While Love Stirs ~ Review

While Love Stirs
The Gregory Sisters, Book 2
By Lorna Seilstad

While Love Stirs is the second book in the Gregory Sisters series and it is just as entertaining as the first book When Love Calls.  First off Charlotte has graduated from the Fannie Farmer's School of Cookery and she is determined to use her newly acquired skills to change the world -- if only the world would cooperate.

First up get a job at a well-known kitchen as a chef's assistant.  But all the kitchens are run by male chefs, who are of the opinion the only kitchen a woman belongs in is the one procured for her by her husband!

Then the food found on the hospital trays is an absolute travesty.  And after seeing what Hannah is served after her daughter is born, Charlotte finds another reason to champion food for the ill and convalescent.  But Dr. Joel Brooks may be a bit of a problem when it comes to dietary reform.  And an even bigger problem for her heart if she's not careful.

While this is Charlotte's story, Tessa manages to get herself into a bit of a situation when she gets a job at a theater.  Tessa's a typical youngest sister with her teasing of Charlotte about her potential suitors.  And Hannah is a support as Charlotte tries to determine where her heart is leading her.

I really love the Gregory sisters and can't wait to see what comes next.  This is a feel good book and it is a great way to give yourself a boost when you've had a hard day.  The importance of family is shown in this book.  Another important focus of While Love Stirs is trust and Charlotte and Joel both have problems with trust that only love can overcome.

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

Take one lovely young woman.

Add two ambitious young men.

Stir . . . and stand back.

As a graduate of Fannie Farmer's School of Cookery, Charlotte Gregory is thrilled to have the opportunity to travel, lecture, and give cooking demonstrations on the very latest kitchen revolution--the gas stove. And she certainly doesn't mind that the gas company has hired the kindhearted Lewis Mathis to entertain at her lectures.

Lewis encourages Charlotte's work, especially her crusade to introduce fresh, appetizing, nutritious food to those convalescing in hospitals. But young hospital superintendent Dr. Joel Brooks is not convinced any changes should be made--especially by this outspoken young woman.

When Charlotte and Joel are coerced into planning a fund-raising gala for the hospital, will this combustible pair explode?

Follow the second Gregory sister as she looks for true love and makes her way in a rapidly changing world in this breezy, lighthearted love triangle that will keep you guessing.

Lorna Seilstad is the author of When Love Calls and the Lake Manawa Summers series. A former high school English and journalism teacher, she has won several online writing contests and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Lorna lives in Iowa with her husband. Learn more at www.lornaseilstad.com.

Seasons of Tomorrow ~ Review

Seasons of Tomorrow
Amish Vines and Orchards, Book 4
By Cindy Woodsmall

The new Amish community in Orchard Bend, Maine, is about to face yet again a threat to its future.  But this is a threat that could destroy more than just the new community, it could destroy the friendships and families that are holding it together.

Rhoda's "gift" has angered Benjamin King and he has come to voice his concerns about Rhoda's influence in the Orchard Bend community.  But his visit brings an unexpected surprise when he discovers Leah and Landon's involvement.  Leah hasn't embraced the Amish faith as her father had hoped she would and actually seems to be more drawn to the Englischer life because of her feelings for Landon Olson.

But when an ultimatum is given the community loses one of its members and everything they've been working for could threaten the orchard and its upcoming harvest.  And when illness strikes they could lose one of their own.

Seasons of Tomorrow is a time of healing and a time of discovering what is truly important as everyone must come together to overcome yet again to overcome the challenges of life.

In this final installment of the Amish Vines and Orchards series the members of the Byler and King families learn what is truly important.  Is it the duty one has to family, community, or to one's heart?  Join Rhoda, Samuel, Leah, Landon, and Jacob as they each discover the truth for themselves.

My only problem with this book is that it ends a delightful series that truly looks at the heart of the family and the struggles it faces every day.  This is one series that you'll want to revisit as each person grows to be who he or she was intended to be.

