emma Grace McMurray has seen firsthand the devastation that greed causes in the world, and she wants nothing to do with it--including her father's offering her hand in a business deal. She sneaks away to be a Harvey Girl at the El Tovar Grand Canyon Hotel, planning to stay hidden even if it means always looking over her shoulder.

Ray Watkins arrives at the hotel wanting to impress his father by finding success on his own. Then maybe he can take on more of the family business and do something good with the profits.

Ray immediately admires Emma Grace, and though a friendship forms, she's afraid he's just like every other wealthy man she's known. Then art and jewels go missing from El Tovar and the nearby Hopi House, a mystery that pulls them in and stirs up their worst fears. When shocking revelations come to light, they'll have to question all they thought to be true. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

 

My Thoughts

 

The Grand Canyon is one of the most beautiful places I have been so a book in that setting is wonderful. I loved the history that is in this story and I had to do some research after finishing the last chapter because I wanted to know more! 

I enjoyed this book. The first few pages really start off with a bang and get you fully engaged in the story. I loved Emma Grace's character and I am hopeful she shows up later in the series. With Ray I had a difficult time really getting to know his character, so he isn't my favorite. This book had a nice twist near the end that I enjoyed. There is a bit of a mystery element that carries the story that really added to making this book enjoyable. 

I recommend to those that enjoy history or are just looking for a fun quick read. 

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."

Snowed in for Christmas-A Cozy Read

 

 

 About the Book

 Stranded together for the holidays…

with one chance to heal the past.

Ending up snowbound with her ex for Christmas is a shock for Liv Butler—especially when she learns Zane Harris secretly adopted their child. While Liv longs to know the daughter she was forced to give up as a teen, Zane’s girls are his priority, and the widower doesn’t trust Liv to stay after the snow clears. But could she be just what his family needs?

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope. (Goodreads)

 

 ORDER HERE

 

 

 My Thoughts

I tend to enjoy everything that Gabrielle Meyer writes. While I prefer her historical fiction tales, I still look forward to her new contemporary books. This story is just so wintery and cozy. It is clearly written by someone who has experienced a snowy winter and I just loved the atmosphere of this book.  This is a perfect Christmas read! I enjoyed the unique plot point of a woman meeting her daughter that she gave up for adoption. I always find it interesting because I didn’t meet my birth father until I was much older, so these types of stories capture my interest.

The middle part of the book didn’t hold my attention as much but I still enjoyed the winter antics that the family experiences. I really struggled with reading the scenes that included Liv’s mother. She grated on my nerves, which was the authors point, but it still drove me nuts.

In any case if you are looking for a cozy and short read to get you in the mood for Christmas this is a great choice!

Four Stars.

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

 

 

 

 

The Postman's Lantern Review with Celebrate Lit Tours

 

About the Book

Book:  The Postman’s Lantern

Author: J.C. Comerford

Genre: Christian Children’s Fiction, Christmas

Release date: January 8, 2020

 

During a devastating Christmas Eve snowstorm, John the postman arrives at his last stop, at the steps of the Frost family. Here, he rediscovers a stowaway letter in his mailbag, not for his route. It’s a letter from a hospitalized grandfather, to a very special grandson. John feels obligated to make the delivery. His unselfish act of kindness leads him, and then the Frost family, on an unforgettable journey across a seemingly endless track of farmland. Little does John know what he’s actually carrying. The lantern he carries becomes a mystery that guides their way through astonishing events. They finally arrive at the Evans house, where they find themselves before an extremely sick boy, a mother’s pain, and the mystical workings of God.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

 

John Charles Comerford grew up playing hard, on the streets and fields of Washington Township, New Jersey. He attended Our Lady of Good Counsel Grammar School through 8th grade. He then jumped across the street to attend Westwood High School, where he soon began playing guitar and composing songs at the age of sixteen. Writing short musical stories would soon turn into a more involved field of composition, as he later attended Bergen Community College in Paramus, NJ. Here, he developed a desire to become a paperback writer. While attending college, he took a job with the US Postal Service as a mail carrier and is still delivering, thirty years later. He is still a performing musician and a recording artist on itunes. He now resides in Pawling, New York with his wife Bridget and his son Jack.

