Wishing All a Happy New Year!

Broken Trust ~ Review

Broken Trust
Mission League #3
By Jill Williamson

Spencer Garmond is hoping to recover from his torn ACL in time for his senior year of HS basketball in hopes that he can still get a scholarship. But he's got other issues to deal with - like why he's of such interest to the people tracking him, whether he'll blow it with Grace, his long-strained non-friendship with Nick, and these dreams that he keeps having. All Spencer wants is to be a normal teenager but that's not going to happen anytime soon.

With preparation for their summer assignment ~ Outdoor Survival Training in Alaska ~ and Occupational Training Missions this was looking to be a busy summer. And Spencer has his own personal investigation that he's pursuing, one that focused on the Jolt movie series. And now that Nick's seeing one of the actresses from the movies Spencer is even more motivated.

But someone is about to betray the trust of Spencer and the Mission League and unless they can do some fast thinking, relying on their training the Mission League may lose one or more of their own. But when you've been betrayed who do you trust? Spencer is about to learn that there is only One in whom one can trust in.

This is the third book in the series and with references to previous missions it is helpful to read the series in order though one can follow along fairly easily if you haven't read them. Tweens and teens will enjoy this book. The chapters are presented as if they are filed reports so one has a basic timeline understanding of the book. This is action and adventure that will keep the attention of the reader as the climatic conclusion is reached.

I was provided a ARC copy of this book by the author with no expectation of a review positive or otherwise. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:
In the midst of training for the outdoor survival trip to Alaska, Spencer is distracted by a mysterious young woman--Nick's new girlfriend. He's not just wondering how someone that gorgeous would waste her time on a jerk like Nick, he recognizes this girl from her bit part in one of the cultish Jolt movies he's been investigating. She's up to something, and Spencer is determined to find out what. As he gets closer to the truth, it becomes harder to know who to trust. Things are getting dangerous. Can Spencer figure out what's going on, or will this mystery leave him M.I.A?

Mischief & Manors ~ Review

Mischief & Manors
By Ashtyn Newbold

Breaking a promise might just be the

best way to keep it....

For five years Annette Downing has been living her promise to her parents - she has put every other interest out of her life except her little brothers. Orphaned at 14 years of age she is determined to protect her brothers Peter (7) and Charles (5) from the hateful abusive spite of her Aunt Ruth Filbee.

But when Aunt Ruth gives Annette an ultimatum ~ turn her brothers into proper gentlemen or see them shipped off to a Scottish orphanage ~ Annette welcomes the brief reprieve that an unexpected trip to Kellaway Manor promises. Her childhood memories of the place were pleasant except for Owen Kellaway and a fall from a tree. When Owen is asked by his mother to assist Annette in her efforts to tame her brothers she fears he may be as mischievous as her young brothers.

But turning two young boys into gentlemen may be hazardous to her health especially with Owen assisting. And it could prove even more hazardous to her heart ~ a heart that she has promised exclusively to Peter and Charles ~ now if only she can get her heart to listen to her.  But the love and kindness she finds at Kellaway Manor just may open the barriers she put around her heart to protect it from the cruelty she's experienced since her parents death.

But Kellaway Manor has something important for Annette to learn if only she will listen with her heart as well as her mind. Her promise to her parents was not a closet meant to shut her away from all life had to offer her. And sometimes tears are necessary to heal and not a sign of weakness.

This is a delightful story and one that I was sorry to have conclude. The characters cover a range of personalities which are true to life. Some one would enjoy getting to know over a cup of tea and others would send one looking for the nearest door through which to escape.

This is a story of family and of promise. Those who enjoy reading books set in the Regency time period will enjoy this book which is set in 1818.  Fans of Jane Austen will enjoy Mischief & Manors.
And Manors in this case refer to both manors and manners. I look forward to future works by this author who managed to keep me reading instead of baking for Christmas. (whoops!)

The future of her heart is at stake but so much more depends upon her decision.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation of a review, positive or otherwise - all opinions expressed are my own.



About the Book:

I could feel battling forces within me,

one ordering me to pull away,

the other tempting me to lean closer...