 I received this book for free from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

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What is Hidden ~ Review

What is Hidden
By Lauren Skidmore

What is Hidden is a delightful story that just captures one's imagination and carries you away for the duration of the story.  What is Hidden is a Cinderella, The False Prince (by Jennifer A Neilsen), The Captive Maiden (by Melanie Dickerson) all rolled into one story and yet is both unique and charming.

I was drawn to this book by the cover - there is a vibrancy that just made me want to, need to read it.  And the cover is just the beginning. Get ready to be swept off to a land of mystery.

Venesia is a land where everyone hides.  Simple masks to masks of exquisite detail hide people from each other and tradition demands it.

Evie is a mask maker, having learned from her father.  Her dream is to learn from a master mask maker, to be able to one day create a mask worthy of the palace.  But when Evie's life is destroyed by the Chameleon she is determined to extract revenge on the man who has taken everything from her and Marked her.

But Evie must now hide who she is so that she can determine who has done this to her.  All the while Venesia is preparing for the Ball, the one where the Prince is expected to announce whom he will wed. And in true Cinderella style Evie hides herself away as a servant.

Truly a lovely story with a possible romance that you won't want to miss!  And I'm hoping for more books from Lauren Skidmore and if Evie and the Kingdom of Venesia happens to be in them I will be really, really happy!

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my participation in this blog tour and my honest review,

About the Book:
In a land of masquerades and mystery, Evie is a mask maker in Venesia, where masks represent rank and identity. When a cryptic bandit strips away Evie’s mask and destroys her home, she goes into hiding at the palace to find both a new identity—and revenge. Fantasy lovers will be caught up by the mystique, romance, and magic of What Is Hidden.

One More Last Chance ~ Review

One More Last Chance
A Place to Call Home 2
By Cathleen Armstrong

Chris Reed is determined to make the Dip 'n' Dine his own, but Last Chance, New Mexico, doesn't like change at least not at the Dip 'n' Dine.  But this has been Chris's dream to own his own place and to create the food he loves.  But in typical fashion of a small town everyone seems to be against his ideas.  Or do they?

Sarah Cooley has just returned home with her teaching degree in hand and she's determined that everything in Last Chance stay the same especially if Chris wants to change it.  She's broken up with her long-time boyfriend and wants the comfort and security that Last Chance brings.  It's one thing she and her grandmother Elizabeth don't see eye to eye on and won't be the last.

But when a lonely hurting 7 year old girl ends up in Chris's life, Sarah just may have to re-think her opinion on change coming to Last Chance.  As Chris, Sarah, Elizabeth, Carlos, and even the opinionated Juanita rally around Olivia to help her, something happens.  They actually start working together and not coming to a big uproar with every little suggestion Chris makes.  And Rita is more than pleased when Chris comes up with a plan that could put Last Chance on map and he asks for her help in doing it.

I really liked Last Chance and I liked it better than Welcome to Last Chance the first book in the series. The characters are likable most of the time which is just like it is outside the books.  I do think at the beginning Sarah was a bit bratty towards Chris.  And as for her former boyfriend I wanted to slap him half the time - annoying!!!  But it was overall fun to make another trip to Last Chance and see how everyone was doing.  And the little teaser excerpt for book 3 has me already waiting for it's release date.  Way to go with capturing one's attention Cathleen!

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


About the Book:
Some things never change . . . and some things change you forever.

Sarah Cooley has come home to Last Chance, New Mexico, for one reason--because it doesn't change. After a relationship gone bad with a man who wanted to change everything about her, Sarah is more than ready for the town whose motto may as well be, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Chris Reed, on the other hand, wants nothing more than to spark some change in the little town. As the new owner of the Dip 'n' Dine, he's shaking things up to draw folks from all over the Southwest into his restaurant.

As it turns out, the winds of change are blowing into Last Chance--just not in the ways that Sarah or Chris might expect.

