Old Fashioned ~ Review

Old Fashioned
Novelization by Rene Gutteridge
Screenplay by Rik Swartzwelder

Chivalry 

          makes a 

                           comeback

Clay Walsh has made a vow to be a changed man.  He no longer wants to be the man that he was, even if it means isolating himself away.  He wants to treat women with the respect they deserve.  Clay's ideals are the source of ridicule in the town in which he lives.  His theories on love and romance are odd and outdated, but he has been living by them for nine years.  He has yet to meet the woman who understands his views.

But when Amber Hewson arrives in town his theories are about to be tested.  Something about Amber draws him and terrifies him at the same time.  Amber senses something about Clay is different though she's not sure what it is exactly.  But when her apartment needs a repair she learns quickly what about Clay is different - he won't do the needed repair and be alone with her in the apartment.  His "rules" confuse and intrigue her, but how do you get to know another person when you don't know the rules?

This is a book that I highly recommend - the values Clay lives by are in fact ones that I was taught from a young age and men and women who live by these standards are hard to find today.  Pressure to conform to the lax morals of today come from all sides and it is hard to stand for what one believes as evidenced by the ridicule Clay faces (even from friends).

I think my favorite line comes from Betty - "You know, marriage is kind of like a tea bag. You don't know how strong it really is till you get it in some boiling water.  And the water don't boil till you're over the heat, and the heat don't come till you say, 'I do.'"

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Tyndale through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

Former frat boy Clay Walsh has given up his reckless lifestyle and settled down to run an antique shop in a small Midwestern college town. Determined to put his partying ways behind him, Clay has become notorious for his lofty and outdated theories on love and romance. But when Amber Hewson, a free-spirited woman with a gypsy soul, rents the apartment above his shop, Clay can’t help being attracted to her spontaneous and passionate embrace of life. 

New to the area, Amber finds herself surprisingly drawn to Clay and his noble ideas, but her own fears and deep wounds are difficult to overcome. Can they move beyond their differences and their pasts to attempt an “old-fashioned” courtship?

Petticoat Detective ~ Review

Petticoat Detective
Undercover Ladies 1
Margaret Brownley

There are times when only a woman can do a proper investigation. And this is one of those times, though posing as companion is the last thing Jennifer planned on doing.  But when her lead ends up dead Jennifer has no choice but to take on the identity of Amy, a woman living in a house of ill-repute. After all who would suspect a Pinkerton detective of working out of a Bordello.  And Jennifer is determined to capture the notorious Gunnysack Bandit.

But her investigation is about to get a bit more complicated when Tom Colton (a former Texas Ranger) determines to clear his dead brother's name.  And the fact that Tom's brother David and Jennifer's lead Rose had a connection seems to be of importance to this case.

But evidence seems to point to David and nothing Jennifer or Tom discover seems to lead away from this conclusion.  Could they both be wrong?

The setting isn't what one would expect to find in Christian fiction, but this is clean if you have any reservations.  There are several humorous scenes especially when Jennifer decides to set a trap for a suspect.

This is historical fiction with romance and it spotlights how few choices women had when seeking to support themselves at this period of time.

I was provided a copy of this audiobook by the publisher Barbour (Shiloh Run Press) through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

Pinkerton detective Jennifer Layne is no stranger to undercover work. But posing as a lady companion named Amy at Miss Lillian’s Parlor House and Boots is a first for her. She’s finally landed a high-profile case and is on the trail of the notorious Gunnysack Bandit, when one of Miss Lillian’s girls essential to her investigation meets an untimely demise. Only a handful of people are in the house at the time of her death, including handsome Tom Colton, a former Texas Ranger determined to clear his brother’s name. Amy has many reasons to suspect Tom of murder and one very personal reason to hope that she’s wrong about him.

The Devil's Eyes ~ Review

The Devil's Eyes
In the President's Service, Episode 5
by Ace Collins

Episode 5 of In the President's Service is yet another action packed adventure.  And the man behind Alistair Fisher's unique abilities Dr. Bauer is further revealed and he is even creepier than one first suspected.  And he is pulling strings throughout the world, manipulating and scheming to get what he truly wants - power.

Helen Meeker and her team are determined to find out who is behind Alistair and his assassination attempt.  The Nazis? Or organized crime?  Helen has her suspicions, but to find the truth she and the team need to remain dead.  But someone has become aware of their deception and this knowledge just may have ramifications they hadn't counted on having to contend with.

Get ready for more stakeouts and subterfuge as a hidden threat within the United States is tracked.  I, for one, thoroughly enjoyed this latest episode and am looking forward to Episode 6.

I was provided a copy of this book by TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:
The Devil’s Eyes picks up where Fatal Addiction left off, with singer Grace Lupino charming her way into men’s hearts while plunging a knife in the back of anyone who gets in her way.

While Helen Meeker and her team, supposedly dead, hide in the shadows, trying to discover the identity of the mole in the White House as well as uncover the truth of who is behind the evil that snuffs out lives and steals souls without a twinge of conscience, some of the most important and valued documents in American history become a pawn between life and death.

Wonderful Lonesome ~ Review

Wonderful Lonesome
Amish Turns of Time 1
By Olivia Newport

An Amish settlement is struggling to grow in the harsh environment of 1914 Colorado.  And through the struggles and losses Abbie Weaver is determined that this settlement will survive.  But the hardships continue to whittle away at their numbers.  Illness, drought, harsh elements wear away at many of the settlers eroding their resolve to stay and fight for their new homes.  

