Rachel ~ Review

Rachel 
Wives of the Patriarchs #3
By Jill Eileen Smith

Rachel is the third book in the Wives of the Patriarchs series. Though entitled Rachel this is not Rachel's story alone.  This a look at the life she shares with her sister Leah and the husband that they are forced to share.  The sibling rivalry that these two young women have been living with is just compounded as they both seek to capture the heart of their husband while thwarting the other.

At the heart of the deception that Jacob, Rachel, and Leah find themselves caught up in is Laban.  Laban is the father of both Rachel and Leah and he is the brother of Jacob's mother - Rebekah. The man who wanted to profit from his sister's marriage is determined to make a profit off his nephew in exchange for the privilege of marrying his daughter.

But the very deception that drove Jacob from his home haunts him as he faces deception in the very home that he sought refuge in.  As Jacob works to gain the desire of his heart he has time to contemplate what he did to his father and to his brother to gain the promise that he was told was his.

It is interesting to read this book as I had read the previous book Rebekah.  Laban's trickery is similar to what Jacob and Rebekah did to Isaac, and I find the familial weakness for deception through the various generations interesting.  One has no choice but to feel for both Rachel and Leah as their story progresses.  Leah because she seeks her husband's love and Rachel because she fears losing her husband's love if she cannot produce an heir.  Both sisters desire what the other has, but can they discover true peace?  Or will they destroy any chance for peace as Jacob seeks a way to return to the home of his parents?

I like the way Rachel, Leah, and Jacob are brought to life in such a way that one can sympathize with all three of them.  This is a story most people are familiar with, but this is not your childhood Sunday School lesson.  There are lessons woven seamlessly throughout that will speak to your heart.  This is one story you won't want to miss!  I can honestly say I did not want to put this book down until I finished it and I'm interested to see what comes next from Jill Eileen Smith!

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher, Revell, in exchange for my honest review.

Can true love overcome a legacy of betrayal?

Rachel wants nothing more than for her older half sister Leah to wed and move out of their household. Leah wishes her father would find a good man who would love her alone. Unbeknownst to either of them, Jacob is making his way to their home, trying to escape a past laced with deceit and find the future God has promised him.

But the past comes back to haunt Jacob when he finds himself on the receiving end of treachery. The man who wanted only one woman ends up with sisters who have never gotten along and now must spend the rest of their lives sharing a husband. In the power struggles that follow, only one woman will triumph . . . or will she?

Combining meticulous research with her own imaginings, bestselling author Jill Eileen Smith not only tells one of the most famous love stories of all time but will manage to surprise even those who think they know the story inside and out.

Love's Sweet Beginning ~ Review

Love's Sweet Beginning
Sisters at Heart - Book 3
By Ann Shorey

Cassie Haddon is determined to make her way and to support both herself and her mother.  Her uncle says she's useless and she is going to prove him and everyone else wrong.  But first she has to convince Jacob West to give her a job in his restaurant.

But her mother can't accept Cassie's new status as a lowly servant.  After all Cassie has been raised to be the perfect lady of luxury and the wife of a man of social status and wealth.  And the house that Cassie procures for them is so far beneath what they are used to that her mother is in a continual pout.

Jacob never planned to hire more help for his restaurant/grocery but Cassie's determination and spirit manage to convince him that she's asset and not a hinderance.  But Jacob is hiding from his past - a past that  he fears could destroy everything he has accomplished in Nobel Springs and a possibility of a future with Cassie.

Fearing that Cassie may never rise above the servant role she has taken, her mother begins manipulating to secure the future she envisions for her daughter - a future that includes wealth, prestige, and luxury. But a future without the assurance of love isn't in Cassie's plans, but how can she fight for the future she desires and still honor her mother?

As Cassie and Jacob work towards their continued success they must come to terms with the issues that are keeping them apart before they can discover all that the future has to offer them.  Secrets from the past must be laid to rest and there are definitely some interesting ones that are revealed throughout the book.

The Sisters at Heart series of books can be stand-alone books, but by reading them all you will have more fully developed characters whom one will see grow throughout the series.  Love's Sweet Beginnings is an enlightening glimpse at the railroad industry at its beginnings and the expansion that it brought with it as it moved west.  The status of the recently freed slaves is also explored and presented in the presence of two characters.  All-in-all this is a well-written book that capture your attention and provide a welcome week-end distraction.