With the same evocative writing and charming characters that won fans for her debut novel, Cathleen Armstrong invites you back to Last Chance for a heartwarming, romantic story of two people navigating the twists and turns of life in a small town.


Cathleen Armstrong is the award-winning author of Welcome to Last Chance. Though she lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, her roots remain deep in New Mexico where she grew up and where much of her family still lives. Learn more at www.cathleenarmstrong.com.

Simple Faith ~ Review

Simple Faith
The Peacemakers #2
By Anna Schmidt

Having read All God's Children I was more than thrilled to have the opportunity to review the second book in The Peacemakers series. And I was even more excited after a recent online chat with author Anna Schmidt, who also calls Wisconsin home.

That being said on to the review.  Time has passed since Anja, Beth, and Josef escaped the Nazi camp.  And they are determined to make a difference through the resistance by helping Allied forces trapped behind enemy lines.

Anja's husband and daughter were victims of the Nazis and she's determined that no one else will have to experience the loss that she has.  But to make it work she is sacrificing time with her son Daniel in an effort to keep him safe.

But when the resistance recovers Airman Peter Trent the danger to everyone involved goes up.  And Anja's heart is in danger as well.

If you've read All God's Children you will not be disappointed in Simple Faith.  The book will easily capture your attention from the first pages with Peter parachuting over Belgium to the last with those who have survived gathered together in celebration willing to share of themselves yet again.

What I especially like about historical fiction is that it brings the past to life in an author's own unique voice. Anna Schmidt's Peacemakers is on par with the works of Brock and Bodie Thoene.

I was provided a copy of this book by the author through PUYB in conjunction with this blog tour in exchange for my fair and honest review.



About the Author:

Anna Schmidt is a three-time finalist for the coveted RITA award presented annually by Romance Writers of America. Her novel A SISTER’S FORGIVENESS gives Anna her fourth finalist honor for the Reviewers’ Choice Awards from Romantic Times magazine. She has won that award twice before.

Anna is the author of over twenty-five works of historical and contemporary fiction including her most recent series—THE PEACEMAKERS – set in World War II.  All God’s Children was released last fall and tells the story of Beth—an American Quaker trapped in Nazi Germany where she finds herself fall in love with Josef—a young German medical student who is determined to save his beloved homeland from Hitler’s oppressive regime. Publisher’s Weekly had high praise for the novel noting that "The activities of the White Rose resistance group, as well as the prisoner uprising at the Sobibor concentration camp, are more than simple historical context. Schmidt seamlessly integrates these actual events, and the courageous real-life individuals who fought against Hitler’s regime, with her fictional characters and their story, to produce a strong tale of hope and love in the face of insurmountable obstacles."

Her current release is the inspirational historical romance, Simple Faith.

About the Book:

After losing her beloved husband and daughter and surviving Hitler’s Sobibor death camp, Quaker widow Anja Steinberg dedicates her life to helping others and keeping her son safe. As a member of the resistance, she helps displaced Allied airmen get back to their units in England. The journey is rigorous and filled with danger and there is no time for romance. Anja knows that Mikel, her fellow resistance worker, loves her. He would make a good husband and father for her son, but she doesn’t share his feelings. Is friendship enough?

Then American Peter Trent parachutes into her life. She must face facts—her heart did not die with her late husband and true love could be hers again. But marrying Mikel may be the only way she can save Peter.

Visit her website at www.booksbyanna.com or her blog at www.booksbyanna.wordpress.com.

Available at AMAZON 

Discuss this book in the PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads by clicking HERE.

Check-out the Simple Faith Tour Page for more tour stops.

Uncovering Cobbogoth ~ Virtual Tour

Uncovering Cobbogoth
By Hannah L. Clark

Norah's world has just come undone yet again.  With the murder of her Uncle Jack, 17 year old Norah is now a target.  But what did Uncle Jack know that endangered not only his life but the lives of his friends and Norah?