When Annette Downing and her mischievous little brothers were orphaned, Annette closed off her heart, dedicating her life to raising her brothers and protecting them from her abusive aunt. But when her hateful aunt sends them to Kellaway Manor for the summer to reform the boys, she hopes for a relaxing escape. But Annette finds her closeted heart in jeopardy when reunited with the handsome Owen Kellaway, a childhood acquaintance and respected gentlemen. When Owen is enlisted to help the boys with their behavior, Annette wonders if he has just as much mischief up his sleeve as her brothers. Bound by a promise she made to her late parents, and amid a frightening mystery, Annette faces a difficult decision when she finds herself falling for Owen’s charm.

The Cottage ~ Review

The Cottage
Secrets of the Shetlands #2
By Michael Phillips

Two weeks ago Alonnah "Loni" Ford found out that she was the heir to property in the Shetland Islands. But the Cottage is more than just a quaint Scottish home and the majority of Whales Reef is part of her inheritance.

Will the people ever accept an American as their Laird? And learning that the island is now in the hands of a woman might be more than the people of Whales Reef can accept. And when Loni hears that the Chief is not fond of Americans she's uncertain that she wants to meet the man the community feels she usurped.  

With everyone having an opinion about her fitness to determine the future of Whales Reef Loni herself becomes uncertain of her next step. Does she accept her inheritance and the responsibilities that come with it? Or does she decline it allowing the courts to decide the island's fate?

Before she can make a decision Loni must confront that which has held her hostage all her life - secrets have defined her life and now she must peel back the layers that have made her who she is. Can she discover who she is before it is too late?

In typical style Michael Phillips's book takes place in different times as the past of Whales Reef is revealed in connection with the current upheaval the island and community now faces. The past is taken from a journal that belonged to Loni's great-grandmother and is easily identifiable in the reading as it is in italics. I personally love this back and forth format that slowly reveals the back story. Also fun is allusions to previous series Michael Phillips has written (I quickly identified the Stonewycke and Heathersleigh Hall series character references). It is not necessary to read the first book in the series to be able to enjoy this (somehow I managed to miss the first book and yet still thoroughly this book, but now I want to know what happened earlier).

I received a copy of this book from the publisher with no expectation of a review positive or otherwise - all opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Is the Future of Whales Reef in the Hands of an Outsider?

When Loni Ford is informed that she has inherited property in the Shetland Islands, she laughs. She wants nothing more than to sell it and be done with it. But when she arrives in the North Sea enclave, she is stunned to find that "the Cottage" is not at all what she expected, nor is David Tulloch, the man most of the islanders believe to be the rightful heir.

The locals could hardly be more surprised that the heir is a woman--and an American. Loni, in turn, finds the islanders quaint and a bit behind the times. Expecting David to be as provincial as the rest of his clan, she discovers that there is far more to the man than meets the eye. And there is something about the peaceful atmosphere of the place--and the character of its most prominent citizen--that soon gets under her skin.

Beneath the peaceful surface, however, change is threatening the island of Whales Reef. David's cousin Hardy Tulloch, whose claim to the inheritance now in Loni's hands was backed by oil investors, has not been deterred in his aim to control the island. But his co-conspirators have plans of their own, plans that put Loni's very life in danger. . . .

The Spirit of Christmas ~ Thoughts and Giveaway

✧
The Spirit of Christmas 

Over the years Christmas has changed as evidenced by the songs 

that we sing and have sung through the years. Is Christmas still the 

happiest time of the year? Do strangers go out of their way to smile 

at the passerby?

Christmas has been caught up in the rush to get through our to do lists,

our to buy lists, and our end of the year lists. But Christmas doesn't have 

to be a struggle and a stress. When we look to what we consider the first

Christmas we see it was a simple stable with animals and bedding. There

were no grand gifts or grand visitors. The only ones to celebrate the night 

of Christ's birth were simple shepherds who left their fields in the clothes 

that they were wearing, they didn't stop to get the most fashionable look of

the day. They celebrated a special event in the quiet of the night, surrounded 

by the sounds and smells of animals.

