Monday, April 29, 2013

An Unholy Communion Book Review





An Unholy Communion
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An Unholy Communion by Donna Fletcher Crow is a murder mystery that is truly unique.


The third installment in the best-selling Monastery Murders series Following the ancient tradition, ordinands from the College of the Transfiguration gather at first light on Ascension morning to sing their praises from the top of the college's tallest tower. Not one to miss any liturgy, Felicity finds herself swept up in worship as she listens to the timeless words.

But her delight quickly turns to horror when a black-robed body hurtles over the precipice and lands at her feet. Her investigative instincts immediately kick in when she sees a double-headed snake emblem clutched in the lifeless hand. Was this suicide? Or murder?

This time, though, Felicity will leave the investigating to someone else. She and her fiance, Antony, are off to lead a youth pilgrimage through Wales. Yet even in this remote, mystical land, lurking figures follow Felicity and Antony, and Felicity finds herself haunted by the writhing snakes. Then an ancient holy well reveals another body . . .

Ingeniously plotted by a master of contemporary suspense, An Unholy Communion weaves Great Britain's holy places and history with an intricate mystery that will keep readers guessing to the very end. (Goodreads)


This is the first book in the series that I have read. I have never read a book that had this type of setting or so much detail about the monastery. It was a little confusing at times, but thrilling and interesting to read! This book digs deep into the darkness of demons and cults, and proves that Christ is the only One to run to. A lot of research went into this book and I think I could read it again and pick up more details that I could have missed. Very impressive read, it can be read alone, but I think I would like to read the previous two books in this series.

I don't recommend to those who don't like reading about cults and dark backgrounds.

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




Donna Fletcher Crow is celebrating the release of An Unholy Communion with a Kindle Fire Giveaway.
Unholy-communion300
 One winner will receive:
  • A brand new Kindle Fire
  • Books 1-3 in The Monastery Murders series by Donna Fletcher Crow
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 12th. Winner will be announced on 5/14/13 {HERE}.

Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

Cara Box Reveal!

Cara Box Reveal! This was a super fun month for me and it was also the first time being a part of the Cara Box exchange. I met two awesome women, Yen and Kim. 
 
Yen sent me some great things and had everything numbered along with a sweet card that made my day!
 
 
 
 
 There was a delicious peanut butter cookie, my favorite, that was eaten by the time I had unwrapped all of her fun gifts. She knew I love lavender and coffee.
 










 
Sorry, I know these pictures aren't the best but as you can see that cookie was yummy! And I didn't get a full picture of the coffee magnets that she got me but they were perfect!
 
Kim was who I sent a Cara Box to and hopefully she enjoyed hers as well!
 
 
Check out the other Cara Boxes!
 
 
 
 

Duchess Book Review




Duchess (Daughters of Fortune, #3)
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Duchess by Susan May Warren is the third book in the Daughters of Fortune series.
 
The golden age of Hollywood is in the business of creating stars. Rosie Worth, now starlet Roxy Price, has found everything she’s wanted in the glamour of the silver screen. With adoring fans and a studio-mogul husband, she’s finally silenced the voices—and grief—of the past. Her future shines bright…until the fated Black Friday when it all comes crashing down. When Roxy loses everything, she finds herself disgraced and penniless. Her only hope is to join forces with Belgian duke Rolfe Van Horne, a longtime film investor. But Rolfe is not who he seems, and he has other plans for Roxy and her movies—plans to support a growing unrest in Europe, plans that could break her heart and endanger her life.

When her country needs her, will she have the courage to surrender her glittering world and her one true love?(Goodreads)
 
Duchess was is a unique story that follows the life of Miss Rosie Worth and her journey in Hollywood. I enjoyed the setting, while some of the characters I just wanted to yell at. This is a great book that shows a journey through a lifetime and what can change and finding hope in Christ. Rosie kept making decisions that were not in her better judgement but I am so glad how the book ended. Susan Warren is a great author and did a lot of research to create, not only Hollywood, but also life during the beginning and end of World War 2. This is a very believeable story and I think it would be best for others to read the previous books, but not neccessary.
 
 
 
"I received this book for free from Litfuse in exchange for an honest review".
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Susan May Warren is celebrating the release of Duchess with a Kindle Fire HD Giveaway.

