In Perfect Time ~ Review

In Perfect Time
Wings of the Nightingale 3
By Sarah Sundin

Sometimes an event can change a person's life and if ever someone needed an event to make a mark on their life it is Kay Jobson.  Kay is hiding from the pain of her past, unfortunately she going about it all wrong.  She has a string of boyfriends at her beck-and-call.  But for the most part it is all meaningless to Kay.  After all she refuses to fall in love.  

But when when pilot Lt. Roger Cooper doesn't fall for her even when she turns on the charm, she's shocked. And even worse he seems to go out of his way to avoid her.

But Roger is attracted to Kay, but he knows trouble when he sees it and she is it!  But there are times when Kay slips and glimpses of who she could be are seen.  And Roger intrigues Kay/  Who is this man who avoids her, seems very boring, and has hidden talents that are in contrast to how he appears?

While In Perfect Time is Kay and Roger's story, Mellie and Tom and Georgie and Hutch aren't forgotten.  And they are in fact important to the story, especially Mellie and Georgie.  You won't be disappointed in this newest addition to the Wings of the Nightingales.

Take a step back in time as the European Theater enters it's final months and life-and-death is a flight away in this charming and touching story of hope and forgiveness.  Sometimes things aren't as they appear and we need to peek beneath the masks that are hiding what lies within the heart.

In Perfect Time is the third and final book in the Wings of the Nightingale series.  I've read all three books in the series and have to say I loved all of them, but I think this one may be my favorite.  I love Kay Jobson's growth as a person throughout the series.  Kay goes from a person whom your like ughhh she here to Oh, Kay's here!  And getting her back-story certainly goes a long way in helping a person identify with this hurting person.

This would make a great book club selection and should be on the shelf of any fan of historical fiction set at the time of WWII.  And yes this book can stand alone but it is best when read with the other two books in the series (With Every Letter and On Distant Shores).

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

About the Book:

Two hearts are about to learn the rhythm of love 

Bold, sophisticated, and coy, Army Air Force flight nurse Lt. Kay Jobson collects hearts wherever she flies, leaving men pining in airfields all across Europe. So how can ruggedly handsome C-47 pilot Lt. Roger Cooper be all but immune to her considerable charms? In fact, he seems to do everything he can to avoid her.

Still, as they cross the skies between Italy and southern France, evacuating the wounded and delivering paratroopers and supplies, every beat of their hearts draws them closer. Can they overcome the fears and misunderstandings of the past in order to take hold of the future?

Sarah Sundin seamlessly weaves together emotion, action, and sweet romance into a tale that transcends time and calls us to believe in the power of love.

Face to Face with Jesus ~ Review

Face to Face with Jesus

By Samaa Habib

   with Bodie Thoene

A Former Muslim's Extraordinary

Journey to Heaven

And Encounter with The God of Love

This is Samaa Habib's story.  It is a story of hope.  And it is a story of miracles.  

Samaa was raised Muslim, but she came to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  But for someone born and raised in the Middle East this was not a decision to be made lightly.  Samaa and her sisters faced persecution at home from family members who did not leave the Muslim faith.

But throughout the persecution Samaa stood firm even when beaten to renounce her beliefs.

But in an act extremism the church Samaa was attending was attacked in a series of bombs.  And this fateful day when she should have died her life was about to be a statement of the power of God.  Even in her pain and suffering Samaa faces persecution from the local medical personnel because of her faith.  But through it all Samaa comes into a closer relationship with her Saviour and is even a living witness to the power of God to fellow patients.

This is not your typical near death experience encounter with God.  Samaa doesn't have an experience of visions of glimpses of Heaven that are the focal point of her experience rather her journey was an encounter with God and His love and His sustaining presence even during times of persecution.

This is an interesting book that is timely during this time of persecution of Christians who live in the Middle East among their Muslim family, friends, and neighbors.  I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy reading personal insights and experiences.  This would also be an excellent addition to a church library.

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

It starts as a story ripped from the headlines
of the war-torn Middle East.

An extremist faction of Islam bombs a church during a service. The one door in the back isn't big enough for five hundred people trying to escape.

Some are killed.