This is a mystery that Norah needs to figure out...

The one person Norah thought she could count on - James Riley - is keeping secrets and Norah is convinced he knows something about her uncle's death.  How could her one friend do this to her?

When the myths and legends that filled her uncle's lifework suddenly take on a new reality when Norah comes face to face with beings of this long forgotten ancient race.  And Norah is the key to whom will triumph in an ancient struggle - a struggle that has nearly destroyed Cobbogoth.  But before she can do that she must discover what secret James is keeping.

Uncovering Cobbogoth is an exciting story in which both danger and romance take a starring role.  This book will appeal to those with a fondness for mythology.  Hannah Clark has created a world that captures the imagination and believe me you'll want to visit it again.  This is one literary trip that I was sorry to have end and I hope to have future trips into this world again with sequels.

I've always had a fondness for the Norse and Celtic myths and the works of Tolkien and Cobbogoth has just moved up to join the ranks.  I have a new book that I need to purchase and add to my over-flowing bookcases!  Thanks for grabbing and holding my attention Hannah!

I was provided a digital copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my review and participation in this blog tour.  

Author Bio

Hannah L. Clark lives with her husband and their son in the Rocky Mountains. She has always known she would be a storyteller. In 2006 she graduated from Utah Valley University with a bachelor’s degree in English, and immediately began writing Uncovering Cobbogoth. 

Hannah loves running, mythology, laughing, soulful bluegrass music, and growing things. Like her heroine, Norah, she is slightly inclined to believe that trees have souls. 

To learn more about Hannah and the Cobbogoth series, visit www.cobbogoth.com.

Rebekah G. Shakespear lives with her husband and two sons in Texas. She received a double degree in Graphic-Web and Print Design from Henry Ford Community College in Michigan. 

Bekah loves being a mom, photography, illustrating, refinishing furniture, organizing and being related to the author, for whom she has held a long abiding love and admiration for since before Hannah was even born.

Connect with Hannah online

Website: www.hannahlclark.com

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Book Excerpt

Nor? ” James rubbed the sleep from his eyes with the heel of his hand. One look at me,however, and he was wide awake. “What is it? Is it Gram?”

“No. No, not that,” I croaked, guilt rushing through me for causing him more worry.The panic left his eyes, and he squinted at me.

I shuffled self-consciously. I knew I looked terrible. I’d been up crying half the night after my argument with Uncle Jack about James breaking my heart. Finally, I snuck out my window, climbed down my cherry tree, and headed to the fire station to see James.

“Hey, Riley! Cut the lights, man!”

James glanced back into the dark, communal bedroom where the rest of the night shift firefighters slept.

“Come here.” He took my hand, closed the bedroom door and, in stockinged feet, led me down the hall. A moment later, we were sitting side by side on the stairs. James still held my hand, and I hoped he’d never let go. I watched as he reached into his shirt pocket, fishing around until he found a piece of peppermint gum.

He offered me half. I shook my head, so he stuffed the whole thing in his mouth. Then he 
turned those kind, piercing eyes on me.

Growing warm under his gaze, I cleared my throat. “I-I’m so sorry to wake you up,” I started. “I hoped you’d still be awake. It’s just . . .”

James mindlessly ran his thumb in circles over my knuckles. I lost my train of thought. Blinking, I took a deep breath and plunged on. “My uncle . . . he wants me to stop spending time with you. I mean, I can still help with Gram and everything, he just doesn’t want us hanging out any other time.” I sucked in another unsteady breath. “But I—I can’t let that happen, James. You’re my only friend.”

James was quiet for what seemed like forever. I prayed he wouldn’t just shrug his broad shoulders and shuffle back to bed.

To my relief, he reached up, rumpling his chocolate curls with his free hand. “Did he give you a reason why?” he asked, avoiding my eyes. I shook my head. “I think he’s afraid you’ll end up hurting me—that you’ll break my heart. You know how protective he is.”

