The Dawn of Christmas ~ Review

The Dawn of Christmas
By Cindy Woodsmall

When Sadie Yoder's heart was broken by her wayward fiancee, she was the one found at fault in eyes of most people.  Four years have passed and Daed wants her to return home.  But Sadie is determined to remain single and return on yet another mission trip to Peru.  But Daed won't hear of it, it's time for her to return home and settle down.

What's a girl to do?

When Sadie finds an injured man, she secretly gets him aid.  Soon she and Levi hatch a plan - they will pretend to be seeing each other and so lessen the demands and expectations of their respective families.

But what happens when pretend becomes real?  And when Sadie's former fiancee again comes into her life what will she do?  Can one overcome hurt and betrayal or will the lies just continue?

I do think Sadie's family and friends were a little hard on her not believing her and what she saw. But overall The Dawn of Christmas is a sweet story with some of your favorite characters from other Apple Ridge Christmas stories from Cindy Woodsmall making an appearance.  I really liked this book and would highly recommend it to anyone wanting a Christmas story with a touch of romance without an overabundance of sap included.  And this time of year sap should stay on the Christmas trees!

I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.

Learn more about The Dawn of Christmas and Cindy Woodsmall:

• Author's Web site
• More Info
• Read Chapter One
• Author Bio

Dear Mr. Knightley ~ Review

Dear Mr. Knightley
A Novel
By Katherine Reay

How many of us hide away from life within the pages of a book? Well, in Samantha Moore's case life is literally passing her by as she tries to project the characteristics that she most admires from her favorite characters.  Unfortunately, Austenisms just don't play well when one is trying to connect with those who don't take classic literature quite so seriously.

When Sam is offered a grant to pay her way through college, she has one obligation.  She must write frequent letters to her mysterious and secretive benefactor - who goes by the name of George Knightley.  But Sam is not to expect any response in return. This opportunity is more than Sam could have ever hoped for - a chance to reveal the hurts and fears buried deep within her soul - hurts that have separated her from what she most needs - love!

As new worlds open to her, Sam begins the slow path towards healing.  But something could set her back if she lets down her guard.  Is she willing to risk everything to claim her dream?

Sam Moore is someone I enjoyed getting to know and her taste in books is a fun mix of classics and classic rewrites.  For me my book to get lost in for years was Lucy Maude Montgomery's Emily of New Moon trilogy and I freely admit that I projected the characters onto the people in my own life when I was at some low points.  But unlike Sam I could discern the difference between my literary world and the real world.

This is a story of growth and triumph.  It is a journey of discovery of one's true self.  Austen fans are sure to love this book!  Looking forward to see what Katherine Ream writes next as this book  was an enchanting and thoughtfully written masterpiece dealing with the human soul.

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

Book Description

Samantha Moore has always hidden behind the words of others—namely, her favorite characters in literature. Now, she will learn to write her own story—by giving that story to a complete stranger.

Sam is, to say the least, bookish. An English major of the highest order, her diet has always been Austen, Dickens, and Shakespeare. The problem is, both her prose and conversation tend to be more Elizabeth Bennet than Samantha Moore.

But life for the twenty-three-year-old orphan is about to get stranger than fiction. An anonymous, Dickensian benefactor (calling himself Mr. Knightley) offers to put Sam through Northwestern University’s prestigious Medill School of Journalism. There is only one catch: Sam must write frequent letters to the mysterious donor, detailing her progress.

As Sam’s dark memory mingles with that of eligible novelist Alex Powell, her letters to Mr. Knightley become increasingly confessional. While Alex draws Sam into a world of warmth and literature that feels like it’s straight out of a book, old secrets are drawn to light. And as Sam learns to love and trust Alex and herself, she learns once again how quickly trust can be broken.

Reminding us all that our own true character is not meant to be hidden, Reay’s debut novel follows one young woman’s journey as she sheds her protective persona and embraces the person she was meant to become.