But the greatest enemy to morale is the lack of spiritual nourishment.  For over a year the community has been without a church.  They have no minister and surrounding community bishops no longer visit.

Abbie is forced to choose between family or community.  What will she choose?  And when the man she loves seemingly betrays all she holds dear will she follow her heart?  Or will loyalty to a dying community determine her future while sacrificing her dreams?

Change is coming and it may break Abbie's heart more than once.

I was provided an audio version of this book by the publisher through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review.


ABOUT BOOK: In a struggling Amish settlement on the harsh Colorado plain, Abbie Weaver refuses to concede defeat to hail, drought, and coyotes, even as families begin to give up and return east. The biggest challenge of all is the lack of a spiritual shepherd and regular worship. When Abbie discovers the root of a spiritual divide that runs through the settlement, she faces her own decisions about what she believes. She must choose between a quiet love in her cherished church, passion with a man determined to leave the church, or imagining her life with neither.


ABOUT AUTHOR: Olivia Newport's novels twist through time to find where faith and passions meet. She chases joy in Colorado, where day lilies grow as tall as she is. Her husband and two twenty-something children provide welcome distraction from the people stomping through her head on their way into her books.

Forever with You ~ Review

Forever with You
Christy and Todd: The Married Years
By Robin Jones Gunn

Forever With You will delight fans of Robin Jones Gunn's Christy Miller, Sierra Jensen, and Katie Weldon series.

Christy and Todd are well into the marriage, heading into year 2 when career-wise obstacles and hurdles appear on the horizon.  Facing these challenges is a strain as they have to make decisions that could very well alter the path their lives have been following.

The obstacles that Christy and Todd face brings a new maturity to their marriage that seemed to be lacking when these issues first came up.  This is a time of growth personally, spiritually, and as a couple.  Times of trial can indeed be a time of blessing once we give our fears over to God.

I was provided a copy of this book through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:
Now that they have been married for almost two years, Christy and Todd are facing challenges neither of them expected. Everything that felt familiar in their relationship is being shaken. All they had hoped for in their future together is about to change.
When Christy shares her life-altering news with Todd, she doesn't receive the joyful response she was expecting. Aunt Marti inserts a few strong opinions about how the young couple should navigate this difficult season and when Todd's dad asks for help renovating his Newport Beach home it's clear that nothing will ever be the same for them again.
As Christy and Todd's relationship is radically altered will they continue to drift apart? Or will they come through the major shifts with a deeper love each for other and the One who brought them together in the first place?

About the Author:

"Forever With You", Robin's newest book is available from her Online Shop at shop.robingunn.com. This first book in the Christy and Todd: The Married Years series picks up where the last Katie Weldon book ended.

You are warmly invited to visit Robin's website at www.robingunn.com. Be sure to sign up for the Robin's Nest Newsletter and have a browse in the Online Shop.

Over the past 25 years Robin has written over 85 books with over 5 million copies sold. She and her husband have two grown children and live in Hawaii.

Her best-selling, award winning novels include the Christy Miller series for teens as well as the Sierra Jensen and Katie Weldon series.

The popular Glenbrooke series features eight gentle love stories and her Sisterchicks(R)novels are a favorite among midlife readers who enjoy the emphasis on travel and friendship in the series.

Robin's standalone novels include "Gardenias for Breakfast", "Under a Maui Moon", "Canary Island Song" and "Cottage by the Sea". Her newest release, "Victim of Grace" offers a personal glimpse into her life as a wife, mother and writer.

Fatal Addiction ~ Review

Fatal Addiction

In the President's Service Episode 4 

by Ace Collins

Fatal Addiction is the 4th episode in the exciting and dramatic world of Helen Meeker.  

As Fatal Addiction opens we find Helen and Henry Reese on a one-way trip to Nazi Germany via a DC-2 and at the mercy of Alistar Fister.

Meanwhile Becca Bobbs and Clay Barnes try to find the plane that took Helen and Reese.  And Reggie Fister has disappeared from Becca and Clay's detail casting further doubt on his loyalties.  

Fatal Addiction is exciting as once again Helen and her team have their lives hanging in the balance. Can they determine who is pulling the strings before it is too late?  Get ready for yet another exciting installment in Ace Collins' In the President's Service.  What will episode 4 reveal about the Nazi plot?

I was provided a copy of this book through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

Helen Meeker has impulsively hopped onto a DC-2, en route to Nazi Germany, in a seemingly foolhardy attempt to save her friend, Henry Reese. Rebecca Bobbs and the rest of the team watch in horrified resignation, unable to stop the inevitable. Meanwhile, Alistar Fister discovers that without the injections that have given him super-human powers, he will soon die. And he won’t be the only one, as others—much more innocent than Fister—are sucked into the fatal addiction. Is there any way for the remaining team members to stop the diabolical plot that could enslave an entire civilization—before it’s too late?

Ace Collins’ publishing history includes the novels Farraday Road, Swope’s Ridge and Jefferson Burke and the Secret of the Lost Scroll for Zondervan, The Yellow Packard from Barbour, Reich of Passage for Bay Forest, and The Christmas Star for Abingdon. He has several more novels set for release in 2015 and one of his books was just optioned for a motion picture. His fiction writing has covered everything from value-driven plots, to adventures, mysteries, historical stories, sentimental tales and comedy.