But after the chaos and fire and smoke, 

one young woman comes back to life.

In this thrilling true tale, death does not have the final word. From the first time Samaa heard the Lord Jesus calling her out of Islam into faith in Him, till she met Him face to face in heaven, her life is marked by God's supernatural love and power. Full of hope and encouragement, and overflowing with Jesus' love, her riveting account reveals the power of God to break through any circumstance—and is a moving reminder that, in a place beyond what we can imagine, we have a Savior waiting to welcome us face to face.

Evergreen ~ Review

Evergreen
A Christiansen Winter Novella
By Susan May Warren

Evergreen is Ingrid and John Christiansen's story.  With their children all grown and gone Ingrid and John have a chance to do things they weren't able to do before.  But John's planned Christmas surprise is thwarted when Ingrid volunteers them for their church's major Christmas project.

But John's determined to still surprise Ingrid, until the money he needs goes towards Butter's emergency surgery.  When he accidentally reveals what he planned Ingrid is not impressed and almost angry with him.

When a family member reaches out for help Ingrid offers her assistance.  This is yet another issue that seems to come between the two.

For some reason neither can understand they've drifted apart over the years.  As they struggle to make their marriage work they must come to terms with an old heartache that they've been avoiding for years.  But the biggest thing standing their way is whether they can even face this issue even now.

This one Christmas the Christiansens of Deep Haven aren't soon to forget as they struggle through old hurts and come to a new understanding with each other and a new trust in God.  Though it is under 200 pages this is a book that packs a whole lota story in the pages.  And be sure to have a tissue or two on hand, you just may need it.

Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
About the Book:
An empty nest has Ingrid Christiansen dreading the upcoming holidays, but her husband, John, couldn't be more excited about this new season of life. He even has a surprise trip abroad planned. He's sure she'll love it. What's more romantic than Christmas in Paris? 

Before he can stop her, however, Ingrid agrees to spearhead a major church project. Then their faithful dog, Butterscotch, needs emergency surgery, draining their savings. And then—because disasters strike in threes—an unexpected guest arrives, dredging up old hurts. 

As a beautiful blanket of snow transforms the north woods into a winter wonderland, a deep chill settles over John and Ingrid's marriage. With the holidays fast approaching, their only hope of keeping their love evergreen depends on turning the page on the past and embracing a new chapter of their future. 

Storm Siren ~ Review

Storm Siren
By Mary Weber

Storm Siren is the first book in a trilogy of the same name and in a word - WOW! 

Nym, which is short for Nymia, is a slave and has been since her parents violent death.  But Nym can't keep an owner and she is about to be sold to her fifteenth master.  But there is a secret about Nym, a secret that leaves destruction in her wake.  She is an Elemental who can't control her powers.  And she shouldn't exist, but she does.  And her very existence may change the course of war that the small island kingdom of Faelen has been in for 100 years.  A war that is not going in Faelen's favor.

But first Nym must agree to train as a weapon, learning to control the power that seemingly controls her.  If she doesn't accept this opportunity she faces death...  Nym accepts this challenge, though she doesn't believe control of her powers can be achieved.  But she hasn't met Eogan the man tasked with training her in the mastery of her curse.

But even greater danger awaits as her new owner Adora watches her every move and threats lie beneath the surface of every command.  And worst of all Nym doesn't know who she can trust.

I was totally swept up in this story.  It had a draw and I literally couldn't put it down as I read it in one afternoon.  There was a beauty in this story that was always present just as Nym's goodness was hidden beneath the surface and yet there.  Her guilt at the deaths she caused was real.  As she struggles to find who she really is and was meant to be one struggles with her.

I like that Storm Siren seems complete until the very end and then the trap is sprung and you are left wondering What????  And then your next thought is Poor Nym, what's she going to do?

My only complaint is I want to read book 2 now. But as the old saying goes Books don't grow on trees... (Yes, I know it is actually money but books would be better.)

Storm Siren is releasing on August 19, 2014 so get in line for a book you won't regret!

I was provided a digital copy of this book by the publisher through the BookLook blogger program in exchange for my honest opinion.