 

More from John Charles

I was just a little kid at the time. The temperature outside was 93 degrees.  I had awakened earlier that day, because it was a Saturday. I wanted to catch some early morning cartoons, instead of lying in bed, waiting for my dad to give out chores for the day. I knew it was going to be a hot one, and I dreaded going outside.

Before long, there I was slapping paint on the side of my house. Soon after, I was weeding and watering the front lawn before it reached into the 90’s. At about 12:00, I went inside to cool off. I ate some lunch and relaxed a bit, listening to the “Boston Pops” my dad had put on.

From a calm and collective state of mind, I was suddenly burdened by the noise of my barking dog, at the front window. I went to the front door and opened it wide. As I looked up, the mailman was looking down. His face was dripping sweat, and his uniform was soaked. He had a big smile and said, “Too hot to play today.” He laughed a bit and handed me the mail. I heard my mom and dad yell out “Thank you, do you need a cold drink at all?” He said “I’m all set but thank you.” He moved on, while adjusting that full bag of mail that he was carrying around his shoulders.

It was then that I decided I would never become a mailman. God, no, not this kid. That was no easy job.

14 years later, I was working for the post office, with a packed satchel around my neck, and a can of pepper spray, to boot. I was now walking that mile, in my old mailman’s boots. Many times I’ve prayed to God for help and to keep me from dozing off in trucks that reached 120 degrees inside. I prayed for help from dog attacks that would occur five times a day at least. I prayed for help from the pain you feel when it’s 30 degrees to 20 below and you’re soaked from rain. Your fingers are ready to fall off after being soaked from the rain or as they burn to the bone.

So I wrote my book, seeking the world’s attention to the mail carrier’s integrity, and a forever caring attitude to those who patiently await their arrival.

Blog Stops

Christian Bookaholic, October 7

Pause for Tales, October 8

For the Love of Literature, October 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 10

lakesidelivingsite, October 10

Lighthouse Academy Blog, October 11 (Guest Post from Marilyn Ridgway)

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 12

Mary Hake, October 12

Girls in White Dresses, October 13

Texas Book-aholic, October 13

Inklings and notions, October 14

Vicky Sluiter, October 15

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 15

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 16

To Everything There Is A Season, October 16

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 17

deb’s Book Review, October 17

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 18

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 18

Cats in the Cradle Blog, October 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 19

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, October 20

For Him and My Family, October 20

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, John Charles is giving away the grand prize package for a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

 

GIVEAWAY ENTER HERE 

 

 

 My Thoughts

 I completely love the cover of this book and I admit between the cover and the title I was excited to read this book. It is a very short story that takes place on a snowy Christmas Eve. I could really visualize the story as it progressed and the author did a nice job setting up the characters and over all story line. The evening starts out great until most everyone ends up outside amid blizzard conditions. It is quite a journey and a times I thought a bit far fetched or reckless I should say. Of course all of these things lead to the end of the book which lends itself to a good reminder on what is important in life. 

I enjoyed this story and the characters. The only issue is there seems to be multiple times that the Lord's name is taken in vain. This is something that really bothers me especially for a Christian book. It happens repeatedly in the first part of the story so that was a bummer for me as a reader. 

All that to say this is a cozy Christmas read that was enjoyable but not my favorite. 

Three Stars. 

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

Summoned-A Study of Esther

 

 About the Study Book

Encounter the fullness of God’s grace, the power of His promises, and the beauty of His faithfulness—all through the life of one woman: Esther.

In a time when the world around her seemed to crumble, a young Hebrew girl found herself in a unique position to help save her people—and to encounter the greatness of our ever-faithful God. In Summoned, you’ll enter the story of Esther—her calling, pain, and role in God’s ultimate plan for salvation—and see how God is always working in the lives of His people, even when He seems distant. Through this 8-week, interactive study, you’ll develop a deeper appreciation for God’s Word and begin to see that stepping out in faith for His glory is often the first step to encountering His redeeming love. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

 

