Twilight at Blueberry Barrens Book Review

 About the Book

Kate Mason has devoted herself to caring for her family’s blueberry barrens. But after her fields stop producing fruit, she’s forced to come up with alternative ways to make a living.


Renting out the small cottage on her property seems an obvious choice, but it won’t be enough. When entrepreneur Drake Newham shows up looking not only for a place to rent but also for a nanny for his two nieces, it’s almost too good to be true. And maybe it is—because Drake brings with him dangerous questions about who might be out to kill his family.


The more time Kate spends with Drake and the girls, the more difficult it becomes to hide her attraction to him. But a family crisis isn’t exactly the ideal time to pursue a romance.


Meanwhile, Kate learns that her uncle—in prison for murder—has escaped. Add to that a local stalker who won’t leave her alone, and Kate is looking over her shoulder at every turn. With threats swirling from multiple directions, she wonders if her blueberry fields will ever flourish again . . . or if this twilight is her last.


Set on the beautiful coast of Maine, Twilight at Blueberry Barrens brings together suspense, romance, and the hope that one day new life will come again. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I can't stop staring at this cover. It is stunning! Colleen always has lovely covers but this one really grabs me. Anyway, cover aside, this story was great! I am loving Colleen's suspense and this book captured my attention right away. You have a crazy stalker, an evil man, an escapee from prison, and of course- murder. Not to mention two children and the sweetest lady who has no problem telling people her opinion. Now Drake wasn't my favorite at first, I had to warm up to him and get to know him better throughout the book. 

Of course there is a marvelous setting, and good secondary characters that tie this novel together. Solid ending and good story telling make this a five star book.

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

Some of My Favorite Fall Reads for Children

Celebrate the harvest season with the bestselling Precious Moments characters. Full of the beloved artwork and timeless messages of gratitude, Happy Harvest is a sweet reminder to enjoy every season together.

 

Thankful, by bestselling and award-winning children’s author Eileen Spinelli, combines charming rhymes and whimsical illustrations to convey the importance of being thankful for everyday blessings. Like the gardener thankful for every green sprout, and the fireman, for putting the fire out, readers are encouraged to be thankful for the many blessings they find in their lives. Spinelli exhibits her endearing storytelling with this engaging poem, reminding children how blessed and special they are. Meant to be read aloud, this heartwarming picture book will be a treasured keepsake for parents and children alike.

 "Adventurous Lil Pup is bummed that hibernating season will soon be coming to the Great North Woods. Why should so many of his friends have to go in for the winter and leave Lil Pup without pals? Mama reminds her little wolf that not all animals hibernate, and how he can be grateful for the beautiful autumn season - for jumping in leaf piles, eating apple treats, and celebrating the wonders of fall with his forest friends"

This entertaining and historical story shows that the actual hero of the Thanksgiving was neither white nor Indian, but God. In 1608, English traders came to Massachusetts and captured a 12-year old Indian, Squanto, and sold him into slavery. He was raised by Christians and taught faith in God. Ten years later he was sent home to America. Upon arrival, he learned an epidemic had wiped out his entire village. But God had plans for Squanto. God delivered a Thanksgiving miracle: an English-speaking Indian living in the exact place where the Pilgrims land in a strange new world.

Against All Grain Celebrations Cookbook Review

 

 About the Book

From the two-time New York Times best-selling author ofthe Against All Grain series, comes 125 recipes for grain-free, dairy-free, gluten-free comfort food recipes for holidays and special occasions.

When people adopt a new diet for health or personal reasons, it's the parties, holidays, and events with strong food traditions they worry about most. In Celebrations, best-selling author Danielle Walker provides recipes and menus for twelve special occasions, from a child's birthday party and baby shower, to a backyard barbeque, romantic Valentine's Day dinner for two, and even a Halloween party. Of course, Thanksgiving, Christmas dinner, New Year's Eve party, and Easter/Passover brunch are also covered--along with suggestions for beverages and cocktails and the all-important desserts. Nearly every recipe is photographed, and food and party images shot on location provide beautiful and creative entertaining ideas. Delicious and easy-to-prepare dishes encourage the whole family to get into the kitchen and create lasting memories--no matter what the occasion. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

So the past few years of my life I have been struggling with different food allergies and it is hard to find anything without dairy in it! Though in the past year I have noticed more things being made available in the store; but still it is hard especially when you are cooking for other people who don't have any problems. This book is great in that it shows you how to still have a great celebration without all the stuff you can't eat-yay! Not only is this a great idea book for me with cooking, but I can share it with my friends and family who I know struggle with different food issues. Great book!

