The Memory House ~ Review

The Memory House
By Rachel Hauck

Eighteen years ago Beck Holiday forgot and she's come to accept the fact that she'll never remember any of her memories that have any link to her father. When the towers came down on September 11th Beck lost a huge portion of her life and herself. Her tough New York City cop persona is about to take a hit when her emotions get the better of her and she takes out her frustrations on a repeat offender in a manner that has her facing several weeks of unpaid suspension. And then there is this little personal matter she's tried to ignore - a matter that is about to change her life in a big way.

In the midst of all her turmoil, Beck learns that she has inherited a house in Florida. Even more puzzling is why this Everleigh Callahan left her home in Fernandina Beach to her Beck Holiday? Could returning to Florida help Beck remember? She doubts it but she has the time on her hands thanks to her suspension and she'll need it to decide her future.

When Beck Holiday returns in time to attend Miss Everleigh's memorial service Bruno Endicott couldn't be more surprised or pleased as he's never forgotten his first love. Unfortunately, Beck seemingly has no memories of him or their childhood summers together. Bruno is determined to be the friend that Beck needs as he again rebuilds his career as a sports agent. And just maybe something will reawaken what Beck has lost as they spend time together.

While the current day story unfolds we are introduced to Everleigh Applegate a young woman of 1950s Texas who has her life just opening before her. She and her new husband have hopes and dreams for the future - their own home, a growing family and their growing love. But when tragedy strikes Everleigh makes a decision that she feels is unforgivable, one that is a betrayal of the love she and her husband shared. As the years pass Everleigh falls into a steady and hum ho type of existence. Life has seemingly passed her by until she has a chance encounter with brother's good friend. But a second chance at love - Everleigh just doesn't believe that is something she can chance her heart on again. How many times can a heart be broken and survive?

Can the Memory House bring healing to a broken grieving heart?

The Memory House is another enjoyable work from Rachel Hauck that binds two different eras together. In this case, the binding agent is the house - a house on which memories have been created and lost. A house where second chances are possible if one is willing to believe and have faith that God can work miracles.

As with all of Rachel's standalone titles this would be an excellent book club selection as there is much to delve into and contemplate. When faced with what Everleigh faced how would one handle it? Would you willing lose all your memories of a loved simple to block out the grief and pain? Who deserves to be given a chance to reach for their dreams and goals? And could one forgive a betrayal? And the best part is the way Rachel weaves these very things into her work so smoothly that it is the heart of the story. I highly recommend this newest work from Rachel Hauck.  Those familiar with her work will not be disappointed. And if you have never yet sampled her works this is a good place to start.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through BookLook Bloggers with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Embracing the future means remembering the past . . .

When Beck Holiday lost her father in the North Tower on 9/11, she also lost her memories of him. Eighteen years later, she’s a tough New York City cop burdened with a damaging secret, suspended for misconduct, and struggling to get her life in order. Meanwhile a mysterious letter arrives informing her she’s inherited a house along Florida’s northern coast, and what she discovers there will change her life forever. Matters of the heart only become more complicated when she runs into handsome Bruno Endicott, a driven sports agent who fondly recalls the connection they shared as teenagers. But Beck doesn’t remember that, either.

Decades earlier, widow Everleigh Applegate lives a steady, uneventful life with her widowed mother after a tornado ripped through Waco, Texas, and destroyed her new, young married life. When she runs into old high school friend Don Callahan, she begins to yearn for change. Yet no matter how much she longs to love again, she is hindered by a secret she can never share.

Fifty years separate the women but through the power of love and miracle of faith, they each find healing in a beautiful Victorian known affectionately as The Memory House.

To Best the Boys ~ Review

To Best the Boys
By Mary Weber

Rhen Tellur has never been like other girls her mind is consumed with matters of intelligence and thinking (GASP!!!) And she wants nothing more than to continue her education but higher education is only for boys. But Rhen is determined to find the cure for the illness that the poor of her town are succumbing to.

As more of the Lowers fall ill the Uppers act as if their disease is due to lack of basic cleanliness and that poverty is just another symptom of their substandard intelligence. But Rhen knows if those in power and with the means to fund the research would listen this growing danger could be cured.  But as a young woman, her voice is just ignored by the Upper men.