In nonfiction, Collins has scored bestsellers with The Cathedrals, Lassie A Dog’s Life, Turn Your Radio On, The Stories Behind The Best-Loved Songs of Christmas, Father Does Know Best, and The Stories Behind The Great Traditions of Christmas. His work has been made into two network television specials and a CBS movie.

Forever Amish ~ Review

Forever Amish
Legacy of Lancaster County 3
By Kate Lloyd

I'll be perfectly honest when I got this book I had a hard time getting into it.  It wasn't the book - it was me.  So I put the book aside for a bit of time and read other books that I needed to review.  I then picked up Forever Amish this last weekend and had no trouble getting lost between the covers.

I have not read the first two books in this trilogy, but I don't think that is necessary as the story is Sally Bingham's and she is new to the series too.  So seeing everything through her eyes is as new to me as it is to her.

Sally has been lured to Lancaster County by a young woman Lizzie Zook who is seeking to purchase a dog.  But when Sally arrives she is shocked to discover that Lizzie isn't quite how she pictured her. Lizzie is Amish and her father is a no-nonsense type who won't have a dog in his house.

But the really reason behind Lizzie's motives does not become immediately obvious.  And when the truth comes out Sally's entire world is rocked to its core.  As Sally struggles with rediscovering who she is, Lizzie is going through her own struggles as she to tries to determine what path her life will take.

The root story of Forever Amish seems to be family and the love and support that they can offer us.

I was provided a copy of this book through TBCN/BookFun and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:
Sally Bingham needs some time away to sort through the changes in her life and to rethink her upcoming marriage. Despite her ailing father’s hesitations, she takes off for a bed and breakfast in Lancaster County for a weekend away. But her best-laid plans leave her in a near collision with a bishop’s buggy and in the home of a mysterious Amish woman named Lizzie. Lizzie introduces her to a different perspective on life, a charming farmhand named Armin— and opens a Pandora’s box that will forever change Sally’s life.

The latest book in the Legacy of Lancaster trilogy, Forever Amish introduces us to a young woman about to uncover a shocking secret and find an invitation to a new way of living. This is a story of forgiveness, legacies, and the ties that bind through generations.

About the Author:
Author Kate Lloyd is a passionate observer of human relationships. A native of Baltimore, Kate spends time with family and friends in Lancaster County, PA, the inspiration for her best selling novels Leaving Lancaster and Pennsylvania Patchwork, and her newest release, Forever Amish, the third book in the Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy.

Kate is a member of the Lancaster County Mennonite Historical Society. She and her husband live in the Pacific Northwest, the setting for Kate's first novel, A Portrait of Marguerite. Kate studied art and art history in college. She's worked a variety of jobs, including car salesman and restaurateur. As a younger woman, she raised show dogs.

For relaxation and fun, Kate enjoys walking with her camera in hand, beachcombing, and playing with her two young grandchildren.

Find out more about Kate Lloyd at her Website: www.katelloyd.net
Blog: http://katelloyd.net/blog/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/katelloydbooks
Twitter: @KateLloydAuthor
Pinterest: @KateLloydAuthor

Kate loves hearing from readers!

Somehow Christmas Will Come ~ Review

Somehow Christmas Will Come
By Peggy Blann Phifer

Molly Dugan is worried about her brother Patrick.  He just hasn't sounded right since the death of his wife.  And then there is Bethany her 6 year old niece.  When she puts her life in Minnesota on hold to spend time with them in their home in Las Vegas the situation is worse than she imagined and it is about to get worse.

With the help of Bethany's grandmother Jessie and Pat's best friend Trace, Molly plans her new life with Bethany as very important part of it.  

And in the midst of their grief and upheaval this broken family comes together for healing as a new loving family.  And as Molly promises Bethany Christmas will come.  This is book is both lovely and heartbreaking at the same time.  The promise of Christmas shared is fulfilled and you will delight in it too.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review.



ABOUT BOOK: When Molly Dugan’s best friend gets married and leaves St. Paul, Minnesota, to live in Georgia, Molly feels alone and plans a visit to her brother, Patrick, in Las Vegas. Molly had been worried about him ever since his wife died in a tragic boating accident. Grieving she could understand, but she sensed something deeper going on. And she was concerned about Patrick’s six-year-old daughter, Bethany. So she sets aside her life in St. Paul to spend an indeterminate time in Vegas. When Molly gets there, she finds more than she bargained on. And in the lead-up to Christmas, the situation only gets worse…. 6 year-old Bethany loses her last anchor. How does Molly convince her that somehow, Christmas will come.

ABOUT AUTHOR: Peggy Blann Phifer is an author and columnist, book reviewer and author interviewer, whose work has appeared on various Web sites and writer periodicals both in print and online. She is also an avid reader who loves to escape by diving between the covers of a good book. Peg enjoys handcrafts of all kinds and her home shows off some of her work, though most end up as gifts for friends and family. A retired executive assistant, Peg now makes her home in southern Nevada with husband of 25 years, Jim.

Until I Found You ~ Review

Until I Found You
By Victoria Bylin

Kate Darby and Nick Sheridan are total opposites.  She career driven.  He's been there and it's lost its appeal.  Kate doesn't like to take chances or risks. While Nick loves the adrenaline rush he gets from pushing the limits in various activities - including his Harley.  The one thing Nick and Kate both seem to agree on is there is no time for romance in their lives.