I was provided a copy of this book by the Revell Reads blogger program in exchange for my honest and original review.

What will it take for a once-privileged young woman to make her way in the world? 

It isn't Cassie Haddon's fault that she has reached the age of twenty-five without possessing any useful skills. Until the War Between the States, she always had servants. Since then, she and her mother have been forced to rely on family to care for them. But now the well of human kindness has run dry--and Cassie must find work to support them.

Unfortunately, leaving the past behind is easier said than done, and Cassie must summon all of her courage and wits to convince local restaurateur and grocer Jacob West that she's exactly what his business needs.

With her signature sweet romance, Ann Shorey weaves a tale of two people from different backgrounds finding common ground and the hope of a bright future together.

Elusive Hope ~ Review

Elusive Hope
Escape to Paradise - Book 2
By MaryLu Tyndall

The colonists from the South are settling into their new colony.  But Hayden is determined to track down his father - the man he blames for ruining his life when he abandoned his mother.  And Magnolia is determined to find a way back to Charlestown and her fiance Samuel.

But to get what they both want they are willing to use the other to achieve their heart's desires.  But what they want isn't what God has planned for them and they are about to be confronted about the truth of who they really are.

But something sinister has been awakened and the colonists of New Hope are about to come face-to-face with the shame and sins of their past.  A darkness and evil has been thwarting their every move since they left Charlestown and its presence is even stronger in the jungle.

Elusive Hope is an interesting and enjoyable reading experience.  This is more than a search for a new life while recapturing what was lost during the War Between the States.  There is a spiritual aspect to the story that is, in my opinion, the heart of the book.  The cover really does do justice to the story - Magnolia and her obsession with her appearance (note the mirror she's holding).  Until one sees one's true self and not the persona we present to the world we all are seeking an Elusive Hope - a hope that we can only see through God's eyes.

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

In a colony named New Hope, while their friends are seeking a Southern utopia. . . .

Hayden is seeking revenge. Relentlessly.

After years of all but selling his soul to track down his scoundrel of a father, Hayden Gale discovers his search must continue in South America, where his father is reported to be helping colonize Brazil. Hayden has nothing more to lose, certainly not a good reputation, and vows to keep pursuing--at any cost--the vile man who he believes killed his mother. 

Magnolia is seeking a way out. Desperately.

She’s in the jungles of Brazil against her will, but what choice does Magnolia Scott have? Her father insisted on uprooting their family to escape the uncertainty of Southern life after the Civil War. But how will she survive without all she holds dear—wealthy suitors, beautiful clothes, summer balls, and slaves waiting on her every whim? She vows to find a way to get back home—and attaches herself to handsome Hayden Gale.

As they journey toward Rio de Janeiro, they both seek to use the other for their own purposes. Deceptively. Falling in love was never part of their plans. . . .

Saturday's Child ~ Review

Saturday's Child 

by Clare Revell 

Aaron Field is facing a deadline and an evil unlike anything he's prepared to fight until Meaghan Knight enters his world.  But the evil that Aaron is facing has been slowly choking him and all he holds dear.

When it comes to evil step-mothers Tanis Field has got to take the prize. She's the epitome of evil and she has slowly been tearing her family apart over the years and Aaron is last one who can stop her and with Meggie's help he may find the courage to turn to God again.  

Saturday's Child is a fight not only in the physical world but in the spiritual.  And without the prayers and support of know those who know them Aaron and Meggie may not survive the coming battle for their souls.

Saturday's Child takes a look at the dangerous power that is the occult and its effect on those who are exposed to its seductive deceptions.  Without a strong faith and an even stronger relationship with God one cannot hope to withstand the onslaught of demonic evil. 

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Pelican Books and TBCN/BookFun.org in exchange for my honest and fair review.

Aaron Field is a farmer. He’s sworn off parties and bonfires, and being more concerned with losing his farm than anything else, he has little time for church. When his field is hired by the church for a Guy Fawkes night bonfire, Aaron is ill prepared for the feisty Welsh woman who steps onto his land and into his heart.