He was silent again, this time longer.

Stupid, Norah! Why had I come here? Why did I think James would even care about this—that it would upset him at all?

Finally, James let out his breath. And the next moment, he was pressing the back of my hand to his lips.

I swallowed my shock. I’d never imagined that his lips could be so warm and soft. The contact sent a shock straight to my heart.

“What do you think?” James mumbled a moment later, still contemplating my hand. “Do you think I could hurt you?”

I wanted to burst into tears all over again. “I don’t think, James, I know. But it would be worth it.”

James chuckled this time, resting his forehead against my temple. “Now that’s a compliment.”

I smiled. Having him so close—smelling the fresh peppermint on his breath—was a fierce mixture of agony and ecstasy. They were feelings I’d never imagined I could feel.

“I’d never hurt you, Nor,” James whispered at last, and his breath tickled my neck. “Not really.”

About the Book

Norah Lukens needs to uncover the truth about the fabled lost city of Cobbogoth. After her 

archaeologist uncle’s murder, Norah is asked to translate his old research journal for evidence and discovers that his murder was a cover-up for something far more sinister. 

When she turns to neighbor and only friend James Riley for help, she realizes that not only is their bitter-sweet past haunting her every step, but James is keeping dangerous secrets. Can Norah discover what they are before its too late to share her own?

100 Tough Questions about God and the Bible ~ Review

100 Tough Questions about 
       God and the Bible 
by Stephen M. Miller

Everyone has questions about God and the Bible, even people who are skeptical.  There are places where we just can't get a grasp of what the writer is trying to get across.

After all if we pray in faith why do the people we are praying for healing not get well?  First off what kind of healing is being referenced? Is it physical?  Spiritual?  This is just one of the questions addressed in this book.

Just as these are tough questions not all answers are easy.  Healing might be part of God's plan or it might have to be part of the life-after-death.

And what about Jonah?  How could someone possibly live 3 days in the belly of a fish?  Stephen Miller offers the arguments that are both for and against Jonah's fish tale.

And then what about Paul and the conflicting advice he gives in his letters?  First off we don't know the questions that have been asked of Paul nor do we fully grasp the various cultures to whom he is ministering.

Stephen also addresses the issue of abortion and its volatile nature.  He places the issue in its historical setting during the time of the Bible and the various thoughts concerning it at that time.

The various prophecies concerning Jesus and the "End Times" of Revelation are shown and touched on.

Though the questions are not necessarily answered in black-and-white one comes away with a better understanding of what is being questioned and wondered about.  And more importantly one is given the means to figure out how to answer these questions by looking at the Bible, the scriptural context, the culture of the day, and even one's own personal beliefs.  We can more fully appreciate God's gift of allowing us the freedom to choose, even if this choice is what drove us from Eden and the Garden.

This is a well-written book and it is sure to start many conversations as one presents these questions to those around us or as we offer up answers to the questions of others.  This is a book that will make you stop and think and even ask more questions.  It would be an interesting book for group study and debate. 

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

Straightforward answers to questions

Christians and skeptics alike ask about God and the Bible

Let's be honest—the Bible can be hard to understand. It's full of weird laws, apparent inconsistencies, and tales of a God who often doesn't do what we expect. You may have asked about some of these things and been brushed off or given trite, unconvincing answers.

But serious questions deserve thoughtful responses, especially when opinions of Bible experts clash. Stephen M. Miller pulls insight from a wide range of Bible experts to report their answers to the toughquestions. He does so with a touch of humor and no preaching, allowing you to draw your own conclusions.

Questions include:

• Would a loving God really put a good man like Job through horrible suffering just to test his loyalty?
• If God knows everything, why did he test Abraham's faith by asking him to sacrifice his own son?
• How could there be just one God, yet three?
• Since Jesus told people to turn the other cheek, why aren't more Christians pacifists?