But when a near accident with one of California's rare condors leaves Kate in a dangerous situation, she and Nick are about to find out that our plans are not necessarily God's plans.  But the big question is can they see what God has in store for them?  Or will they let their own plans and the plans of those around them take precedent in their lives?  

This is a book you won't mind sharing with your friends over a cup of coffee or tea.  You'll be left guessing until the very end how it will all end, so it just may keep you up all night.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review.

About the book: When Kate Darby swerves off a mountain road to avoid hitting a California condor, she ends up trapped in her car, teetering on the edge of a cliff. Terrified, she breathes a prayer that changes her life: “God, if you’re real, I want to know you.”

It’s Nick Sheridan who comes to Kate’s rescue. Nick is handsome, confident, and seems to develop a habit of rescuing her, but Kate is in town only until her grandmother recuperates from a stroke. She’s not planning to fall in love with one of the locals.

Nick Sheridan is a reformed veteran of life in the fast lane, a new Christian, and a travel writer. When he sees a car dangling on the edge of a cliff, the daredevil in him jumps into action. He doesn’t expect to be swept off his feet by the car’s occupant. He’s made a vow: no dating for a year. And it’s a vow he intends to keep in spite of his attraction to Kate Darby . . .



About the author: This may sound crazy, but I was driven to write romance by giant bugs and killer rabbits. I just couldn't take it anymore. My husband and two sons would be camped in front of the television watching a movie about spiders the size of bowling balls, and I'd be wondering when the handsome scientist would get around to kissing the spunky woman with the bug spray. When it didn't happen, I decided to write my own happy endings--without the giant bugs.

I made that decision in January 1999 after a cross-country move from southern California to northern Virginia. A job change for my husband made the relocation a necessity, but it wasn't easy. I grew up in Los Angeles, attended both UCLA and UC Berkeley, and lived for eight years in a mountain community just south of Bakersfield. I'm happiest at the beach and have ridden out earthquakes. I know Interstate 5 like the back of my hand. I'm addicted to sunshine and can tolerate smog.

Packing up and moving to the east coast was like yanking a palm tree out of the sand by its roots. Our new adventure started with a cross-country drive, and I'll never forget cruising down I-40 with my husband and sons in our old Dodge Ramcharger. A thunderstorm struck fast and hard. When it cleared, we saw a double-rainbow arching over the highway. Like Noah in the days of old, I took at as a sign of a promising future and new opportunities.

For me, that meant writing a novel. As soon as we settled into our new routine in Virginia, I sat in front of the computer, named the heroine Susan because it was the first name that popped into my head, and promised myself that I wouldn't edit a word until I'd written "The End." I had no idea who Susan was or how the story would unfold. I just stuck her in a barn with a dead body and a grief-stricken rancher.

The writing wasn't very good, but something wonderful happened. Ideas came. My characters developed quirks, and I wanted to know what would happen next. That effort is under the bed gathering dust, but my second manuscript turned into Of Men and Angels, my first sale to Harlequin Historical.

Writing is a challenge and a joy, but the things in life that matter most are faith, friends and family. I'm bone-deep grateful for a wonderful husband and two terrific sons who are married and on their own. I have wonderful in-laws, a brother and sister-in-law, and writing friends spread across the nation. The promise of that double-rainbow in Arizona has been more than fulfilled. Life is good, and best of all, there's more to come.

Destiny ~ Review

Destiny
By Don Brown

Destiny opens in 1938 on a night when the world once again found itself on the brink of an all encompassing war.  We are then taken back to 1931 - Walter Brewer is returning home with his new wife. World War II has yet to make rumblings of its coming threat to America or Jamesville, North Carolina.

Destiny follows the lives of 3 different men and the paths that their lives follow as war slowly engulfs the world in its fever.  Walter Brewer is a simple country postal worker who is about to experience war and its costs.  Meanwhile in England, young Darwin McCloud is faced with his desire to make a difference and earn his father's respect while dealing with his pacifist ideals. And then there is Heinrick Schultz a German who is among the early members of the Nazi party.

Destiny covers a period of nearly 15 years - years in which war links 3 lives in ways no one would expect.  And these links would have a profound and lasting effect that would span national boundaries and touch many lives beyond.

This book is a prequel to Don Brown's Navy Justice series and introduces us to Zack Brewer's grandfather - a man of honor and integrity who finds truths and strengths within himself that he never expected to need.

Fans of World War II historical fiction will love this book and fans of Don Brown's previous work will not be disappointed in this step into the past.  This is a moving story that will leave you with a greater appreciation for what those who served during this time of uncertainty gave.

I was provided a copy of this book through BookFun/TBCN in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book: 

Three men. Three armies. One letter. One destiny.
When World War II hits Walter Brewer's family in the worst possible way, he is torn between his love for two women, his family, and his country. A rural postal carrier in his hometown of Jamesville, North Carolina, Walter has no idea his life is about to become entwined with a Nazi officer and a Royal Naval commando. Will he survive his mission over France as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne, or is the ultimate sacrifice Walter's destiny?

This much-anticipated prequel to Don Brown's acclaimed Navy Justice series is packed with the ravages of love and war, romance and family, and ultimately the power of faith.