Meaghan Knight is a farmer’s daughter. It’s her job to make sure the church’s bonfire party runs smoothly, and if that means ironing out the kinks in surly Farmer Field then that’s what she’ll do. When she finds out what’s really behind his attitude, she feels ill prepared to face his history, his family, and the danger.

As Aaron and Meghan join forces, they discover an evil so demonic it threatens not only the farm, but their lives, as well. Meghan knows God can prevail, but first she has to convince Aaron not to give up.

Seams Unlikely ~ Review

Seams Unlikely
By Nancy Zieman
with Marjorie L. Russell

 The Inspiring True Life Story of 

Nancy Zieman

Have you ever watched Sewing with Nancy?  Have you ever wondered about the woman behind this informative and enjoyable show?  Well, with Seams Unlikely you are offered a rare glimpse into the life of this inspiring woman who overcame challenges to get to where she is today. 

Learn about Nancy's childhood in rural Wisconsin and how family played an important role in who she became as she struggled to overcome health challenges.  Her upbringing helped her find the strength and determination to become the woman America loves to watch sew!

"...If something is worthwhile you have to work for it," was a philosophy that Nancy learned early in life and has stayed with her and it is quite evident that she applied it well.  This is one work ethic that we all would do well to remember!

There are glimpses into Nancy's world from her family, friends, and employees that add an extra touch to Seams Unlikely.  This isn't your normal autobiography - it is a story of inspiration and triumph. There are even a couple of well-loved family recipes thrown in that I have to admit I'm looking forward to trying out.   

This is a book that will appeal to fans of Sewing with Nancy and Wisconsinites!  Learn about rural Midwest living in the 1950's - 1970's.  This is one book that will appeal on many levels.

I was provided a copy of this book by Glass Road Media & Management in conjunction with this Blog Tour and in exchange for my honest review.

About Seams Unlikely

In an age when hard-working women don't know if we should lean in, lean out, or lean on someone, Nancy Zieman's voice of calm, experienced authority is welcome. The lessons she shares are ones every businesswoman should take to heart.

In Seams Unlikely, Nancy: 

* Shares her life story for the first time
*Gives details of the onset of Bell's Palsy and how it played a part during school
*Reveals the intricate involvement of 4-H in her development
*Tells, step-by-step, how she grew Nancy's Notions from a basement in her home into a multi-million dollar business
*Includes behind-the-scenes information on the growth of Sewing with Nancy from filming in her living room to a long-term partnership with Wisconsin Public Television
*Shows pictures of the people, buildings, and places that played key roles along the path of her life

Reading of the growth of Nancy's family (she is a married mother of two, one son by birth, one by adoption) alongside the growth of her show and business is both familiar and instructive to working moms. Nancy created solutions in both the workplace and at home, to carve a niche uniquely suited to her situation and talents. It's a goal to which many of us aspire. And Nancy Zieman's story gives us key insight.

About Nancy Zieman
 

Nancy Zieman is host of Sewing with Nancy, TV's longest-running sewing show, which she co-produces with Wisconsin Public Television. It has been on-air since 1982. She is the author of over 40 books, which have sold millions of copies and instructed numerous individuals on the finer points of sewing everything from clothing to quilts to home décor.

Nancy has been married to Richard Zieman for 36 years and they have two sons, Ted and Tom. She continues to host Sewing with Nancy,which her fans loyally tune in to public television to watch. Learn more at SeamsUnlikely.com. 

Chronological Life Application Study Bible -KJV ~ Review

Tyndale Chronological Life Application Study Bible 
King James Version
Published by Tyndale House Publishers

The Chronological Life Application Study Bible presents the Bible in a chronological manner.  Rather than being broken down into the books we are all familiar with the Bible is presented in a historical timeline.  Naturally Genesis still starts everything off because as it says "In the beginning God created..."  

But there is some much more that this Bible has to offer - there is a complete Biblical timeline in which Biblical events and significant world events are shown in relation to one another.

There are also short yet concise biographical overview of key people in the Bible with scriptural references to where they are mention throughout the Bible 

There are also themes to the various sections and those delved into and major events, people, geographical settings, and Biblical books are presented at the beginning of the section.  Likewise between the two Testaments a short overview of the history and major events effecting the Hebrew people and the world is presented setting the world scene for Jesus' birth. 