The simplicity of the season is what I love.  A lighted candle, the beauty of song

and the remembrance that a child's birth was about to change the world forever.

But the manger, most likely crafted from roughened wood, was but the first step to 

the cross, which was also crafted from roughened wood. 

Faith is what makes the season come alive.

It isn't about getting.

It is about receiving 

the greatest gift 

of  all.

Life 

with

God.

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HILLSONG – LET HOPE RISE and  GREATER release to DVD on Tuesday, December 20th.

And the producers would love to be able to share these with you.

Please leave a comment below saying what Christmas means to you or share a favorite memory.

Be sure to mention which DVD you would like to be gifted in your comment.

On December 26, 2016 someone will be selected to have a copy of their preferred DVD sent to them.

Due to postage costs this is only available to US residents - when contacted please respond with your 

US shipping address by December 29, 2016 so that your DVD can be sent to you as soon as possible.

The Story Devotional ~ Review

The Story
365 Devotions

Discover your role in God's Story...

This devotional uses excerpts of The Story to take one through the Bible in a year. No this is not an exhaustive complete trip through the Bible but rather an overview. Day 1 is Genesis 1:1-3, Day 2 is Genesis 1:11. The daily verse selection is then pondered and sometimes further verses are offered for further contemplation.

Day 243 is the change over from Old to New Testament in which God's silence to humanity is addressed. Days 244 - 253 address the birth of Jesus through the family's escape to Egypt.

The Appendix in the back of the book references where the excerpted verse selection is taken from in The Story so that the reader can read this in conjunction with this devotional and get a fuller picture of the whole story. I have a copy of The Story so I compared this feature and it is an excellent aid.

This is a quick devotional nothing requiring deep thinking, one could say it is an appetizer to start off your day or a snack before turning in for the night.  This would also be good for family devotion time as the readings are not long and could facilitate a deeper discussion.  The majority of the verses are taken from the New International Version (NIV) according to the title / copyright page information in the front of the book.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through BookLook Bloggers, a positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.



About the Book:

Find your place in God’s Epic Story.

This 365 devotional shows how God weaves His plan throughout time. As you enjoy moments with Him daily, you’ll see His plan for this place and this time of your life begin to unfold.

The Story Devotional is also a wonderful companion to the bestselling Bible The Story.

Spend every day reading God’s story, and let Him be the author of your life.

Turbulence ~ Review

Turbulence
A Kennedy Stern Christian Suspense Novel #5
By Alana Terry

Kennedy Stern is ready to celebrate Christmas and this year she's going to spend it in Alaska with her roommate Willow and Willow's parent. At least that is the plan until their plane is hijacked en-route. As Kennedy experiences yet another traumatic event she finds herself in an uncomfortable situation as she comes face-to-face with the possibility that she and Willow might not survive. Is she ready to die? And what about Willow?

As Kennedy struggles with how she has let her best friend and roommate down, she has to face the doubts she herself has. Will she get another chance to share with Willow the most important truth in her life?

Turbulence is another fast paced suspense novel from Alana Terry in which Kennedy has to face a situation in which she has no control.  One would expect the possibility of turbulence when flying, but for Kennedy the turbulence is a matter of the mind and the soul.

At 200 pages this is a fast and engaging book and not so long that staying up for the conclusion won't keep you up until dawn is coloring the horizon (unless you start it after midnight).  And the motivation for the hijacking is not what one normally reads in a book (the reason won't be revealed here).  This book is recommended to those who like a bit of suspense with a satisfying conclusion that leaves the reader waiting for the next book in the series.  If you have not read the previous books that is okay, this book is a perfect introduction to the series and Kennedy.  Nothing is giveaway to spoil the previous books and the story is complete without relying on the reader have that knowledge to move the story forward.

I was provided an Advanced Reader Copy of this book by the author for review purposes - a review positive or otherwise was not required. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Facing doubts and terror at forty thousand feet.

It's been another grueling semester at Harvard, and Kennedy can hardly wait to take a break from her premed studies for some much-needed rest and relaxation at her roommate's homestead in rural Alaska.

Unfortunately, Kennedy's great arctic adventure might come to a crashing halt before it even begins.