Joseph Beyond the Coat of Many Colors ~ Review

Joseph ~
Beyond the Coat of Many Colors
By Mary Englund Murphy

Joseph Beyond the Coat of Many Colors is more than just a study of Joseph and his life.  Starting with Abraham we are taken on a journey that brings us up to Joseph.  Joseph and his brothers are directly affected by how Abraham, Issac, and Jacob manipulated to get what they wanted.

We study Joseph and his brothers and we relate them to our daily life.  Just as God didn't give up on on Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and his sons - He doesn't give up on us.  We can use Joseph as an example of how to live a life that honors God because he exemplified Christ's life through his own.

God sees beyond the outward aspects He sees beneath the mask.  He knows our heart and He sees our true character.  And we can use Joseph Beyond the Coat of Many Colors to help us grow and become whom He desires us to be.

Often we see Joseph portrayed as someone bigger than life, but felt fear and betrayal.  He was tempted and was punished for overcoming it.  Through Joseph Beyond the Coat of Many Colors we can experience this and take strength from this in our own lives.

I liked the activities in each lesson and the scripture readings from throughout the Bible - Old and New Testament.  Each week is broken into 5 days and there are a total of 8 weeks.  This study would work as either an individual study or a family/group study.

I was provided a copy of this book by BookFun (dot) org and the author/publisher in exchange for my honest review.

 
About Joseph Beyond the Coat of Many Colors

Perhaps more than any other biblical narrative, Joseph's life is a down-to-earth model for everyday relationships. Joseph was a lonely little boy--ignored by his brothers yet coddled by his parents. Feel his fear in the pit; follow his caravan to Egypt; stand with him on the slave auction block. You will experience his struggle for sexual purity, go with him to the dungeons of Egypt, rejoice in his rise to power, weep as he forgives the hurt and betrayal of his brothers.

This interactive workbook study will detail each aspect of Joseph's life and show readers how to relate it to their own temptations and struggles with envy, disappointment, betrayal, purity, power, and forgiveness--for to one degree or another, each of us is living a Joseph life.

Lesson headings:
You Don't Get to Choose Your Family
Taking Sibling Rivalry to New Heights
When Life is the Pits
I Didn't Apply for the Job
Walking by Faith--Again!
Life at the Top
The Real Test of Character
Joseph: The Real Deal

The Search for Isaac ~ Review

The Search for Isaac
The Outrider Chronicles # 1
By Patricia Reamy

If you are a fan of Christian Speculative Fiction The Search for Isaac should appeal to you, even if you've never read it The Search for Isaac will delight and excite!  This book in my opinion is an almost dystopian book, almost but not quite.

The Outriders are an ancient group of warriors who have been imparted gifts by God.  But as with many groups who are entrusted to protect and defend a faction has arisen within them that threatens to destroy them and their work.  Those who are determined to follow the leadings of the Holy Spirit are the Old Guard and those who have wrested control for their own purpose are known as The Tempest.

The Search for Isaac is an effort on the part of both groups to find the man who use to lead them before they splintered.  Isaac could restore what has been lost or he could be used to destroy the few who remain loyal their purpose and to God.

The Search for Isaac is an exciting and intriguing book and I have to say I am eagerly awaiting the second book in this series.  And I hope to learn more about the Outriders and their beginnings!

I was provided a copy of this book through BookFun (dot) Org and the author in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

 There is dissension within the ancient organization of Outriders. 

Ariana Sommers is one among an elite group of warriors of God known as Outriders called to protect and defend lives as directed by the Holy Spirit. When the mysterious disappearance of The Organization’s leader Isaac splinters the outriders into two hostile sides, Ari finds herself the reluctant leader of The Old Guard faction. She is pitched headlong into a life and death struggle against her former friend Silas and the faction that now calls themselves The Tempest. Digging deep into her faith and into her own past to fulfill a prophecy and find forgiveness and restoration, Ari and her friends must travel the globe in order to find Isaac before The Tempest can reach him.