 My Thoughts

In a funny coincidence, this study happened to come out right when I was searching for any type of book on Esther. If you haven't looked, there really isn't a lot out there on Esther. Perhaps a snippet here and there or a few pages in a book full of other characters. A full in depth study on Esther is few and far between. So I was thrilled when I got this book. I wanted to teach my small group about Esther but I had to do a lot of studying on my own first. This book really has a lot of great information and has been so helpful in my study of Esther. There are so many things I didn't realize even after reading Esther many times. I like this particular study because it is literally straight out of scripture. You read the verses, there are some questions, and some thought provoking ideas that are Biblical based. I have looked up a few things to verify the accuracy and it has been spot on. There isn't a lot of "fluff" and many women's studies these days are all "fluff". This book just breaks down the story and explains what was going on historically at the time. I think this is a great personal study and a good addition if reading Esther for a small group. 

Five Stars. 

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

 

 

 

 

Labyrinth of Lies

 

 About the Book

 When the daughter of a high-profile businessman disappears from an exclusive girls' boarding school, police detective Cate Reilly is tapped for an undercover assignment. It doesn't take her long to realize that beneath the veneer of polish and wealth, things are not as they seem at Ivy Hill Academy. But the biggest surprise of all? The only man she ever loved is also working at the school.

Zeke Sloan has never forgotten Cate, but now isn't the best time for their paths to cross again. When their two seemingly disparate agendas begin to intertwine--and startling connections emerge among the players--the danger escalates significantly. But who is the mastermind behind the elaborate ruse? And how far will they go to protect their house of cards?

Queen of romantic suspense Irene Hannon invites you to scale the heights of human folly and plumb the depths of the human heart in this second gripping book in the Triple Threat series. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

I have read many of Irene Hannon's novels and so I was intrigued by the setting of this book most of all. Any mystery set in a boarding school is an automatic read for me. So I did love the setting and the overall mysterious story line side of things. I liked the characters okay. I didn't think Cate being undercover was particularly clever and how in the world did no one realize what was going on? There is suspense but really quite early in the book there is a dead giveaway away as to who is behind it all. So unfortunately for me the ending wasn't surprising at all and really the mystery of it all went down hill on the second part of the book. I really wanted to love this book but I just had a difficult time with it. I know many others have loved this book so it simply wasn't for me. I enjoy many of Hannon's other novels and will continue to read what comes out next.

Three Stars. 

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

 

A Warrior's Heart Review with Celebrate Lit Tours

 

About the Book

Book: A Warrior’s Heart

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: August 31, 2021

Brielle Durand still feels haunted by the massacre that killed her mother a dozen years before. Vowing to never let it happen again, she’s risen to be the key defender for her people’s peace-loving French settlement living in hidden caves in the Canadian Rockies. When a foreigner wanders too near to their secret homes, she has no choice but to disarm and capture him. But now, what to do with this man who looks at her in a strange way and insists he can be trusted?

Hoping to escape past regrets, Evan MacManus ventured into the unknown, assigned to discover if the northern mountains contain an explosive mineral that might help America win the War of 1812. Despite being taken prisoner, Evan is determined to complete his mission. But when that assignment becomes at odds with his growing appreciation of the villagers and Brielle, does he follow through on the promise he’s made to his government or take a risk on the path his heart is leading him down? Either choice will cause harm to someone.

Brielle and Evan must reconcile the warring in their hearts, if they’ve any hope to find the peace the seek.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and children now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

 

More from Misty

A secret village living in hidden caves for a century…

One of the fun things about being a writer is letting your imagine run away with itself at times. In general, I’ve never considered myself a creative person. Not like my grandmother, who’s an amazing artist and decorator. She can look at something plain and normal and, with a little paint, create something truly beautiful.

But little by little, I’ve finally learned that just because I don’t feel creative like she is, I still have an imagination that can come up with intriguing ideas.

For example, I was listening to a historical podcast a few years ago that talked about the Vikings and the female warriors who would sometimes gain fame among them. As the hosts talked about the first Viking raids to North America, I started thinking… “What if one of those groups went farther west than any of us thought? What if they found the Rocky Mountains and lived there in a hidden community for centuries?” The thought took hold, and little by little, the idea for the Brides of Laurent series came to life.