Five stars. 

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

 

This Road We Traveled Book Review

 

About the Book

Drama, Adventure, and Family Struggles Abound as Three Generations Head West on the Oregon Trail
When Tabitha Brown's son makes the fateful decision to leave Missouri and strike out for Oregon, she refuses to be left behind. Despite her son's concerns, Tabitha hires her own wagon to join the party. Along with her reluctant daughter and her ever-hopeful granddaughter, the intrepid Tabitha has her misgivings. But family ties are stronger than fear.
The trials they face along the way will severely test Tabitha's faith, courage, and ability to hope. With her family's survival on the line, she must make the ultimate sacrifice, plunging deeper into the wilderness to seek aid. What she couldn't know was how this frightening journey would impact how she understood her own life--and the greater part she had to play in history.
With her signature attention to detail and epic style, New York Times bestselling author Jane Kirkpatrick invites readers to travel the deadly and enticing Oregon Trail. Based on actual events, This Road We Traveled will inspire the pioneer in all of us. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I just have to say that I adore this cover, it is stunning! As for the pages inside, they are equally as brilliant. Jane Kirkpatrick has such a talent for writing about past lives in our history. I love how she sets the scenes in this story and she did a wonderful job writing from three different perspectives. Unforgettable real life characters that I felt like I got to know. The pace moved good and I didn't feel like I was overwhelmed with fact. Overall very well done. 

Jane's stories are very historical and not fluffy easy reads. (Which is why I love them!) But if you struggle with historical reads this might not be a book for you. On the flip side if you are a history lover and want to learn more about the Oregon Trail, pick this book up!!

Five stars!

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

Priceless Book Review

Website

The powerfully compelling novelization of the major motion picture by Joel and Luke Smallbone of the band for King & Country.
James Stevens was, at one time, a good man with a great life. After the tragic death of his wife and losing custody of his little girl, James is at the darkest crossroad of his life. Angry, desperate, and unable to hold down a steady job, he agrees to drive a box truck on a shady, one-time trip cross country for cash—no questions asked. When he discovers what he is delivering is actually a who, the questions in his mind begin haunting him mercilessly. James becomes an unlikely hero who must fight to save the lives of two young women and finds himself falling in love with one of them.
Can love, strength, and faith redefine his past and change the course of his future?

My Thoughts

I really had no idea what to expect from this book. I hadn't heard anything about the movie or the novel until I received an email telling me about it. Now that I have read the book I have no desire to watch the movie, it is very depressing and heartbreaking. The whole idea of this story line and the selling of women is so important and so hard to face reality-this is really happening all around us. It made me so sad to read this book and the ending didn't really make me feel better. I don't want to give anything away but I felt like there was something missing. While the book doesn't have explicit details about the sex trade I would caution younger readers. This is a hard book to read and I wouldn't pick it up lightly. I think they did a good job in writing truth, I just hate the fact that it's something that exists.

Four stars. 

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

A Lady Unrivaled Book Review

 About the Book

 

Lady Ella Myerston can always find a reason to smile--even if it's just in hope that tomorrow will be better than today. All her life everyone has tried to protect her from the realities of the world, but Ella knows very well the danger that has haunted her brother and their friend, and she won't wait for it to strike again. She intends to take action . . . and if that happens to involve an adventurous trip to the Cotswolds, then so much the better.
Lord Cayton has already broken two hearts, including that of his first wife, who died before he could convince himself to love her. Now he's determined to live a better life. But that proves complicated when old friends arrive on the scene and try to threaten him into a life of crime. He does his best to remove the intriguing Lady Ella from danger, but the stubborn girl won't budge. How else can he redeem himself, though, but by saving her--and his daughter--from those dangerous people who seem ready to destroy them all? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

The cover on this book is just stunning, I love it. The story line though, didn't totally capture my attention. I so wish that wasn't the case and I really wanted to love this book and this author but I could not get into this book. The characters didn't stand out to me and I felt like I had read this book before, rather predictable. I loved the setting and the idea of the story but for some reason it just didn't grab me. 