Duchess-KindleFireGiveaway300
One "glam" winner will receive:
  • A brand new Kindle Fire HD
  • Signed copies of Duchess, Baroness and Heiress
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 4th. Winner will be announced on 5/7/13 at Susan's blog.

Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

Saturday, April 27, 2013

A Noble Groom Book Review




A Noble Groom
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A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund is a historical novel set in the early 1880s.


Recently widowed Annalisa Werner has the feeling her husband was murdered but can't prove it. Alone with her young daughter in 1881 Michigan, she has six months left to finish raising the money needed to pay back the land contract her husband purchased, and the land is difficult to toil by herself. She needs a husband. With unmarried men scarce, her father sends a letter to his brother in the Old Country, asking him to find Annalisa a groom.


For nobleman Carl von Reichert, the blade of the guillotine is his fate. He's been accused and convicted of a serious crime he didn't commit, and his only escape is to flee to a small German community in Michigan where he'll be safe. He secures a job on Annalisa's farm but bumbles through learning about farming and manual labor.


Annalisa senses that Karl is harboring a secret about his past, yet she finds herself drawn to him anyway. He's gentle, kind, and romantic--unlike any of the men she's ever known. He begins to restore her faith in the ability to love--but her true groom is still on his way. And time is running out on them all. (Goodreads)

This is the first time I have read anything by Jody so I had no idea what to expect. She put a lot of research into this book and obviously is passionate about what she writes. I loved the German influence and the historical aspects that were a part of every detail. The characters were delightful to read and their struggles and longings were believable- I can't imagine farming back in the 1800s! The ending was no surprise and I could have guessed the majority of the story but for a sweet romance it is a good read. 

Hop over to Jody's Website to learn more! 


I also discovered that she has a new book coming out in September!

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












Friday, April 26, 2013

Gone South Book Review



Gone South
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Gone South by Meg Moseley is a delightful story about two women who have to face the past to enjoy the future.


Northerner Tish McComb knows the sting of rejection. When she moves into the Alabama family homestead, her neighbors shun her because her third great-grandparents were carpetbaggers. That's why she offers a fellow outsider---and the prodigal daughter of an influential citizen---a room. But the wayward girl refuses to reform. Should Tish challenge her houseguest---and her father?(CBD)

I had no idea what to expect with this novel. I enjoy historical fiction but this contemporary fiction surprised me. The characters are very likable and realistic along with the hardships that follow them. Tish McComb is my favorite simply because of her unending kindness to Melonie, a young girl who is not allowed home. To Tish's surprise her family history is not all that it's made out to be and is judged by being a descendent. While both women are surrounded by judgement from the past, they both learn to overcome that and push on into a new future.

I loved how the story flowed and the ended was as expected. This is a sweet simple story that I think many will enjoy!
 This book releases May 7th!

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

Stop by Meg's Website to learn more about her!




Poison Book Review




Poison: A Novel (Bloodline Trilogy, #2)
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Poison by Jordyn Redwood is a fast paced thriller that follows the life of Keelyn Blake and her search for a murderer.


Five years ago, Keelyn Blake's stepfather took her family hostage, raving about Lucent, a being who forced him to commit unspeakable acts. Some of the family made it out alive; the rest did not. Even Lee Watson, the best of SWAT, failed to overcome the man's delusions and end the standoff peacefully.

Now, Lucent is back-- and he's no hallucination. He has kidnapped Keelyn's niece, and although Keelyn is estranged from her half-sister, Raven, she feels compelled to save what little family she has left. But Raven is nowhere to be found, and when others involved in that fateful day start dying under mysterious circumstances, Keelyn wonders if she and Lee-- and their budding relationship-- will surive.

Poison follows Proof in the Bloodline trilogy with another rollercoaster plot that makes it an irresistible adventure for all suspense fiction fans. (Goodreads)

This book grabbed me from the first chapter and kept my interest throughout the book. There is continuous mystery and suspense and I really had no idea what was going to happen next. Hypnosis, venom, a sweet little girl, and a scary past that brings people to do terrible things makes this story great. Jordyn Redwood is a good author who adds just enough detail to keep the story spinning. There is a lot going on in this book, I had to read carefully at some points to fully understand everything that was going on. 
This is a great book, highly recommend and I will be reading more from this author.

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

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Road Trip Part 5


































This was our last couple of days in Chickamauga, Georgia and Independence, Kansas where Laura lived from Little House on the Prairie. It was so much fun, I would go back!