Book Description

"I raise my chin as the buyers stare. Yes. Look. You don’t want me. Because, eventually, accidentally, I will destroy you."

In a world at war, a slave girl’s lethal curse could become one kingdom’s weapon of salvation. If the curse—and the girl—can be controlled.

As a slave in the war-weary kingdom of Faelen, seventeen-year-old Nym isn’t merely devoid of rights, her Elemental kind are only born male and always killed at birth—meaning, she shouldn’t even exist.

Standing on the auction block beneath smoke-drenched mountains, Nym faces her fifteenth sell. But when her hood is removed and her storm-summoning killing curse revealed, Nym is snatched up by a court advisor and given a choice: be trained as the weapon Faelen needs to win the war, or be killed.

Choosing the former, Nym is unleashed into a world of politics, bizarre parties, and rumors of an evil more sinister than she’s being prepared to fight . . . not to mention the handsome trainer whose dark secrets lie behind a mysterious ability to calm every lightning strike she summons.

But what if she doesn’t want to be the weapon they’ve all been waiting for?

Set in a beautifully eclectic world of suspicion, super abilities, and monsters, Storm Siren is a story of power. And whoever controls that power will win.

Sense and Sensibility ~ Review

Sense and Sensibility
A Latter-day Tale
By Rebecca H. Jamison

If you love all things Jane Austen you need to read Rebecca Jamison's newest Austen offering Sense and Sensibility: A Latter-day Tale.  The Goodwin family has lost just about everything since their father's death.  

But when Elly and her little sister Grace meet Ethan Ferrero their lives are about to change.  Ethan is the brother of the woman who stole Elly's fiancee, Jake.  

But Ethan offers Elly the possibility of a job - the catch - she'd have to work for her former fiancee and his wife.  With her sister Maren suffering from depression since their father's death and their home about to be foreclosed, Elly takes the offered job.  But working for Candi and Jake is not easy.  

Ethan is nice even if he is a Ferrero.  But Elly's not about to take a chance where her heart is concerned.   But when Maren finds the possibility of love in a handsome rescuer named Wyatt she is determined to experience life to its fullest.  

Both Elly and Maren are about to discover where their happiness truly lies and if they have a happily ever after in their futures.  This is a delightful and enjoyable modern twist on Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility.  If you like clean romance this is the story for you.  I love the emphasis that is placed upon the value of family and friendship.  This is a sweet story that doesn't overload you on sugar.  

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

About the book:

Which is the key to love—passion or sensibility? Sensible Elly and romantic Maren are sisters trying to hold their family together in the wake of their father’s bankruptcy and death. As each unexpectedly encounters the madness and misadventures of love, will they ever find the true happiness they dream of? This modern re-imagining of the Jane Austen favorite will capture your heart all over again.

About the author: 

Rebecca H. Jamison has lived on a live volcano, excavated the bones of a prehistoric mammal, and won first prize at a rigged chili cook-off. She wrote novels just for fun until she made a New Year’s resolution in 2011 to submit a manuscript to publishers. Her first two published works are Persuasion: A Latter-day Tale and Emma: A Latter-day Tale. Rebecca grew up in Virginia. She attended Brigham Young University, where she earned a BA and MA in English. In between college and graduate school, she served a mission to Portugal and the Cape Verde islands. Her job titles have included special education teacher’s aide, technical writer, English teacher, and stay-at-home mom. Rebecca enjoys running, dancing, reading, and watching detective shows. She lives with her husband and children in Utah. You can learn more about her at www.rebeccahjamison.com. 

Check-out the entire blog tour here

Waiting for Heaven ~ Book Blast and Giveaway

Title: Waiting for Heaven: Finding Beauty in the Pain and the Struggle

Author: Heather Gillis

Genre: Religion / Memoir / Spirituality

Publisher: WestBow Press

Publication Date: March 20, 2014

ISBN: 978-1-4908-2786-5

Life can sometimes lead us to unexpected places, to only leave us broken, desperate, and hurting. Heather
Gillis and her husband, Mac, waited in anticipation for the birth of their third child. Like many Christian
couples, their dreams and expectations in marriage, parenthood, and daily life developed differently than
they’d planned, and left them grieving a life that would never be. Their journey gives insight into a new
normal and uncovers the stepping stones of the healing process. In their process, they re- discovered
God’s abounding love through their experiences of joy, heartbreak, and purpose. Heather reaches out
to parents around the globe to speak openly about being a wife, mother, friend, relative, or stranger
during life-changing trials and devastating struggles. In God’s love, she has found beauty in the midst of
pain and struggle, as well as peace in His presence on Earth while waiting for Heaven.

