Fierce Convictions Book Review

About the Book

The enthralling biography of the woman writer who helped end the slave trade, changed Britain's upper classes, and taught a nation how to read.

The history-changing reforms of Hannah More affected every level of 18th-Century British society through her keen intellect, literary achievements, collaborative spirit, strong Christian principles, and colorful personality. A woman without connections or status, More took the world of British letters by storm when she arrived in London from Bristol, becoming a best-selling author and acclaimed playwright and quickly befriending the author Samuel Johnson, the politician Horace Walpole, and the actor David Garrick. Yet she was also a leader in the Evangelical movement, using her cultural position and her pen to support the growth of education for the poor, the reform of morals and manners, and the abolition of Britain's slave trade.

"Fierce Convictions" weaves together world and personal history into a stirring story of life that intersected with Wesley and Whitefield's Great Awakening, the rise and influence of Evangelicalism, and convulsive effects of the French Revolution. A woman of exceptional intellectual gifts and literary talent, Hannah More was above all a person whose faith compelled her both to engage her culture and to transform it. (Goodreads)

My Review

I feel like this time in history, with the African slave trade, is not mentioned or really thought about in history. There have been movies to make it better known and more books written but how many people realize what went on? 

This book takes you into the life of Hannah More who had an opinion and wasn't afraid to share her thoughts. She was a great writer and passionate about the slave trade and numerous other issues that were happening at that time. 

It's interesting to read how many people were involved with the slave trade and helped end the devastation.

The book is written in a way that makes it a bit difficult to read and very slow. Biographies can be written different ways, and while this book was interesting and a great learning experience it is a very slow book. 

For those who find this topic and time intriguing you will enjoy. 

Four stars.

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

 

Cleaning Out My Shelves-Two Paperback Books by Elizabeth Ludwig Giveaway

 I have been going through my book shelves and I figured a fun way to clean them out was to have a little giveaway. 

While I enjoyed the first book the third was not as thrilling. You can read my review here.

The good thing is that most everyone else loved them dearly.

 

The Thrill of Romantic Suspense Meets the Romance of 1800s America

Lured by a handful of scribbled words across a faded letter, Cara Hamilton sets off from 1896 Ireland on a quest to find the brother she'd thought dead. Her search lands her in America, amidst a houseful of strangers and one man who claims to be a friend--Rourke Walsh.

Despite her brother's warning, Cara decides to trust Rourke and reveals the truth about her purpose in America. But he is not who he claims to be, and as rumors begin to circulate about an underground group of dangerous revolutionaries, Cara's desperation grows. Her questions lead her ever closer to her brother, but they also bring her closer to destruction as Rourke's true intentions come to light.

Two years ago, her fiance perished
during their voyage to America.

Now she discovers it may have been murder...

Dreaming of a better life, Tillie McGrath leaves Ireland behind and, with her beloved fiance by her side, sets sail for America. But when illness robs her of the man she holds dear, she's left alone with only a handful of tattered memories. While forging on proves difficult, Tillie soon finds some new friends at her New York boardinghouse, and begins pursuing a new dream--to open a home for orphaned children.

Despite two years passing, Captain Keondric Morgan has never forgotten the lass who left his ship so heartbroken. When a crewman's deathbed confession reveals her fiance's demise was the result of murder, the captain knows he must try to contact her. But his attention draws the notice of others as well--dangerous men who believe Tillie has in her possession something that could expose their crimes. And to their way of thinking, the best way to prevent such an outcome is to seize the evidence and then hand Tillie the same fate as her naïve fiance.

Giveaway Info

Enter through the rafflecopter below. U.S. entries only please.
 Ends November 7th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Lost In Translation Book Review

About the Book

Did you know that the Japanese language has a word to express the way sunlight filters through the leaves of trees? Or that there’s a Finnish word for the distance a reindeer can travel before needing to rest?

Lost in Translation brings to life more than fifty words that don’t have direct English translations with charming illustrations of their tender, poignant, and humorous definitions. Often these words provide insight into the cultures they come from, such as the Brazilian Portuguese word for running your fingers through a lover’s hair, the Italian word for being moved to tears by a story, or the Swedish word for a third cup of coffee.