Quest and Honor ~ Review

Quest and Honor
Flin's Destiny #4
by Erik Olsen

Save the World -

or Save Himself

When we left Flin in Raggleroot he was out of phase with the rest of time - a direct result of Parcell's theft of the Time Continuum Glass.  Time is slowing down and unless he can restore the Glass to its rightful place the world will soon end!

What follows is another exciting and dangerous adventure deep within the earth.  Encounters with Trolls and dark forces add to the excitement.  War is coming and Flin may very well be the only one to stop it...

In addition to saving the world Flin must save a unique and dying race - the Loft Laggenders, battle Blade, save the Cathedral, and help the Leprechauns return to Clover Cavern.  No small task for anyone, but he isn't just anyone Flin is the great-great-great-grandson of Hovgard and he has a destiny to fulfill!

Quest and Honor is a fantastic continuation in the Flin's Destiny series.  One added bonus is that we are given a glimpse of the families who were left wondering 3 years ago when they were lost to the surface world.  Parcell, Sump, and Ruel are still causing trouble for those in Cobble Cavern but they are no longer a united front, if one could ever think them united.

And Flin is left with a choice.  A choice that could very well cost lives.  What he decides will determine his destiny.  What will he decide?  Read Quest and Honor to find out.  Trust me you won't be disappointed!

In exchange for my review and participation in this Cedar Fort blog tour I was provided a copy of this title.  All opinions expressed are my own and no expectations were placed on it.

Quest and Honor ~ Flin's Destiny Official site

“You and only you can save the world, Flin Newby!”
“Me? I can’t even save myself at this moment,” Flin muttered.
“Get up before it’s too late!”

Quest and Honor

(Book 4 of Flin’s Destiny Series)

Erik Olsen

Things look bad for Flin’s underground world. The Time Continuum Glass is missing, Flin is stuck in another time dimension, and the anemone that protects Cobble Cavern is dying. Along with that, Flin’s enemy, Blade, is on the move, searching for a way to keep everyone trapped below the ocean.

Even more disturbing than these problems is the secret that was revealed to Flin deep inside a mysterious cavern. He has seen his future—a fate he doesn’t want to fulfill. Packed with magical creatures, old acquaintances, and new discoveries, this installment to the Flin’s Destiny series has predicaments building up faster than the inhabitants of Cobble Cavern can deal with them.

Guest Post by William Buisch author of The Ark's Cargo with Giveaway

Today's Guest Post is by author William Buisch and it relates to his book The Ark's Cargo....

 If you like romance, love, excitement, drama, adventure, exotic tales/tails and situational comedy, I have just the right book for you!  And then with the ever present animalistic behavior and the discussion of male prowess while being, a bit bullish at times I am sure you will appreciate and love this collection of real life stories.  Don't be sheepish or cackle at the story line!  But rather, enjoy the horsing around and the descriptions of unusual harems and the sexuality of a semen collection facility.  All of this and more is included in the award winning book entitled, “The Ark’s Cargo: For the Love of Animals!

     The memoir is about an International Veterinarian who worked in poverty stricken areas of the world including that of working in Haiti, the jungles of Panama, in Colombia in areas under the control of drug lords, in Mali, along the road to Timbuktu and in Kenya where the Maasi believe they own all of the cattle in the world. 

     The stories include efforts to improve the health and welfare of both wild and domesticated animals in order to improve the well being of the human populations living near by.  While the episodes may get a little wild at times, each adventure doesn’t necessarily achieve the success hoped for.  Nevertheless, the lessons learned and the relationships developed established long lasting effects of international trust and respect that will last for years to come!

     Having worked with the Wild Mustangs in Colorado and Nevada may be the highlight for some.  But facing the terror of a black jaguar, or being “attacked” by a Battalion of Troops, or facing a native with a shield and spear aimed at one’s heart; will often attract the attention of others.  And then there is the matter of the ever “screwing” Screwworm Fly; the experience of shipping cattle in a school bus; or the experience of being an unseasoned seaman in the North Atlantic.  All I can say is; this is only the beginning!  And as such, do enjoy!!!