I eventually changed the village to be a French settlement named Laurent. The village’s primary warrior was a woman named Brielle Durand, who’d worked hard to win her place as Le Commandant, leader of the Guards and Hunters. I love Brielle’s strength and wit, but also how real her personal struggles became as I wrote her character.

Add in a mountain man spy working for the United States government, and you have the secret for a romance with sparks to light up the mountain sky!

I pray you love A Warrior’s Heart, the first book in this new series. And keep an eye on some of the other characters in the book who might get their own stories soon!

Blessings!

Misty

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, September 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 30

Jeanette’s Thoughts, September 30

An Author’s Take, September 30

Remembrancy, October 1

Bigreadersite, October 1

lakesidelivingsite, October 2

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, October 2

Joanna Bair, October 2

Inklings and notions, October 3

To Everything There Is A Season, October 3

Reviewingbooksplusmore, October 3

Wishful Endings, October 4

For Him and My Family, October 4

Mary Hake, October 4

deb’s Book Review, October 5

Life of Literature, October 5

Betti Mace, October 6

Blossoms and Blessings, October 6

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 6

Blessed & Bookish, October 7

Connie’s History Classroom, October 7

For the Love of Literature, October 8

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 8

Connect in Fiction, October 8

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 9

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 10

Through the Fire Blogs, October 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 10

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 11

Simple Harvest Reads, October 11 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, October 12

Pause for Tales, October 12

Live. Love. Read., October 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

 GIVEAWAY ENTER HERE

 

 My Thoughts

I have read a couple of Misty M. Beller books and was excited to see that she was starting a new series! She tends to write some pretty adventurous scenes and this book was no exception. Brielle Durand jumps onto the first pages as a warrior woman protecting her people and also providing for them. She is clearly a strong woman and her character alone is very unique for this historical time period and also for this fictional story. We also meet Evan who is exploring and doesn't expect to find Brielle or her people. 

While I really enjoy the overall idea of this story and a strong female lead such as Brielle, I really struggled in loving this book. The first part of the story is terribly slow and I had a hard time believing the romance. It just didn't click for me and also within the short time frame given and the circumstances. I won't go into detail to give to much away but really not much happens the first part of the book. Once there is communication between characters things start to move forward a little and the end seems to whip everything up real quick. The latter part of the book was the most intriguing and kept my interest through the end. I really liked the setting being in Canada and also the idea of a hidden French settlement in the mountains. I just didn't love the two main characters and that made me not love this book as much as I thought I would. I like that there will be a series that will continue to be on people from this settlement so I am hopeful I will love book two.

All that to say it is still an enjoyable read and those that like historical fiction will like something unique such as this.

 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."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tis the Season

 

The Healing of Natalie Curtis

About the Book

Classically trained pianist and singer Natalie Curtis isolated herself for five years after a breakdown just before she was to debut with the New York Philharmonic. Guilt-ridden and songless, Natalie can't seem to recapture the joy music once brought her. In 1902, her brother invites her to join him in the West to search for healing. What she finds are songs she'd never before encountered--the haunting melodies, rhythms, and stories of Native Americans.

But their music is under attack. The US government's Code of Offenses prohibits American's indigenous people from singing, dancing, or speaking their own languages as the powers that be insist on assimilation. Natalie makes it her mission not only to document these songs before they disappear but to appeal to President Teddy Roosevelt himself, who is the only man with the power to repeal the unjust law. Will she succeed and step into a new song . . . and a new future?

Award-winning author Jane Kirkpatrick weaves yet another lyrical tale based on a true story that will keep readers captivated to the very end. (Goodreads)

 

 

BUY HERE

 

My Thoughts

 

I really enjoy reading the books that Jane Kirkpatrick writes because they are full of historical details. The cover of this book is one of the most beautiful and unique covers I have seen. 

I enjoyed this book mostly in the first section of the story. I was really intrigued on what was going to happen (which Natalie was a real person and this is a real story) and I had never heard of Natalie until reading this book. Of course her life is fictionalized in this book and I found it fascinating that a woman wanted to experience the West in 1902. Let alone spend time with different Indian tribes. It really is interesting how they traveled and who they communicated with. The main part of this book is that traditional music and dancing (among many other things) was forbidden among the Indians since the country wanted to them to be just like the settlers that took over the land. They also had control because of the reservations they were put on. It really is a horrible part of the history of the America and I am glad people are writing about it. 