However, there are some great reviews out there for this book so if you love the Edwardian time period you might enjoy this book.

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

As the Leaves Kiss the Stream Book Review: Perfect for Fall Reading!

About the Book

... a story about a father and his seventeen-year-old daughter. He is a missionary; she is a problem.


Together they go camping and fly fishing in the Ozarks. Together they clash and argue.


Then one cold, October morning as they fly fished beside the pure water of the stream, together they learned something about grace.


For the tears of a father ... are as the tears of God ... that fall silently and caress the one beloved, much as the autumn leaves that gently fall and kiss the stream. (Goodreads)

Website

Buy The Book

My Thoughts

This sounded like a story for me when I read the back cover. A father and daughter with a struggling relationship set in the Ozarks! I loved this book! I couldn't put it down actually. While it is a shorter story it holds great writing and characters. Barnes created a wonderful setting and took a real life issue between a father and daughter and showed God's grace. I'll be honest in saying Erin (the daughter) drove me crazy with her attitude. But the father's temperament is what held this story together and made it such a good read. I thought overall it was a pretty realistic example of this type of relationship when a girl is a teenager and the father wants to give her a life lesson. I also thought while reading, that this is like what Christ sees in us. We are stubborn people, we want things our way. And gently and ever so patient He shows us we are in the wrong and in need of Him always. 

Great story! 

Five stars. 

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

God Bless Us Every One Book Review

 About the Book

Charlene Dixon--called Charlie by family and friends--is devastated at the recent loss of her job. For the last five years, the twenty-seven-year-old has blossomed as the activities director of an exclusive all-girls school. But when a misunderstanding with the head-mistress leads to a pink slip right before the holidays, Charlie packs up dreams and returns to Grandma Esther, who raised Charlie as her own.

When Charlie arrives--broken and confused--Esther immediately puts her granddaughter to work behind the scenes of the local school's Christmas play, A Christmas Carol. When Charlie disapproves of having to work with Dustin Kennedy, the seventh-grade English teacher, Grandma Esther encourages her to take a deeper look at why the book by Charles Dickens had been written in the first place and what the book could teach Charlie about the needs of the children in their own community. (Goodreads)

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2bUfaqD

 

About the author:

Eva Marie Everson is an award-winning speaker and author of The Road to Testament, Things Left Unspoken, This Fine Life, Chasing Sunsets, Waiting for Sunrise, Slow Moon Rising, and The Potluck Club series (with Linda Evans Shepherd). She is the president of Word Weavers International, Inc., a member of AWSA, ACFW, RWA, the director of Florida Christian Writer's Conference, and the contest director for Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writer's Conference. She and her husband make their home in Casselberry, Florida.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest 

 

 

My Thoughts

I LOVE books set during the winter holidays. It makes read the book feel all the more cozy and fun and doesn't this cover make you giddy?! I totally chose this book to read based on the cover, it is one that I want faced out on my bookshelf. Anyway, aside from the cover this story is wonderful. I was totally surprised at how well the characters were written. There is a lot of depth that makes this book a treasure because the themes that run through the pages are heart wrenching and true. Charlie does not have a relationship with her father and Dustin has a sad past. The author decides to throw in Charles Dickens and you have a winner. 

I could relate to Charlie's story in a way and the only that bugged me was that some parts at the end and those dealing with her dad were too easy. It's not a major issue because this is a short book but I think perhaps a couple of scenes could have been different. 

Otherwise this is a beautiful book and one to add to your holiday book list!

Five stars. 

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

GIVEAWAY! Live On Forever-New CD by The Afters

I haven't really listened to much by The Afters but I have to say I really enjoyed this album. I think my favorite song is Sunrise, but I also love Shadows. The song Battles is on the radio currently and of course it is good too! Great new songs and fun new addition to your  Christian music collection. 

Thanks to FlyBy for offering me a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

Buy Here

Get Connected with The Afters:
Official website: www.theafters.com
twitter.com/theafters
facebook.com/theafters
instagram.com/theaftersofficial

Giveaway is open to the U.S. and Canada only.