In this clever and beautifully rendered exploration of the subtleties of communication, you’ll find new ways to express yourself while getting lost in the artistry of imperfect translation. (Goodreads)

My Review

This is such a fun book! I wasn't sure what to expect but each page is a new word and it's meaning but this is way more fun than a dictionary. The author has discovered all of these words in other cultures and languages for different meanings.

Example: Spanish Verb: Vacilando - Traveling when the experience itself is more important than the destination.

Swedish Noun: Resfeber- The restless beat of a traveler's heart before the journey begins, a mixture of anxiety and anticipation. (Lost in Translation)

I loved many of the words but these were two of my favorite. I always enjoy hearing new words and I think this book could come in handy with a Scrabble game perhaps? Depending on the family rules of course.

This is a fun book and I highly recommend!

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

Family Picture Time

So I love having pictures every year, it's important to me. We might do some more but we did these last weekend in our backyard. I set my camera on timer and had it propped up it worked out! Not having a camera man was actually a good thing because Remi wouldn't have sat so still otherwise. 

Yes I know there is a donkey in the last picture...Chance liked it so it stayed.....

I think they turned out alright for being pretty last second and more fun. 

Quilted by Christmas Book Review

About the Book

A grandmother’s last wish is to communicate God’s love through an Irish chain quilt.

Taryn McKenna believes she’s easy to forget. Abandoned by her parents and left behind when her high school sweetheart joined the army, she vows to never love again and throws herself into her love for the outdoors and the pursuit of a college degree—something no one else in her family has ever accomplished. Her goal, as a young teacher in the hills of North Carolina, is to leave a legacy in the lives of the middle-schoolers she teaches.

When Taryn’s grandmother Jemma, the only other person who ever held her close, has a heart attack that reveals a fatal medical condition, Taryn is corralled into helping Grandma work on a final project—an Irish chain quilt that tells the story of her history and the love Jemma knows is out there for Taryn. As the pieces of the quilt come together, Taryn begins to see her value. Can she learn to believe that God will never leave her behind even though others have?

My Review

This book took me by surprise and I ended up really enjoying it. I've read a few of these quilt books and some are great some are just ok. This book is obviously set during the holiday season which adds a certain charm to the story line. Taryn's life has been flipped upside-down and she has kept a secret for awhile. When her high school sweet heart returns home she is forced to think about the past and realize her own mistakes and forgive not only others but herself. The aspect I liked about this book is that the main character, Taryn, acknowledges that she made choices and understood her part in the pain from the past. She didn't push all the blame on someone else, nor did she wallow in self pity. I think she was written well and the author created a really good story line.

Highly recommend!

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

About Quilts of Love: Quilts tell stories of love and loss, hope and faith, tradition and new beginnings. The Quilts of Love series focuses on the women who quilted all of these things into their family histories. A new book releases each month and features contemporary and historical romances as well as women's fiction and the occasional light mystery. You will be drawn into the endearing characters of this series and be touched by their stories.

 
About the Author: 

Jodie Bailey is Tarheel born and bred. After 15 years as a military spouse, she settled with her family back in North Carolina. She is the author of the military suspense novel Freefall and is a contributor to a devotional for military families, Fighting Fear: Winning the War at Home. While not working on her next novel, she teaches middle-schoolers to love writing as much as she does.

Connect with Jodie: website, Facebook, Twitter

The Princess Spy Book Review

 About the Book

Margaretha has always been a romantic, and hopes her newest suitor, Lord Claybrook, is destined to be her one true love. But then an injured man is brought to Hagenheim Castle, claiming to be an English lord who was attacked by Claybrook and left for dead. And only Margaretha---one of the few who speaks his language---understands the wild story. Margaretha finds herself unable to pass Colin's message along to her father, the duke, and convinces herself 'Lord Colin' is just an addled stranger. Then Colin retrieves an heirloom she lost in a well, and asks her to spy on Claybrook as repayment. Margaretha knows she could never be a spy---not only is she unable to keep anything secret, she's sure Colin is completely wrong about her potential betrothed. Though when Margaretha overhears Claybrook one day, she discovers her romantic notions may have been clouding her judgment about not only Colin but Claybrook as well. It is up to her to save her father and Hagenheim itself from Claybrook's wicked plot. (Goodreads)

My Review

 This is the first book in this series that I have read. I enjoy young adult books so I was really looking forward to this one. 

