Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Top Ten Tuesday: Auto-Buy Authors

Top Ten Tuesday

I am a fan of so many authors that I couldn't possibly put them all in one post. I have listed some that no matter what I will buy their new book. Some authors I will request from the library but these ten I know I will love their novel so I tend to put them at the top of my wish list.





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Sunday, July 14, 2019

Storm Rising Book Review



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About the Book


Once lost to history, the Book of the Wars has resurfaced, and its pages hold ancient secrets and dangers. Former Navy SEAL Leif Metcalfe has been tasked with capturing the ancient text, but a Bulgarian operative snatches it, determined to secure her freedom. When a series of strange storms erupt, they must form an alliance to thwart impending disaster. (Goodreads)



My Thoughts

 
This is the first book by Ronie Kendig that I have read. I don't love military books but my husband really likes her books so I thought I would give them a try. While this book wasn't as suspenseful as I had hoped, I still enjoyed the story line. Sometimes I feel like authors can get too many characters and with this book I think it was the perfect amount. I liked the different settings and Leif was a fun character to read. The ending seemed to just kind of end and that is where I was a bit bummed out but I am curious to see where she takes book two. I think Ronie is a talented author and while this still isn't my favorite genre I enjoyed this story. 

Four Stars. 

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










Saturday, July 6, 2019

Celebrate Lit Tours: Danger on the Ranch

Danger on the Ranch FB Cover

About the Book

Book: Danger on the Ranch
Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Inspirational romantic suspense
Release date: June 1, 2019
Danger on the Ranch Cover
After putting his serial killer brother in prison, former US marshal Mitch Whitehorse chooses a solitary country life—until his brother escapes. Now Mitch’s former sister-in-law, Jane Reyes, needs protection…for herself and the toddler she’s kept a secret. Mitch still isn’t sure of Jane’s innocence in his brother’s crimes, but to keep his nephew out of a killer’s grasp, trusting her is his only option.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Dana-Mentink
Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over thirty five titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming, Harvest House and Woman’s World Magazine. Dana was thrilled to be a semi-finalist in the Jeanne Robertson Comedy With Class Competition. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the nutty terrier, a chubby box turtle and a feisty parakeet. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

More from Dana

We’re kicking off a new cowboy series, but this one is going to take you for a wild ride! Set on a ranch that’s sandwiched between the sea and the hills required me to do some on site research of course! I spent quite a while in this gorgeous area of California, looking for cattle. (You can see the zany results in my video.) I found the cattle, and also the perfect setting for this first book. It’s a creepy one, I’ll warn you, as hero Mitch Whitehorse comes face to face with the serial killer brother he sent to prison….and his desperate ex sister in law. Saddle up and enjoy the story! God bless!


Blog Stops

Among the Reads, June 26
Quiet Quilter, June 26
Vicky Sluiter, June 27
Wishful Endings, June 28
Hallie Reads, June 30
Pause for Tales, June 30
Remembrancy, July 2
Moments, July 3
Genesis 5020, July 4
Emily Yager, July 5
Carpe Diem, July 5
Bigreadersite, July 6
EmpowerMoms, July 8

Giveaway

 
To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away a grand prize package that includes a gorgeous insulated lunch bag, a copy of Danger on the Ranch (winner’s choice of format), and a $15 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.  

My Thoughts

I have really loved every book by Dana I have read. I was eager to get my hands on her latest and it was pretty darn good. I don't think the story line was quite as in depth as some of her previous books but this one had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I thought it was interesting reading from the perspective of a serial killer's ex wife. I think that gave a good spin to things and made me consider family members to these people that we hear horrible things about. I also enjoyed Mitch's character and the setting is wonderful as well. If you enjoy suspense and need something fresh this could be the book for you! I also recommend Dana's other books as well. 

Four Stars. 

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

Friday, July 5, 2019

Yours Truly, Thomas Review

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About the Book


For three years, Penny Ercanbeck has been opening other people's mail. Dead ends are a reality for clerks at the Dead Letter Office. Still she dreams of something more--a bit of intrigue, a taste of romance, or at least a touch less loneliness. When a letter from a brokenhearted man to his one true love falls into her hands, Penny seizes this chance to do something heroic. It becomes her mission to place this lost letter into the hands of its intended recipient.

Thomas left his former life with no intention of ending up in Azure Springs, Iowa. He certainly didn't expect a happy ending after what he had done. All he wanted to do was run and never look back. In a moment of desperation, he began to write, never really expecting a reply.

When Penny's undertaking leads her to the intriguing man who touched her soul with his words, everything grows more complicated. She wants to find the rightful owner of the letter and yet she finds herself caring--perhaps too much--for the one who wrote it. (Goodreads)


My Thoughts

I knew nothing about the dead letter office until reading this book. I love it when authors write about something in history that is a bit of an unknown. Penny researches letters to find clues on who it was sent to or from. There in lies the rest of the story with a man whom letters she finds. Writing letters is so much fun. Growing up I had multiple pen pals and I still find time to write a letter every once in a while. Not only is writing the letter fun but who doesn't love to get one in the mail? I think there should be more letter writing in the world and from reading this book it has encouraged me to do so. 
This story is fairly predictable and light in my opinion. I enjoyed it as an easy read. 