In any case while all of the historical details were very interesting the latter part of the book was really difficult to get through. Not much happens though time spans a few years. I know Kirkpatrick was writing about a real person but I really didn't love Natalie's character. 

So if you enjoy historical fiction this could be the book for you. I enjoyed it but it ended up not being my favorite book by Kirkpatrick. 

Three Stars. 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Lines Between Us

 

About the Book

 

Since the attack on Pearl Harbor, Gordon Hooper and his buddy Jack Armitage have done “work of national importance” in the West as conscientious objectors: volunteering as smokejumpers, parachuting into and fighting raging wildfires. But the number of winter blazes they’re called to in early 1945 seems suspiciously high, and when an accident leaves Jack badly injured, Gordon realizes the facts don’t add up.

A member of the Women’s Army Corps, Dorie Armitage has long been ashamed of her brother’s pacificism, but she's shocked by news of his accident. Determined to find out why he was harmed, she arrives at the national forest under the guise of conducting an army report...and finds herself forced to work with Gordon. He believes it’s wrong to lie; she’s willing to do whatever it takes so justice will be done.

As they search for clues, Gordon and Dorie must wrestle with their convictions about war and peace and decide what to do with the shocking secrets they discover. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

 

 My Thoughts

If you want a unique perspective during WWII this book is for you! I was blown away with the historical aspect of this story and then surprised at how the author created a colorful cast of characters. I loved that nothing was predictable, not in the relationships or the overall story line.

This book takes us right into the woods of the men who were conscientious objectors to fighting in World War II and who ended up being smoke jumpers instead. This is not a subject that is written about especially in fiction. We also get a glimpse of the Women’s Army Corps, as the story flips between Gordon Hooper and Dorie Armitage.

Amy Lynn Green does an excellent job in simply writing the facts. She doesn’t try to sway things politically or make one view right or wrong. She does make the reader think and consider what is written. Dorie is angry at her brother for not enlisting. Jack’s religious beliefs convict him not to fight. This creates a painful family situation. Gordon’s character grows a lot through this book and I really enjoyed the story more from his perspective. I liked the details about the smoke jumpers and the facts surrounding the mystery that threads through the book. The ending is not what you expect so you must read until the very end. I really enjoyed this book and I had to dig more into the history after reading.

 

Five Stars.

 

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

Carved in Stone

 

 About the Book

 Gwen Kellerman is an heiress to the infamous Blackstone family, whose history of scandal nearly destroyed her. She now lives a quiet life at the idyllic college founded with her family's fortune and hopes to keep the tragedies of her past safely behind her.

Patrick O'Neill survived a hardscrabble youth to become a lawyer for the downtrodden Irish immigrants in his community. He's proud of his work, even though he struggles to afford his ramshackle law office. All that changes when he accepts a case to challenge the Blackstones' legacy of greed and corruption by resurrecting a thirty-year-old mystery.

Little does Patrick suspect that the Blackstones will launch their most sympathetic family member to derail him. Gwen is tasked with getting Patrick to drop the case, but the old mystery takes a shocking twist neither of them saw coming. Now, as they navigate a burgeoning attraction, Patrick is the only one who can save Gwen from new danger on the horizon. (Goodreads)

 

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

 I love reading books by Elizabeth Camden. I was so excited for her to start a new series and I have to say this book did not disappoint. The characters in this story have a very unique point of view and I really appreciate how the author didn't hesitate in bringing in real life issues. Life is really messy and while we get a lot of cookie cutter stories, especially in Christian historical fiction, this book is not that. Yes, there are some great lessons and a little romance, but there is also incredible growth in the characters that I didn't see coming. There are so many little parts of this book that I enjoyed and I laughed a good bit as well. The chapters in this particular story really set it up for book two, which is all about Natalia Blackstone. I already know book two is going to be fabulous. 

Honestly, if you haven't read a book by Elizabeth Camden you are really missing out. I loved this book and I am eager to read the next!

Five 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."