About the Author Don Brown: 

A former U.S. Navy JAG officer, Don is the author of the Navy Justice series and the Pacific Rim series. Paying no homage to political correctness, Don’s writing style is described as “gripping,” casting an entertaining and educational spin on a wide range of current issues, from radical Islamic infiltration of the military, to the explosive issue of gays in the military, to the modern day issues of presidential politics in the early twenty first century.
Don graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1982, and after finishing law school, continued his post-graduate studies through the Naval War College, earning the Navy’s nonresident certificate in International Law. During his five years on active duty in the Navy, Don served in the Pentagon, was published in the Naval Law Review, and was also a recipient of the Navy Achievement Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

Gatehaven ~ Review

Gatehaven
By Molly Nobel Bull

Do you like Gothic Novels?  If so Gatehaven is just what you want to read.  Rachel Shannon Aimee is determined to marry a man with or without her family's blessing.  And the Earl of Northon has convinced Shannon that she is his heart's desire and wants her to meet his family in England, his home in Gatehaven.

Shannon's parents give their reluctant permission only after her childhood friend Ian Colquoun agrees to go along with Shannon and the Earl's cousin agrees to chaperon the stubborn young woman.

But fear and mystery surround Gatehaven and Shannon and Ian are soon in a battle for which they were not prepared.  A battle that cost them and those they hold their very lives.

Evilness has invaded Gatehaven and their only weapons lie in prayer and the Bible.  But do they have time to put on the armor of God and learn how to use it?

Gatehaven will keep you in suspense as the story unfolds.  And the danger is growing and time is running out to escape its vengeful clutches.

I was provided a copy of this book by the author through BookFun/TBCN in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:
Gatehaven by Molly Noble Bull is a Christian Gothic historical novel set in a haunting mansion in the north of England where Ian Colquhoun and Shannon Aimee battle a Frenchman with dark secrets--spiritual warfare vs. the occult. Will they learn enough about God’s words to defend themselves and others or will evil overcome them?
Gatehaven is the 2013 Creation House Fiction Writing Contest Winner.

About the Author: 

Molly Noble Bull, Christian novelist, is a native Texan, and she is a graduate of Texas A&M University at Kingsville. Molly's father and maternal grandfather were ranch managers, making them real Texas cowboys, and she spent part of her growing up years on a 60,000 acre cattle ranch. She and her husband have three grown sons and six grandchildren, and all three of their sons are involved in ranching in Texas today.

Her novel, Sanctuary, won the 2008 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence in the inspirational category and tied for first place in the 2008 Winter Rose contest also in the inspirational category.
On February 1, 2013, Molly learned that her long historical, Gatehaven, won the grand prize in the Creation House Fiction Writing Contest 2013.

Gatehaven is a Christian Gothic novel and was published in trade paperback and as an e-book on March 4, 2014. Creation House.com

With a ranch background like Molly’s, it isn’t surprising that she has published two western romances with Harlequin’s Steeple Hill/Love Inspired series. Brides and Blessings and The Winter Pearl. God willing, When the Cowboy Rides Away, yet another of Molly’s western romances will be coming out from Elk Lake in 2015.

Who is Jesus? ~ Review

Who is Jesus?
By MaryAnn Diorio
Illustrated by Kim Sponaugle

If you have kids in your life you know they ask questions.  And invariably they will one day ask you questions about Jesus and who he is.  Will you know how to answer?  Who is Jesus? will help you answer these questions.

We all have questions about whether Jesus can love us when we mess up or if illness is from Jesus. Who is Jesus? offers us assurances about Jesus and his love.  And we are reminded that Jesus is God!

The colorful illustrations are wonderful additions to this story and add to it's charm.  This would be a welcome addition to any church or home library.  This would be an excellent gift for any Sunday School/Children's Church teacher.

I was provided a digital proof of this book by the author through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:

Does Jesus give tummy aches when you’re bad?” “Does he get mad at you when you’re naughty?” “Does he laugh at you when you fall down?”

Award-winning children’s author Mary Ann Diorio, who holds a doctorate of philosophy, draws on her experience as a mother, grandmother and teacher to tackle these tough questions in a heartwarming way in her new children’s book, “Who is Jesus?”

Helping parents, grandparents and caregivers answer many questions kids ask, “Who Is Jesus?” is a delightful and uplifting read that helps children come to know Jesus as love personified and as someone who cares about them and loves them with a perfect love.

“Children ask tough questions that can be particularly challenging to answer,” Diorio says. “Questions like, ‘Does Jesus love me when I mess up?’ and ‘Did God make me sick?’ The goal of this book is to help answer these questions from the truth of Scripture, presented in an engaging and relatable way that young toddlers can understand.”

Full Steam Ahead ~ Review

Full Steam Ahead
By Karen Witemeyer

When Nicole Renard is summoned home because of her father's declining health she little realized the danger she was returning home to.  Danger that would quickly send her on a mission - a mission to secure a husband that would protect her family's legacy.  But when her enemies cause her plans to change Nicole must rely on her intelligence and quick wits to fulfill her promise to her family.

But she never expected to have to seek employment with a reclusive madman.  But Darius Thornton is not a madman but rather a man obsessed. And Darius's obsession is the unpredictable and dangerous nature of steam engine boilers.

Full Steam Ahead is a diverting story - great if you want to pass time in a quiet activity.  Nicole and Darius are both stubborn in their own way.  But this very stubbornness could be what draws them together and it could also increase the danger that they are facing.  But both have regrets that is the drive behind their motivations - regrets that they must overcome to find true happiness and love.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through BookFun/TBCN in exchange for my honest review.



About the Book:

Nicole Renard returns home to Galveston and finds her father deathly ill. Though she loves him, he's only ever focused on what she's not. Not male. Not married. Not able to run Renard Shipping.