Four 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."














June Thoughts

These flowers are so beautiful.

June zipped by. Between work and mowing my grandparents came to visit, Father's Day happened (we had a fun breakfast cookout with my in laws), and I had a Pampered Chef party. All things that made our weekends delightful. We also had lovely cooler weather most of the month and I was not complaining.





June also means yard sales. I found this gem at a sale for $4. A 1919 copy of Little Women. I was giddy.





I was given this BEAUTIFUL book quilt by my husband's aunt. She is so talented and this is something I will treasure. She even put moose on the back, which are my favorite!



I was really terrible about taking pictures in June. I need to get better at capturing our life happenings. 



https://www.pamperedchef.com/pws/bredavis/shop/Frozen+Treats/Quicksicle+Maker/1799

We discovered this amazing Quicksicle Maker with my Pampered Chef party I hosted. WOW does this work fast! We can have frozen popsicles in ten minutes! HIGHLY recommend!



Have a wonderful July!








Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Celebrate Lit Tours: The Medallion Review


The Medallion FB Banner

Blog Stops

Mary Hake, June 23
By The Book, June 24
Remembrancy, June 26
The Becca Files, June 26
Genesis 5020, June 27
Bigreadersite, June 28
Simple Harvest Reads, July 1 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)
Hallie Reads, July 3
Emily Yager, July 5

About the Book

Book: The Medallion
Author: Cathy Gohlke
Genre: Historical Fiction (World War II)
Release date: June 4, 2019
The medallion cover 
For fans of bestselling World War II fiction like Sarah’s Key and The Nightingale comes an illuminating tale of courage, sacrifice, and survival, about two couples whose lives are ravaged by Hitler’s mad war yet eventually redeemed through the fate of one little girl.
Seemingly overnight, the German blitzkrieg of Warsaw in 1939 turns its streets to a war zone and shatters the life of each citizen—Polish, Jewish, or otherwise. Sophie Kumiega, a British bride working in the city’s library, awaits news of her husband, Janek, recently deployed with the Polish Air Force. Though Sophie is determined that she and the baby in her womb will stay safe, the days ahead will draw her into the plight of those around her, compelling her to help, whatever the danger.
Rosa and Itzhak Dunovich never imagined they would welcome their longed-for first child in the Jewish ghetto, or that they would let anything tear their family apart. But as daily atrocities intensify, Rosa soon faces a terrifying reality: to save their daughter’s life, she must send her into hiding. Her only hope of finding her after the war—if any of them survive—is a medallion she cuts in half and places around her neck.
Inspired by true events of Poland’s darkest days and brightest heroes, The Medallion paints a stunning portrait of war and its aftermath, daring us to believe that when all seems lost, God can make a way forward.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Cathy Golke 
Three-time Christy and two-time Carol and INSPY Award–winning and bestselling author Cathy Gohlke writes novels steeped with inspirational lessons, speaking of world and life events through the lens of history. She champions the battle against oppression, celebrating the freedom found only in Christ. Cathy has worked as a school librarian, drama director, and director of children’s and education ministries. When not traveling to historic sites for research, she, her husband, and their dog, Reilly, divide their time between northern Virginia and the Jersey Shore, enjoying time with their grown children and grandchildren. Visit her website at www.cathygohlke.com and find her on Facebook at CathyGohlkeBooks.

More from Cathy

Every story begins with a journey. Sharing that journey is twice the joy.
The Medallion was inspired by two true stories—the first was the WWII account of Itzhak Dugin and his Jewish family, persecuted in Lithuania. Their heart-wrenching story made world news when the tunnel from which Itzhak escaped the Nazis was discovered using modern technology.
The second was the story of Irena Sendler, a Polish Catholic social worker within Å»egota (an underground Polish Council to Aid Jews), who developed a network to rescue children. Despite terrible risks, they smuggled 2500 Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto and certain death at the hands of the Nazis, then hid them in Polish homes, convents, churches and hospitals until the end of the war. Approximately 2,000 of those children were found after the war. Theories abound regarding the whereabouts of those missing. I couldn’t help but wonder, and imagine: What became of those 400 to 500 missing children? What became of one?
Set in WWII Poland and post-war England, The Medallion is a story of courage, sacrifice, love, forgiveness and redemption.






 My Thoughts

I am a big fan of Cathy Gohlke. While this book was a tad slower for me I still really enjoyed it. Also I love the cover! I think I enjoyed Sophie's story the most but both take you on a crazy adventure during world WWII. It is difficult I think for us to imagine a time and place with so much hate and so much pain. Those that lived it are truly remarkable and Cathy does such a wonderful job portraying the history and people of this time. Rosa and Itzhak are another couple in the book and their story will leave you tattered. 
If history interests you this is a great book to pick up and read! 

Four 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."




















Tuesday, July 2, 2019

Top Ten Tuesday: Childhood Favorites


There are so many children's books that I loved growing up. To narrow it down to ten is impossible. But here some of the favorites that popped into my mind today! I am so thankful for my mother who read to me constantly and taught me how to read.






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