I really liked the characters and the overall story line of the "princess spying" and discovering her suitor might not be all he seems. The book has some great twists and there is a definite love story interwoven. The book moved really fast, almost too fast for me. I think some more details could have been through in but it is young adult and still a good read.

I think Melanie does a good job coming up with unique ways on fairy tales and not making them over the top. 

If you enjoy fairy tales, young adult, and a little history you are in for a treat.

Four stars.

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

 

The Bachelor Promo

 

Don't miss Stephanie Reed's newest book in the Plain City Peace series, The Bachelor. This compelling second book deftly weaves together the strands of a solid, simpler time with the turmoil of an era of change, revealing the strengths of both in its powerful narrative.

Join Stephanie in celebrating the book's release by entering her Kindle giveaway and RSVPing to her Facebook launch party on October 28th!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• The Bachelor by Stephanie Reed

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 11/9. RSVP for the Facebook launch party today for a chance to connect with Stephanie and Amish fiction fans and a chance to win some great prizes! Winner will be announced November 10th here.

A Promise to Protect Book Review

via

About the Book

Acting Sheriff Ben Logan hasn't heard from Leigh Somerall in a very long time, but it doesn't mean he can get her--or their whirlwind romance of ten years ago--out of his head. When she calls out of the blue, it is with a strange request to protect her brother, Tony. When Tony dies just days later, Ben is charged with a different task--protecting Leigh and her nine-year-old son, TJ, from the killers. But how can Ben keep an eye on Leigh if she's doing everything in her power to avoid him? And could the secret that Leigh is keeping change Ben's life forever?

Suspense, intrigue, and a touch of romance make A Promise to Protect perfect for readers who like their stories with a hearty dose of mystery. (Goodreads)

My Review

I read the first book in this series I while it wasn't my favorite I had hopes for this book. Sadly, the more I read the more I was disappointed. I like Ben but he is the only character I really enjoy reading about. Leigh drove me insane and I didn't think her character was very realistic. At one point her house gets broken into, set on fire, and she gets shot at. At all of these moments she shrugs it off. She isn't worried, she doesn't find protection or shelter. And she has a son! If a person is getting shot at, especially a mom, she is going to be worried! The mystery and suspense were somewhat interesting I just didn't enjoy reading Leigh's character.

I don't want to be too harsh, I just think the book could be better. There are still good suspense theories and ideas.

Three stars.

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

Manic Drive VIP CD Review and Giveaway!

ABOUT THE BAND:

Manic Drive has been widely known as a Canadian band who always delivers a great show, but over the past few years and project releases, they have added to their extensive touring of Canadian and US markets multiple Billboard Top 10 & 20 singles on CHR & Christian Rock Radio. Manic Drive is clearly very intentional about reaching their generation and inspiring them to pursue a deeper walk with Christ and to get involved in changing the world they are inheriting. And they are uniquely equipped to do so. The band members, all in their early-mid twenties, have made sacrifices to pursue God’s call on their lives. Their life experience, spiritual maturity and ministry have opened doors to speak into the lives of their own generation and that is perhaps the most defining characteristic of this group of guys.

 

Official Website- http://www.manicdrive.com/

YouTube Channel- http://www.youtube.com/manicdrive

Official Twitter-  http://www.twitter.com/manicdrive

Official FB- http://www.facebook.com/manicdrive

My Review

I'll be honest, this is the first time I've heard of the group Manic Drive. I am always excited to try new music and this album is great! I have listened to them to and from work for the past couple of weeks and have talked to a few of my friends about them. How have I not listened to them before?! They have a great sound and the lyrics are good as well. There is a nice mix between more rock and calmer music. They are from Canada but I discovered that one of their songs is in the movie God's Not Dead and the soundtrack.

If you haven't heard them before (or you have and just need new music) and are looking for some great Christian tunes I suggest you enter the giveaway below! Flyby Promotions is offering one of my readers a copy of Manic Drive's VIP for free!