Vowing to secure a suitable husband to give her father the heir he desires before it's too late, Nicole sets out with the Renard family's greatest treasure as her dowry: the highly coveted Lafitte Dagger. But when her father's rivals come after the dagger, she's forced to change her destination.

Darius Thornton has been a man obsessed since the fatal boiler explosion aboard the Louisiana that nearly took his life. He will do anything to stop such disasters. Even hire a female secretary. Sure he can ignore the distraction of her pretty face, he's not sure how to proceed when drawn to her clever mind.

Nicole is determined not to let her odd employer scare her off with his explosive experiments, yet when respect and mutual attraction grows between them, a new fear arises. How can she acquire an heir for her father when her heart belongs to an unsuitable candidate? And worse, when her father's rivals discover her hiding place, she will have to choose between that love and her family's legacy.

The Healing Quilt ~ Review

The Healing Quilt
Return of the Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club
By Wanda E. Brunstetter

Emma is bored, she's not made for a life of leisure, searching the beach for shells.  She misses her students and her quilting classes.  When her husband Lamar suggests starting up classes in Florida, Emma agrees.

But this may be her most difficult class yet.  One young woman, Erika, is paralyzed, wheelchair bound teen who sees no future for herself.  Kim, a waitress, is determined not to fail yet again.  Mike, who is at loose ends, is filling in for his wife.  Jennifer is a soon-to-be mother whose husband is out of work.  And then there is Noreen a widow at loose ends and BJ who is keeping his declining health a secret.

But 6 weeks of caring instruction and fellowship just might be what everyone needs.  And Emma is always willing to offer a listening ear and a word of encouragement and prayer.

It is interesting that when each person looks outside of their own concerns that their attitudes improve and they actually are happier.

There are several former students who play important roles throughout, sharing what Emma had given them.  And there is even romance in store for one former student and a current one.

This is a feel good book.  There are problems, but they aren't drag you down depressing,  If you want an enjoyable week-end read this is one you'll want to pick-up and then share with a friend.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

Join retired Amish newlyweds Emma and Lamar Miller in Florida for the winter as they lead another quilting class with a new group of unlikely students: Jennifer, a pregnant new mom; Mike, a charter boat owner; Erika, a wheelchair bound teen; Kim, a waitress; Noreen, a newly-retired widow, and BJ, an artist facing illness. When old friends visit from Indiana, will romance also become a subject of class discussions?

The Treasured Brides Collection ~ Review

The Treasured Brides Collection
By Grace Livingston Hill

              Three Timeless Romances 

                               from a Beloved Author 

I've always loved the simple beauty found in Grace Livingston Hill's books.  So when The Book Club Network offered a chance to read and review this just released collection from Barbour I jumped at the chance.  After all these were 3 stories from Grace Livingston Hill that I had never read before.

The first story is The Big Blue Soldier.  The First World War has ended and Sergeant Lyman Gage has just received word that his business has failed, his fiancee has become engaged to another man, and he is in debt to his former fiancee's father.  Lyman is understandably dejected when he is approached by an unusual woman who invites him to dinner and to pretend that he is her nephew.

What follows is a delightful and sweet story about seeing past the outer person and seeing the heart.  The kindness of strangers heals a broken heart and brings happiness to a hurting lonely heart.

The second story is Found Treasure.  Effie Martin is a despised young woman - her youthful, tomboyish habits are felt to be an embarrassment to anyone unfortunate to be caught in her company.  Her mother despairs of ever turning this selfish, self-centered girl into a lady and her sister Eleanor loathes her little sister who tries to get her part in Eleanor's activities.  But Effie is searching for something, she feels unwanted by anyone and wonders if there is even a purpose to her very being.

But when Effie steps forward and saves a life she comes to the attention of several people, including Lawrence Earle.  Lawrence helps Effie to become more than she ever saw herself becoming.  She became Euphemia a "woman of good repute" all because someone was willing to give her a chance.

This story finds the worth and treasure of a person within their heart.  Outward appearance and monetary worth mean nothing if one cannot find peace and comfort in a relationship with God.

The third story is The Patch of Blue.  Chris Walton had everything.  A father of good standing who was the bank president.  He lived in a spacious house in an elegant well-to-do neighborhood.  He was heading for his final year of college, played football, and was making the most of his life when everything changed. When his family's life of privilege was suddenly over Chris learns who his true friends are.  And he learns who he truly is thanks to Natalie Halsey.

This story shows that one's happiness need not be tied to wealth, position, and possessions but rather in a daily walk with God and contentment with what we do have.  This is shown in the changes of Chris's demeanor and attitude from the opening until the closing of the story.

One item of note concerning this book it is not large print, but the print is larger than most books that are regular print - so if you like large print books this maybe one you want to check-out.

Thanks to The Book Club Network and Barbour for offering me this book in exchange for my honest review.


About the Author:

            GRACE LIVINGSTON HILL (1865–1947) is known as the pioneer of Christian romance. Grace wrote over one hundred faith-inspired books during her lifetime. When her first husband died, leaving her with two daughters to raise, writing became a way to make a living, but she always recognized storytelling as a way to share her faith in God. She has touched countless lives through the years and continues to touch lives today. Her books feature moving stories, delightful characters, and love in its purest form.

Grace Livingston Hill began writing stories in 1877 at the tender age of twelve and didn’t stop until her death in 1947. But what may be more amazing is that she has sold over 84 million copies and is still loved by young and old alike.