This year Rhen is going to make everyone take notice and listen to her concerns - this year she is going to best the boys and win the scholarship to Stemwick University, an all-male institute. She is going to get the education she needs and find a cure to the crippling illness before time runs out for her mother. But to do this she'll need to disguise herself as a boy and hope no one notices her before she enters the labyrinth. And then there is a little matter of surviving the labyrinth which is a test of one's intelligence, knowledge, common sense, ability to think under pressure, and character. Does hiding your identity count as a strike against character? Only time and the labyrinth will tell.

To Best the Boys is an exciting fantasy read that will keep the reader turning the pages as the story progresses. This is a blend of realistic with factors that tend towards superstition and old wives tales - sirens and ghouls which I have to say are more than a little creepy.  There is also a class dispute brewing between the Lowers and the Uppers and Rhen is in the middle of it thanks to her background which has her in both worlds and yet in neither. Actions have consequences and nothing can remain hidden forever as Rhen is about to discover firsthand.

Change is coming to the kingdom of Caldon...and it is about to start in the Labyrinth.

I received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.     



About the Book:

The task is simple:

Don a disguise.

Survive the labyrinth.

Best the boys.

In a thrilling new fantasy from the bestselling author of the Storm Siren Trilogy, one girl makes a stand against society and enters a world made exclusively for boys.

Every year for the past fifty-four years, the residents of Pinsbury Port have received a mysterious letter inviting all eligible-aged boys to compete for an esteemed scholarship to the all-male Stemwick University. The poorer residents look to see if their names are on the list. The wealthier look to see how likely their sons are to survive. And Rhen Tellur opens it to see if she can derive which substances the ink and parchment are created from, using her father’s microscope.

In the province of Caldon, where women train in wifely duties and men pursue collegiate education, sixteen-year-old Rhen Tellur wants nothing more than to become a scientist. As the poor of her seaside town fall prey to a deadly disease, she and her father work desperately to find a cure. But when her mum succumbs to it as well? Rhen decides to take the future into her own hands—through the annual all-male scholarship competition.

With her cousin, Seleni, by her side, the girls don disguises and enter Mr. Holm’s labyrinth, to best the boys and claim the scholarship prize. Except not everyone is ready for a girl who doesn’t know her place. And not everyone survives the deadly maze.

Welcome to the labyrinth.

Far Side of the Sea ~ Review

Far Side of the Sea
By Kate Breslin

Lieutenant Colin Mabry can no longer serve on the battlefield following the loss of his hand. And the nightmares stalk his nights. But he is determined to wok past the pain and the guilt. His posting Hastings allows him the decode messages that are important to the Allies war efforts and feel as if he can be of some use still in the war effort. But when Colin decodes a message that is asking for a meeting he knows that he must answer this summons. Now he just needs permission to return to France and respond to this plea for help - a plea from a woman he thought dead.

Johanna Reyer is in France - hiding from her past and searching for her family, including a sister she knew nothing about. A sister whom she believes to be in danger. And if she hopes to find Jewel she needs Colin's assistance in identifying her. And if she can find Jewel she hopes that she will find her father, a man she hasn't seen since she was 3 years old, a man whose parting words were that he wanted nothing more than to be her papa. Can she hope to find what she has lost in a country torn apart by war and occupation?

When Colin meets Johanna he is less than pleased with her subterfuge in obtaining his assistance but to honor the promise he made to Jewel he agrees to aid her. But nothing is what it seems with anyone and every one a potential spy. With a single photograph and a name as their only clues, Colin and Johanna must watch their every word and action so as to not arouse suspicions.

Far Side of the Sea is an excellent read and those who enjoy WWI historical fiction will enjoy this newest book from Kate Breslin. I like that several of the characters had previously been in her books so one has a familiarity with them. But if this is your first meeting with the author this book can very much be read on its own and nothing will be lacking in your understanding or enjoyment while reading. I like Johanna and her most unique personality and how she grew throughout in matters of faith. I also like how both Johanna and Colin fight to do what they feel is what they are meant to do even if it was opposed by those who had authority over them.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.



About the Book:
In 1918 England, Lieutenant Colin Mabry spends his days decoding messages for MI8 after suffering injuries at the front. When he receives an urgent summons by carrier pigeon from Jewel Reyer--a woman who saved his life and whom he believed to be dead--he can only hope he'll regain the courage he lost on the front lines as he's driven back into war-torn France. 