I really like the Section overviews and the Chronological Header System that lets you know what time period your current Bible passage is in.  At the back of the Bible there is a Book-by-Book where the books are individually presented with an overview and the main themes/message.  There is also a Dictionary/Concordance and region maps to further bring greater understanding of the Bible.  Also I also found the Biblical Calendar very interesting comparing our modern months to Hebrew and Babylonian months.

I will admit it takes a little bit of time to get used to the Bible not being in a book format - I especially found this to be true in the Gospels rather than in the Old Testament.  But it was interesting seeing and reading the Gospels together in this format.  But the beauty and poetic appeal of the language of the KJV still comes through.  This is definitely a Bible that have an appeal to anyone wanting to study the historical aspects of the Bible.

I was provided a copy of this Bible by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.  

“A refreshing way to experience God’s story; a trusted way to apply it to your life.”

Learn more or purchase by visiting the official CLASB web page today!

The four-color Chronological Life Application Study Bible (CLASB) combines the proven resources of the Life Application Study Bible with a chronological format and several brand-new resources. The Bible is arranged in 10 chronological sections, which helps the reader to see how the various pieces of the Bible fit together. Section intros and timelines set the stage for the passages in each section. Archaeological notes and photographs help to bring God's story to life in a whole new way. And of course, the Life Application resources answer the all—important question—"so what?"

Shadows of the Past ~ Review

Shadows of the Past
Logan Point #1
By Patricia Bradley

Sometimes the power of the past holds us captive, but our mind twists it so that sometimes reality and imagination become distorted in what we know or what we think we should know.  But knowing the truth can free to move out of the past and into the present with a hope of what the future may hold.

Taylor Martin is still dealing from the fallout from her father's desertion 20 years ago and to make it worse the long forgotten nightmares have returned.  But this time Taylor is determined to find the answers to the questions she hasn't been allowed to ask.

But someone is stalking Taylor and she's convinced she knows the stalker, even if she can't prove it yet.  When a family situation takes her home, she never realized that her problems would follow her from Washington to Mississippi.  Even worse now her family will learn the truth about her job and the dangers she faces.  What could be worse?

Running into the man whose brother she suspects is definitely worse.  Especially when there seems to be a possible attraction between them.  But romance and another failed relationship is the last thing Taylor wants.  And the last thing that Nick Sinclair wants or needs is a woman who lives life on the edge, especially since his wife's violent murder.

Nick Sinclair is searching for Scott his estranged brother.  But by tracking Scott down to Newton, Washington, he finds that his little brother may be in even bigger trouble than he ever imagined.  Scott is accused of stalking and worse Taylor Martin seems convinced that Scott is guilty.  How did a sweet, caring young man from Tennessee get himself into such a mess?

When circumstances bring Taylor and Nick together again, they decide to come to a mutual truce to discover the truth.  For Nick it is clearing his brother and for Taylor it is stopping her stalker.  Can these two hurting people move out of the Shadows of the Past and embrace whatever the future may hold?

This a good weekend read and you will be trying to figure out who did it along with Taylor and Nick. It may or may not be who you think...  Some truths are better left to the past, while others need to see the light of day so that the power they wield may be ended.  I'm looking forward to future installments in the Lone Point series and more from the Martin and Sinclair families and maybe a few more family mysteries being solved.

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


While she's stalking the truth . . . someone is stalking her.
Psychology professor and criminal profiler Taylor Martin prides herself on being able to solve any crime, except the one she wants most desperately to solve--the disappearance of her father twenty years ago. When she finally has a lead on his whereabouts, Taylor returns home to Logan Point, Mississippi, to investigate. But as she works to uncover the truth, someone else will do almost anything to keep her from it.

Nick Sinclair pens mystery novels for a living, but the biggest mystery to him is how he can ever get over the death of his wife--a tragedy he believes he could have prevented. Now that his estranged brother is the only family he has left, Nick sets out to find him. But when he crosses paths with Taylor, all he seems to find is trouble.

Join the chase as Taylor and Nick search the murky shadows of the past for the keys to unlocking the present--and moving into a future they never imagined.