Please enter with the rafflecopter below for a chance to win one copy of Live On Forever CD.

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CFRR: That Time I Flew To Nashville For a Day....

Scarriet Bennet Center where the event took place.

Mary Connealy and Ruth Logan Herne speaking.

Tamera Alexander speaking.

Dani Pettrey standing next to me! AHH!

Kristi Ann Hunter and Myself. Hehe!

Carrie Turansky and myself. Eek!

I apologize for the poor quality in pictures I just had my phone.

I recently had the great honor of attending the first ever CFRR (Christian Fiction Readers Retreat) in Nashville. The wonderful people who set this up are Bonnie, Annie, and Carrie. They thought it would be fun for authors and readers to have a day together-and it worked! It was an all day event which started with a lovely snacky breakfast and getting checked in (awesome swag bag!!). From there is just got more fun! I met some great people and we played games and I won two books, there were a lot of book giveaways going on. The authors spoke and I loved this because now I feel like I understand why they write and more of a connection when reading their books. A delightful lunch was provided and of course authors and readers sat together, SO fun! I have to say Pepper Basham is hilarious and talking with her made lunch even that much better. (By the way you should read her books!)

Now keep in mind we were allowed to bring books for authors to sign as well as buy new books while we were there. So there I am: I have my purse, my huge bag of books I brought, my swag bag, and another large bag of books bought, all hanging off of me. I am sure I looked silly but I mean what is a girl to do when she is fangirling?! The best part?! I wasn’t the only one. : ) It was such a joy to spend time with fellow book lovers and the whole day felt like I was just hanging out with family. The authors were wonderful and fun to talk with. Many of the authors I didn’t know which was neat because now my to-read pile has grown taller. I love finding new authors.

Also, throughout the day we did praise and worship and let me tell you, there is something awesome and humbling about being in a room of people who not only love books but who love Jesus. It was so special.

So that one time I flew from Colorado to Nashville for one day, it was so worth it! I have some great memories and loads of books to read, does it get better than that?!

Oh! And great news, they are doing this again next year!

Some authors I met, as in actually had conversations with…eek!

Laura Frantz (we took a selfie-on her phone!), Dani Pettrey (she remembered my name and I kinda got a little giddy), Carrie Turansky Gabrielle Meyers, Kristi Ann Hunter, Melanie Dickerson, Kate Breslin, Krista Phillips, Pepper Basham, Sarah Monzon, Mary Connealy, Becky Wade, Jan Drexler, Ruth Logan Herne, and DebbieGiusti. AHH!

Home on the Range Book Review

 

About the Book

A cowboy romance with a heart of gold, in Home on the Range author Ruth Logan Herne returns readers to the Double S Ranch where God and family are first, but love is certain to follow the Stafford menfolk. Nick made all the wrong choices for all the wrong reasons. His father had failed at marriage and fatherhood. Nick was determined to show him up. He'd be a better husband, better father and a better ranch manager than Sam Stafford ever hoped to be. But Nick's wife Whitney hated the ranch and she walked out on Nick and their two beautiful daughters three years ago. For a long time Nick pretended everything was fine and when his stubborn nature is finally challenged by trouble with his young girls, he's faced with the changes he should have made long ago. Psychologist Dr. Elsa Andreas had a thriving family therapy practice, a school commission, a good life, but tragedy pushes Elsa to walk away from her life. Three years later, she's tucked herself in the backwoods of Gray's Glen. When her sister encourages her to help Nick Stafford's daughters, Elsa takes a chance. But Nick's ex-wife comes back to town, threatening the girls' newfound stability. Can Nick find the forgiveness and Else the courage to build their own "Home on the Range"? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

This is the second book in a series and so far my favorite! We are back to Double S Ranch and Nick is raising his two girls by himself. I found the characters to be very realistic. The setting is wonderful and I loved to read all the struggles of each person. It makes it more realistic and easier to read and believe. Elsa is a wonderful character as her and Nick are rather forced in meeting. I love that her past is a secret until the end of the book, very well written. There was a lot of heart put into the details of this novel and this one is made unique with the two little girls. I was very pleased with this contemporary cowboy read.
Five stars.

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