Book Excerpt: 

Life is not about how comfortable I can be; to expect life to be comfortable is unrealistic. I’m not exempt from the harshness or pain of this world. I have realized since Bowen’s passing that there are no guarantees in life; to think otherwise leads to disappointment. When I was pregnant, I assumed Bowen would be healthy. I assumed that when I left the house, I would return, unharmed. I assumed for some
reason I would make it through life unscathed; I never thought I would be writing these words.

We can do all the right things in life, but that doesn’t guarantee us rewards or benefits in this life. We did not choose the path we are walking, but God willing, we will endure what comes our way and to where God wants us to go. We can have all the plans in the world but God is in the driver’s seat, and God knows what he is doing; we just have to trust him. Uncomfortable situations have taught me to trust in God, and I have learned more than I ever thought I would; and still am.

Purchase Book at:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Goodreads

About the Author:
Meet Heather Gillis. In her book, Waiting for Heaven, Heather recalls the story of her infant son, Bowen, and her family's journey with polycystic kidney disease. Through Bowen's short life and death, she and her husband, Mac, discovered the true meaning of God’s love and grace. By telling her poignant story in the book and speaking to groups, Heather hopes she can help others through the challenges of loss and devastation; giving hope that their can be joy and happiness again.

After Bowen's death, Heather founded Bowen's Hope, a ministry serving kidney disease kids and their families, especially those getting dialysis treatments at Phoenix Children's Hospital. She's also involved with Camp Maska for dialysis patients in Arizona, and has raised over $50,000 for the PKD Foundation. In addition, Heather volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House, an organization serving meals and providing temporary housing to families with children in the hospital. Heather works part time as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. She and Mac have two living children, Brooklyn and Blake. With a serving heart, Heather’s passions are her family and helping others.

Visit Heather online at www.bowenshope.com

Contact Heather at:
Website: www.bowenshope.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bowenshope.com // www.facebook.com/heather.gillis.581
Twitter: www.twitter.com/heathergillis6
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8112025.Heather_Gillis

Contest Giveaway

Pump Up Your Book and Author Heather Gillis 

are teaming up to give away a 

$25 Amazon Gift 

Card!

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 the prize.

• This giveaway begins August 1 and ends on August 29, 2014.

• Winner will be contacted via email on September 1, 2014.

• Winner has 72 hours to reply.

• VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Every Waking Moment ~ Review

Every Waking Moment
By Chris Fabry

Treha Langsam has a gift, but most people can't see it because it is hidden away inside the body of woman who is damaged.  She has no memory of her childhood, though she longs for one.  In fact Treha is so intent on have a story and past that she'll borrow someone else's story to see if she can make it her own.

But the residents of Desert Gardens see and recognize Treha's gift, because she uses it in her daily dealings with them.  She helps them in a way no one can truly understand.  She draws them back to a awareness of what they use to be.

But Treha's past is missing for a reason.  She is the answer to some baffling medical issues that have recently been brought to light.  But her very existence is also a threat.

Who is Treha?  And can her life ever be anything more than it is?  These are the questions that are the thread of the story.  And the answers lie in having respect for others, dignity during all stages of life, and the responsibilities of science.  This is a powerful and moving story that will touch your heart.

There are other stories running throughout Every Waking Moment - there is Miriam Howard who is the director of Desert Gardens and also Treha's advocate.  There is Dr. Crenshaw who takes a special interest in Treha and her talents.  Devin Hillis is documenting the residents of Desert Gardens hoping that he will find The Story that will make his fledgling company take flight.  And then Du'Relle who is Treha's young neighbor who is determined to be her protector though he has his own problems to deal with.

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