But Jewel isn't the one waiting for him in Paris. Instead, it is a stranger who claims to be her half-sister, Johanna, who works at a dovecote for French Army Intelligence. She found Jewel's diary and believes her sister is alive and in the custody of a German agent. With spies everywhere, Colin is at first skeptical of Johanna, but as they travel across France and Spain, a tentative trust grows.

That trust is quickly put to the test, however, when their pursuit leads them straight into the midst of a treacherous plot and their search for answers quickly turns into a battle for their lives.

Spinster and Spice ~ Cover Reveal

About the Book

Series: The Spinster Chronicles
Genre: Adult, Regency, Romance
Publisher: Phase Publishing
Publication date: May 1, 2019

Spinster, sweet Spinster 

Isabella Lambert is a nice person. She is biddable, polite, soft-spoken, and eager to please. She also happens to be a spinster, and one of the writers of the infamous Spinster Chronicles, where she is less polite, more outspoken, and may not please anyone. Izzy also has a secret that only one person knows, and that one person may hold the key to its success.

Sebastian Morton finds Izzy Lambert fascinating. She is the perfect mentor for his younger sister as well as a capable and charming friend for him. When opportunity strikes to spend more time with her, her secret becomes his. But will this secret, and others, ruin their connection?

GOODREADS | AMAZON

About the Author

Rebecca Connolly writes romances, both period and contemporary, because she absolutely loves a good love story. She has been creating stories since childhood, and there are home videos to prove it! She started writing them down in elementary school and has never looked back. She currently lives in the Midwest, spends every spare moment away from her day job absorbed in her writing, and is a hot cocoa addict.

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE

And here it is

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Doesn't it make you want to pick it up and start reading?

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Refuge at Pine Lake ~ Book Blast with Giveaway

Title: Refuge at Pine Lake

Series: Pine Haven

Genre: Christian, Contemporary

Publisher: Chanson Books

Publication date: March 7, 2019

Robin Lancaster, a twenty-six-year-old former kindergarten teacher, has her summer and her life all figured out. She’s ready to be on her own, writing and illustrating her children’s stories at her family’s beloved lake house. Once there, she intends to rekindle a romance with Caleb Jackson, the area’s top hunting and fishing guide, and bag him for herself.

Complications arise from the start when Robin finds out her mother has rented the lake house to a man they know nothing about.

Matthew McLaughlin, forty-year-old widowed university professor and author from California, shows up at Pine Lake in crisis. A sabbatical might be his only hope to save much more than his career. He needs a place of refuge. Sharing the lake house with a lighthearted young woman and her dog is the last thing on his mind.

Caleb Jackson has his own plans. He’s used to things going his way, but a man staying in Robin’s house presents unforeseen challenges. When paths unavoidably entangle for these three, hearts are on the line.

GOODREADS | AMAZON

About the Author:

Rose Chandler Johnson is known for her heartwarming, inspirational writing. In addition to works of sweet contemporary, Christian fiction, Rose has written an award-winning devotional, God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea: Experiencing God in the Midst of Everyday Moments.

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Space 2.0 ~ Review

Space 2.0
By Rod Pyle
with Foreword by Buzz Aldrin

How Private Spaceflight,

a Resurgent NASA,

and International Partners Are

Creating a New Space Age

Let me just start off by saying this book is worth it just for the pictures alone which are a mix of actual photos of events that have taken place with concept art of what is in the planning stage. We are given a history of humanity's space achieving efforts as well as a glimpse of where the future is and can lead. 

With more than 300 pages this book doesn't skimp on sharing knowledge about space. If you plan on doing research into the subject of space exploration this is one book that will be on your go-to resource list. Pages 266 -271 offer listings of organizations you as an individual can seek out memberships with. Pages 289 - 293 present a glossary of terms including ISRU, Low Earth Orbit, and Orion. 

I really enjoyed reading the foreword by Buzz Aldrin which offered his view on where we've been and the promise of a new Space Age just on the horizon. I admit it if it anything that has to do with space exploration in the real day-to-day life of people I'm more than willing to dive into it and this is one of the best I've read and it is perfect with the 50th Anniversary of the Moon Landing coming in just a few short months.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book through Amazon's Vine Program with no expectation but that I offer my honest opinions about this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:

We're on the cusp of new era in the great adventure of space exploration and development. 

More than a half-century ago, humanity first hurled objects into space, and almost 50 years ago, astronauts first walked on the moon. Since then, we have explored Earth's orbit with shuttles, capsules, and space stations; sent robots to Mars, Venus, Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus; sampled a comet; sent telescopes into orbit; and charted most of our own planet.