About the Book:

            Take a step back to a slower paced life the 1930s and 40s, and discover the joy of old-fashioned romance as penned by one of America’s most beloved authors. Lightly updated for today’s reader, this collection of three romances—including The Big Blue Soldier, Found Treasure, and The Patch of Blue—is the perfect pathway to discovering a timeless author. Grace Livingston Hill created enduring characters who go through every human emotion. They are realistic individuals looking to fit in and find a place of contentment in life. Love meets them in their struggles and faith points them to eternal hope and peace.

Mark of Distinction ~ Review

Mark of Distinction
The Price of Privilege #2
By Jessica Dotta

Julia Elliston has escaped.  At least for the moment.  But she has been caught in a web of deceit from which she never emerge.  In Born of Persuasion Julia had seemingly escaped from the designs of her guardian, until she found herself forced into a marriage she didn't want to a Mr. Chance Macy.  To Julia's surprise and horror she was the unwitting pawn in a game of chess between Mr. Macy and Lord Pierson, the father she never knew of.   With the help of Edward Auburn Julia escaped Mr. Macy and made her way to Maplecroft, her father's home.

But now she is at the mercy of her father's schemes to destroy Mr. Macy and to secure political future of Lord Issac Dalry.  Julia is left with little choice in what her life has become as Lord Pierson manipulates the lives of those around him.

Mark of Distinction is an intriguing book as one tries to figure out what exactly who is doing what and what their ultimate goal is.  One feels sorry for Julia, though some of her problems are of her own making.  I think Issac is the one person empathize the most with.  He too is at the beck-and-call of Lord Pierson.  But he truly cares about Julia and her feelings.

This is a book that I don't think you could read without first reading the previous book.  You need to read Born of Persuasion to fully grasp the nuances of the characters and their relationships.  I can't wait to read book 3 to find out what happens.  Does Julia have a happy ending?  Or will she bow to her father's demands?

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Tyndale through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review. 

About Book:

London is said to be the glittering jewel of society, a world unto itself--but to Julia Elliston it is a city of shadows.  Her life is swiftly dissolving into scandal.  And in Victorian society, even a whisper of scandal--substantiated or not--can be the death of a young woman's reputation. Now under the watchful eye of Lord Roy Pierson, one of most influential men in England, Julia begrudgingly accepts his protection.  But Chance Macy's power is far-reaching as well, and he is eager to assert his claim over her.

Thrust into society as the Emerald Heiress, Julia is the toast of London, a celebrated curiosity. But in reality she's trapped between the clutches of two powerful men.  Aided only by a gentleman whose intentions she prays she can trust, Julia must finally take control of her own fate--but outwitting one's foe rarely goes according to plan.

About Author:

Jessica Dotta has always been fascinated by the intricacies of society that existed in England from the Regency through the Edwardian era. She writes in a manner that blends past and modern fiction techniques. She lives in the Nashville area and works as a free lance media consultant and publicist. Her first novel Born of Persuasion releases in September of 2013.

Plots and Plans ~ Review

Plots and Plans

By Kelly Eileen Hake

All Jessalyn Culpepper wants is her father to be proud of her and not because she was finished at the various lady's schools she's gone to over the last 7 years.  After all being a "Lady" means sitting side-saddle, napping during the day, and just general foolishness.  She longs to take part in the day-to-day activity of the ranch she loves. 

But when Jessalyn finally returns home she doesn't get the homecoming she's been dreaming of.  In fact it is as if everyone she knew is gone. But no one is going to stop her from making a place for herself not even ranch foreman Tucker Carmichael.

But nothing is ever easy especially when two people are equally mule-headed.  But sometimes two parts stubborn is just what is necessary to get the job done.

This is a fun book that is easy to  read.  It is the perfect distraction from all the stresses of the day.  Plots and Pans addresses several issues of the day including women's rights and racial prejudice.  But overall this is a feel good book as Jessalyn and Tucker learn to work together and trust in God.  This book is complete in and of itself, but I wouldn't mind a sequel and that to me is a sign that a book is good - the desire to read more about the characters.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Barbour through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.  

About the Book:

Can A Cranky Cowboy. . .
Order dictates Tucker Carmichael’s life—his orders. On a cattle drive, a moment’s hesitation can mean the difference between life and death. The Chisholm Trail is dirty, dangerous, and no place for dainty ladies. That’s just part of why he loves it.

. . .and A Clever Cook. . .
Jessalyn Culpepper’s life is perfectly ordered—by men. By her father’s mandate, she was booted from their beloved ranch for lady lessons abroad. Now Jessalyn has returned home, determined to show them all that a woman can manage everything from cooking to cattle—whether they like it or not!

. . .Stir Up More Than Trouble?
Tucker does his level best to keep his partner’s headstrong sister out of trouble—and he’s horrified when she wants to join the cattle drive. But when they lose their chuck wagon cook, the last thing Tucker wants might be the only solution. . . .

Will God lead two stubborn souls to love along a trail filled with their Plots and Pans?