I love this CD and I highly recommend!

Giveaway!

Enter through the rafflecopter below! U.S. and Canada only please.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

A Lady at Willowgrove Hall Book Review

About the Book

Willowgrove Hall is full of secrets, but soon everything hidden is brought to light.
Cecily Faire has a secret—and she intends to keep it. But when she arrives at Willowgrove Hall to serve as a lady’s companion, she comes face-to-face with the only person who knows the truth about her past.

As the steward of Willowgrove Hall, Nathaniel Stanton is dedicated to serving those around him. Nothing escapes his notice—including the beautiful new lady’s companion. He is certain the lovely Miss Faire is hiding something, and he determines to uncover it. But Nathaniel has a secret of his own: he is the illegitimate son of Willowgrove’s former master. Falling in love was not part of his plans . . . until he meets Cecily Faire.

When Willowgrove’s mistress dies, everything changes. Fear of exposure forces Cecily to leave under the cover of darkness, embarking on a journey to finally find her long-lost sister. When the will is read, Nathaniel’s inheritance makes him question his future plans. Cecily and Nathaniel are forced to make decisions that will change the course of their lives. Is their love strong enough to survive? (Goodreads)

My Review

I really enjoyed this book. The first book in the series is still my favorite but this book made for an enjoyable light read. I really like the setting and time period. Cecily is a well developed character and I empathized with her throughout the book. Nathaniel's character could have been better developed in my opinion but I liked him all the same.

While the back of the book makes this story sound mysterious, it's really not at all. The reader is aware of all the secrets going on and waits in anticipation for the characters to figure it out. Yes, this book is predictable but in an enjoyable way. I have really enjoyed Sarah's writing and descriptions of the settings. For her third novel I think she has done quite well and I am anxious to read more from her.

Highly recommend.

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

Award-winning author Sarah E. Ladd examines how to escape the clutches of a tainted past in the final installment of her Whispers on the Moor series. A Regency-era novel, A Lady at Willowgrove Hall cleverly shows that even though our pasts may be shameful or painful, God can take the darkest personal histories and turn them into the brightest futures.

Celebrate with Sarah by entering her Kindle HDX giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• A Lady at Willowgrove Hall by Sarah E. Ladd

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 2nd. Winner will be announced November 3rd here.

Finding Mercy Book Review

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Mercy abandons Captain Elijah Hale to search for her true identity, he goes after her. With the threat that bounty hunters might be hot on her trail, Mercy does all she can to stay ahead of the danger, frustrating both the bad men who are after her—and Captain Hale who wants to find her and escort her safely home. But when she stumbles upon clues that help her learn who she is and where she's from, the danger escalates and she has to learn to keep her friends close and her enemies even closer—if she can determine which is which!

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Finding Mercy, go HERE.






My Review


For those who haven't read the first book in this series, it's necessary to read first in order to continue with this one.

I have been anxiously waiting for this sequel to come out! The first book leaves the reader hanging and I couldn't wait to continue in the story. This book did not disappoint and I loved every page. The characters continue to be strong and the mystery of Mercy's past continues. She is able to find where she came from but all is not as it seems. Will she ever regain her memories? Lost in amnesia she has no idea what happened in her past and maybe that's for the best, at least that's what everyone keeps telling her.

I loved this book and the series!

Highly recommend!!

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

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Finding Mercy David C. Cook (October 1, 2014) by Michael Landon Jr. and Cindy Kelley

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michael Landon Jr., son of television legend Michael Landon, is an award-winning storyteller, first in television and film, and now in books. His print works include One More Sunrise co-written with Tracie Peterson.

****

Cindy Kelley is the co-author of the novel The Silent Gift, and Traces of Mercy. Her career as a screenwriter with long-time writing partner, Michael Landon, Jr., began with the adaptation of Margery Williams’ classic story, The Velveteen Rabbit, which had a theatrical release. Several television movies followed, most notably Love Comes Softly, (based on Janette Oke’s novel) which won a CAMIE Award and the Epiphany Prize for Movie Guide’s most inspirational television movie of 2003. Cindy and her husband, Jim, make their home in the Southwest; have three adorable grandchildren and four big dogs who rule the house.