In Space 2.0, space historian Rod Pyle, in collaboration with the National Space Society, will give you an inside look at the next few decades of spaceflight and long-term plans for exploration, utilization, and settlement.

No longer the exclusive domain of government entities such as NASA and other national agencies, space exploration is rapidly becoming privatized, with entrepreneurial startups building huge rocket boosters, satellites, rocket engines, asteroid probes, prospecting craft, and even commercial lunar cargo landers to open this new frontier. Research into ever more sophisticated propulsion and life support systems will soon enable the journey to Mars and destinations deeper in our solar system. As these technologies continue to move forward, there are virtually no limits to human spaceflight and robotic exploration.
While the world has waited since the Apollo lunar program for the next "giant leap," these critical innovations, most of which are within our grasp with today's technology, will change the way we live, both in space and on Earth. A new space age--and with it, a new age of peace and prosperity on Earth, and settlement beyond our planet--can be ours.

Speaking with key leaders of the latest space programs and innovations, Pyle shares the excitement and promise of this new era of exploration and economic development. From NASA and the Russian space agency Roscosmos, to emerging leaders in the private sector such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, Moon Express, Virgin Galactic, and many others, Space 2.0 examines the new partnerships that are revolutionizing spaceflight and changing the way we reach for the stars.

Space 2.0 is the definitive handbook for the new space age.

Reforesting Faith ~ Review

Reforesting Faith
By Matthew Sleeth, MD

What Trees 

Teach Us About the

Nature of God and His Love for Us

Trees are all around us both in the world and in the Scriptures. Trees are a common factor in teaching us about God and His love for us. The Bible begins and ends with references to trees. But how does this impact us in our lives today? Well, Doctor Matthew Sleeth is about to take us on the journey of discovery that impacted his life and brought him into faith and a relationship with God.

All too often we are too busy to see the trees but they are there. In fact, the very fall of humanity is linked to a tree - the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. And humanity's fall separated us from God and the Tree of Life. But though we cannot physically partake of the Tree of Life God has provided a spiritual substitute that will feed our soul His Word and the wisdom that it holds is referred to as the Tree of Life. I also find it interesting that a tree broke humanities connection to God and it was through a tree (the cross) that God offered a path of restoration to Him.

Trees have been with us since the beginning of time, in fact, God called trees into being before He created man. Take time to find a tree, sit beneath it and use this time of quiet to talk to God and listen for His voice. These tools that help God tell us His story are the perfect place to spend time with Him. We are to be like trees planted by streams of water and give our fruit when it is time to harvest it and what better way to do this than beneath the branches that we are to learn from while reading His Word.

This is a book that very interesting as the author takes much the reader through his own personal experiences and examples from the Bible. I wouldn't call this a devotional but it could certainly be added to one's daily devotional readings. It is an excellent resource to share with any who want materials to aid them in their daily Christian life. If you look you too will find God in all parts of His Creation. I also feel this would be a good choice for a study group - so if you are looking for a summer title I highly recommend this one.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through their book launch program.
About the Book:

The Bible talks about trees more than any living creation other than people. 

Perhaps you've missed the forest...and the trees.

In this groundbreaking walk through Scripture, former physician and carpenter Dr. Matthew Sleeth makes the convincing case why trees are essential to every Christian's understanding of God.

Yet we've mostly missed how God has chosen to tell His story--and ours--through the lens of trees. There's a tree on the first page of Genesis and the last page of Revelation. The Bible refers to its wisdom as a Tree of Life (Proverbs 3:18). Every major Biblical character has a tree associated with them. Jesus himself says he is the true vine (John 15:1). A tree was used to kill Jesus--and a tree is the only thing the Messiah ever harmed.

This is no accident. When we subtract trees from Scripture, we miss lessons of faith necessary for our growth.

This is the rare book that connects those who love the Creator with creation, and those who love creation with the Creator. It offers inspirational yet practical ways to express our love for God--and our neighbors--by planting spiritual trees and physical trees in the world.

Join Dr. Sleeth as he navigates the Bible's trail of trees to explore the wonders of life, death, and rebirth. You'll be amazed at how science is just beginning to catch up to the truths described in Scripture thousands of years ago. Once you discover the hidden language of trees, your walk through the woods--and through Scripture--will never be the same.

Get a peek at Chapter One