About the Author:

       Kelly Eileen Hake received her first writing contract at the tender age of seventeen and arranged to wait three months until she was able to legally sign it. Since that first contract a decade ago, she’s fulfilled twenty contracts ranging from short stories to novels. In her spare time, she’s attained her BA in English Literature and Composition, earned her credential to teach English in secondary schools, and went on to complete her MA in Writing Popular Fiction.
       Writing for Barbour combines two of Kelly’s great loves—history and reading. A CBA bestselling author and member of American Christian Fiction Writers, she’s been privileged to earn numerous Heartsong Presents Reader’s Choice Awards and is known for her witty, heartwarming historical romances.
        A newlywed, she and her gourmet-chef husband live in Southern California with their golden lab mix, Midas!

Here to Stay ~ Review

Here to Stay
By Melissa Tagg

Autumn Kingsley has a dream and has had it for years, but life keeps getting in her way.  She should have gone to see the world years ago. Instead she's stuck in Whisper Shore, Michigan, running a family owned inn that is falling down around her in a dying town.

Blake Hunziker has spent the last few years of his life running.  Running from the guilt.  Running from the pain.  But now he's decided to return home and his parents wrath.  But his parents don't respond the way Blake expected - in fact he feels almost like the prodigal son.  He's sure to mess something up again - after all that's what he does and someone usually gets hurt in the process.

With less than a month until the traditional Christmas Festival is suppose to start (giving Whisper Shore a much needed tourist boost) the long-time events coordinator quits.  Soon Blake and Autumn find themselves planning a Christmas Festival that will be unlike any that Whisper Shore has ever seen.  But there are a few bumps along the way - such as the feud between the Kingsley and Hunziker families.

Here to Stay is a delightful book that I'm glad I was convinced to read.  I was convinced during the monthly online chat between readers and authors that TBCN organizes one Monday evening a month.  And I'm not sorry that I agreed to read and review this book.  There are several stories threading throughout the book. The tragic loss of a loved one.  The pressure of family expectation.  The desire to achieve one's dream.  And the bonds of family and friends.  These are seamlessly woven together in a story you won't soon forget. My only regret is I picked it up at 1 am to glance at it and instead spent the night reading instead of sleeping, but it was that good and I really wanted to know what happened.  (Now I have to get a copy of Melissa's previous book Made to Last so I can read more about Blake!)

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House/Melissa Tagg through TBCN in exchange for my honest review.

You can join in the fun at TBCN by clicking here.

About the book:

Blake Hunziker has played nomad for five years and landed in his fair share of trouble too. But now he’s finally returning to his hometown–the Lake Michigan tourist town of Whisper Shore. Counting on a not-so-warm welcome, he’s surprised at not only a positive reception but also a job offer. Determined to settle down and prove himself responsible, he agrees to the catch that comes with the job offer–coordinating the annual Christmas festival–even though he has no idea how he’ll pull it off.

Autumn Kingsley, inn owner and experienced organizer of the Christmas festival, has always dreamed of traveling the world. Now she has a job opportunity in Paris and a surprise potential investor coming to town who just might take on her family’s inn and finally leave her free to go. The only problem is that she has just two weeks to whip the inn into shape.

Their families have a long history of not getting along, but when Blake comes to Autumn for help with the festival, she actually agrees…in exchange for his help with the repairs to her inn. They may have struck a simple deal, but complications are quick to pile on when the guy who’s had enough of running away and the woman who can’t wait to leave join forces.

About the author:

Melissa Tagg, author of Made to Last and Here to Stay, is a former reporter and total Iowa girl. In addition to her homeless ministry day job, she is also the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft and coaching community for writers. When she’s not writing, she can be found hanging out with the coolest family ever, watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next book. She’s passionate about humor, grace, and happy endings. Melissa blogs regularly and loves connecting with readers at www.melissatagg.com.

Stolen But Not Lost ~ Review

Stolen But Not Lost
By Janet Tombow

Stolen but not Lost is one woman's journey to discover the truth behind her mother's abandonment, what she learns is not what she expected.

When her mother leaves Janet behind her father soon marries again giving Janet a new mother.  But Janet's childhood was not happy as she was frequently abused by her step-mother.  The insecurities that became part of Janet's personality kept her from seeking the truth for years.

The journey to the truth that Janet embarks on will at time bring you to tears.  This is one woman's journey to healing and freedom.

I was provided a copy of this book through TBCN/BookFun.org in exchange for my honest review.

~~~~~

About the Book:

"How could a Mother not love her child?" What if you thought you weren't loved or wanted your whole life...only to learn there was another shocking side to this story?!

When the deliberately hidden truths were revealed at last, would you then ask: "How can people do these hurtful things to one another?!" What if God wanted you to know the truth, but you weren't listening or obeying Him quickly enough?

What if the journey would take nearly a lifetime...over 45 years...of grief, regrets, and finally some miracles, to overcome the lies you were told?

Could you handle this plan for your life? In this heart-warming true story, see how the author discovered the truth, finally yielded to God's will, and had a whole new future opened to her...before it was too late! Learn how even the unfathomable truth...can truly set you free!

PDQ ~ Review

PDQ
By Ronald Glanz

PDQ is an interesting book.  When a series of convenience stories robberies suddenly go bad and end in murder Detectives Schultz and Finney are even more determined to find the perpetrator.

But nothing is ever simple and this story offers up a surprising twist when it comes time to charge someone with these crimes.  The characters in this book are for the most part quite pitiful in the unhappiness they seem to be stuck in.

Overall this was an attention grabbing story (except for a couple of typos that broke my reading concentration).  This book is set in Madison, Wisconsin in 1990.  Get ready for surprise.

I was provided a copy of this book by the author through TCBN/BookFun.org in exchange for my honest review.