ABOUT THE ARK’S CARGO

This memoir describes the challenges a young man faces in achieving his dream of becoming a veterinarian. Even a period of homelessness and limited resources do not interfere with his commitment to achieve success. And this is only the beginning! Soon he is faced with the challenges of working in the jungles of Panama, facing the ravages of a roaming black jaguar and the defenses of a native village against the entrance of man or beast. Then, how about Haiti, where the Tonton Macoute militias believe in instant justice, rarely valuing life, or Columbia, where the drug lords have absolute rule. As if that isn’t enough, consider working in the African continent, along the tales surrounding the first shipment of Charolais cattle to the United States or the many facets of working with the wild mustangs in Colorado. Each exciting adventure is told with suspense, drama, and humor! Enjoy!

Purchase your copy:

Click here -

ABOUT WILLIAM W. BUISCH, DVM

Inspired by biblical passages and teachings, the author cherished his work as an international veterinarian. His passion for improving the health and welfare of domesticated and wild animals is most noteworthy. Working within diverse cultures, he observed vast health improvements in animals and, as a result, in people living nearby.

Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash!

Terms & Conditions:

• By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
• One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate or Paypal Cash.
• This giveaway begins September 9 – January 3
• Winners will be contacted via email on January 4 2014.
• Winner has 48 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

 

December 9

Guest blogging at Blooming with Books

December 10

Guest blogging at Authors and Readers Book Corner

December 11

Guest blogging at CelticLady’s Reviews

December 12

Interviewed at Review From Here

December 18

Guest blogging at Acting Balanced

December 19

Guest blogging at Moonlight, Lace and Mayhem

December 20

Guest blogging at Bibliotica

December 23

Guest blogging at Every Free Chance

Guest blogging at Crystal’s Many Reviews

December 24

Guest blogging at Sapphyria’s Book Reviews

December 26

Guest blogging at Raven Reviews

December 27

Book reviewed at My Devotional Thoughts

December 30

Guest blogging at Ali’s Books

December 31

Guest blogging at Allvoices

January 1

Interviewed at I’m Shelf-ish

January 2

Book reviewed at Review From Here

January 3

Interviewed at Literal Exposure

Book reviewed at The Self Taught Cook

How Did They Do That? ~ Review

How Did They Do That?
Career Highlights, Triumphs, and Challenges
By Deborah Tompkins Johnson

Touching on the lives of 12 different people who have succeeded in their lives, we the reader are taken on a journey of triumph.  Many times adversities have to be overcome in order for the person to achieve their goal.

In each case the person was focused on their goal and they made the effort to achieve.  Education and the support of those in their lives is a common thread running throughout their lives.

Each story is told from the perspective of the person about whom is the focus, which adds a distinctive and unique flavor to each. This book would be a great gift to give to a young person in your life as it would be an encouragement to them as they determine the path that they are about to forge for their own life.

I was provided a copy of this book by BookFun (dot) org and the publisher/author in exchange for my honest review.

About How Did They Do That: Career Highlights triumphs and challenges

Deborah Tompkins Johnson said she wrote the book with young people in mind. “If they can read about different people, their experiences, they can find that helpful,” she said. “I hope the book will…let them know that you have to have a plan, but almost always, the plan is going to change…to expect that. Life happens.”

When asked about plans for another book, Johnson said that for now she is focused on the success of How Did They Do That? “So happy to say this book is completed…very thankful and hope that many people will find it beneficial,” she said. Her plans include speaking engagements where she can share the lessons learned in researching the book.

“It’s ok to write in this book, take notes,” said Johnson. “Pass it on to a young person who is maybe new to their career, or graduating. Join me in this effort to encourage young people.”