The House on Foster Hill ~ Review

The House on Foster Hill
By Jaime Jo Wright

Kaine Prescott needed a new beginning and she needed to get away from the person she knows killed her husband. Leaving San Diego behind Oakwood, Wisconsin seemed to be the perfect solution. Unfortunately for her, the house on Foster Hill has a history that is anything but peaceful and it is about to let Kaine in on dark history - a history that she understands all too well.

More than one hundred years ago the body of a young woman was found on the property of Foster Hill. Ivy Thorpe is determined to find justice for this young victim and her identity. But the clues are few and Ivy is out of her element especially when she is faced with the return of Joel Cunningham. Not only did Joel break her heart years ago he is now working the case that Ivy wants to solve.

As the past and present come together it soon becomes evident that someone is determined to keep the secrets that the house on Foster Hill hides buried forever. And anyone seeking to unearth the truth is their life in danger...

The House on Foster Hill is truly a book that the reader will be unable to put down. The story alternates between the past and the present as the mystery that draws these two women together moves to its climax. And the outcome is kept in doubt up to the end - who lives - who dies - who is the murderer - only time and reading will tell. The crime is dark but those who have determined to bring justice to the victims are searching for a light that is greater than that which is surrounding them and with the help of others they just might find it.

I have to be honest the cover really drew me even before I read the description. And then at the description, I was like, "Oh, yeah, I need to read this book." And believe me, it is worth the time spent reading through these pages. Fans of suspense and romance will enjoy this one. If you tend towards historical or contemporary fiction this book has you covered as both are presented in this book. An altogether attention-grabbing book that tackles some tough issues.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review - all opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:
Kaine Prescott is no stranger to death. When her husband died two years ago, her pleas for further investigation into his suspicious demise fell on deaf ears. In desperate need of a fresh start, Kaine purchases an old house sight unseen in her grandfather's Wisconsin hometown. But one look at the eerie, abandoned house immediately leaves her questioning her rash decision. And when the house's dark history comes back with a vengeance, Kaine is forced to face the terrifying realization she has nowhere left to hide.

A century earlier, the house on Foster Hill holds nothing but painful memories for Ivy Thorpe. When an unidentified woman is found dead on the property, Ivy is compelled to discover her identity. Ivy's search leads her into dangerous waters, resurrecting painful memories and forcing a reunion with the man who broke her heart. Can Ivy unravel the mystery and find a renewed hope before any other lives--including her own--are lost?

Christmas Wishes

Wishing everyone a lovely Christmas holiday!

May it bring you 

Joy, Peace, and New Books...

You're Gonna Love Me ~ Review

You're Gonna Love Me
Thunder Creek #2
By Robin Lee Hatcher

Two years ago Nick Chastain broke Samantha Winters's heart when they broke up. She never thought she'd hear from him again but when an accident brings her home Thunder Creek, Idaho, she finds herself face-to-face with a shock she never expected or wanted.

The question on Samantha's mind is "Why is Nick in her Grandmother's hospital room of all places?" Nick never expected to find Samantha in his new normal that is anything but since the accident that nearly cost him his life. The last two years have been a struggle to try to regain much of what he had lost.

Nick's behavior in the past hurt Samantha and she's not sure she's willing to risk heart again with someone who is careless and reckless with his life. But Nick can't get Samantha out of his mind, but he is keeping a secret that could change everything if it is known. Can he trust her with his uncertain future or will they deny the second chance that they have been given?

This is the second book in the Thunder Creek series but one can easily follow the story if the first book You'll Think of Me has not made it into your book reading history. The first book focused on Samantha's cousin Derek and his then-neighbor Brooklyn. This book is focused on Nick and Samantha who have to come to terms with their pasts and their fears. This is a book about the healing power of love and the importance of family and friends to help us move past our fears.

If you are a fan of Robin Lee Hatcher and love contemporary romance that focuses on second chances you will enjoy this book.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher through BookLook Bloggers with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Who knew fate could twist a tragedy 

into a second chance at love?

Samantha Winters lives her life the way a good accountant should—measured, deliberate, and safe. After watching her father die in a tragic skiing accident, she decided never to allow risk into her life again. But she didn’t count on falling for Nick Chastain, who embodies everything she doesn’t want in her safely constructed world.

Against Samantha’s warnings, Nick plans a dangerous kayaking trip over spring break. Furious that he’s so careless with his life, she ends their fledgling relationship with harsh words.

Two years later, Samantha is desperately in need of a change. When she learns her grandmother has had an accident and is in need of a caretaker, Samantha quickly packs her bags and heads to Thunder Creek, Idaho. But nothing could prepare her for the surprise awaiting her in her grandmother’s hospital room . . . Nick.

With the charming backdrop of small-town friends, beloved cousins, and a whole church congregation rooting for them, can they set aside the disastrous ending of their first try at love? Has Nick changed enough to meet Samantha in the middle—and can she realize that a risk in love might be worth taking?

The Promise of a Letter ~ Review

The Promise of  Letter
An Amish Letters Novel #2
By Kathleen Fuller

Leanna Chupp has no ideas of ever getting married - after all who would want to court a young woman who can't cook and would rather spend her time repairing equipment. Though she doesn't fit the conventional mold of an unmarried Amish woman Leanna is content with her life.

When Leanna finds the life she has made for herself in jeopardy she is unsure how to fix what has gone wrong especially when her job with Daniel Raber may go to his irresponsible younger brother Roman. But surprisingly Roman doesn't seem to be the same person he was before. But can he be trusted or will he again let everyone down when they most need him?

When a crisis occurs and Leanna and Roman must work together they just may discover what has been missing in their lives.

This is the second book in the Amish Letters series and it is again set in Birch Creek and the same characters who were in the first book Written in Love are again in this book. If you are wondering how this book fits in with a series that is about letters it is because both Roman and Daniel have received letters from their grandmother following her death. Letters that ask for one last promise - an attempt to reconcile and bridge the divide of hurt that has divided these two brothers.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the Fiction Guild with no obligation to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:

A letter brings him back to his Amish family. 

It will take someone truly 

extraordinary to make him stay...

Roman is on the verge of leaving the Amish ways. Feeling confined by the strict rules, he longs to do something more with his life. But when things don’t go as planned, Roman’s prospects outside of the community dwindle. Upon learning that his beloved grandmother has died and left a letter urging him to reconcile with his brother in Birch Creek, Roman decides to return home. But he doesn’t plan to stay for long.

Leanna Chupp has always made her own way in her small community of Birch Creek. Though some may call her unconventional—strange, even—Leanna is happy. Her unique outlook on life has meant she’s never had many suitors pursuing courtship, which Leanna doesn’t mind. She is content being single.

But when Roman and Leanna find themselves working together again, everything changes. Though neither fit squarely within the strictures of the Amish faith, their differences could be the very thing to help them form a deeper connection to their community and to each other. The question remains: will this strengthening bond be enough to make Roman stay for good?

May the Faith Be With You ~ Review

May the Faith Be With You
New International Reader's Version Bible
Published by ZonderKidz

The popularity of space is used as the creative influence behind the art design of the cover and supportive materials of this Bible. But when one thinks of Genesis and that "In the beginning, God created..." this cover is so appropriate with a view of Earth with a background setting showcasing the majesty of space. 

This Bible edition is aimed at kids it is the New International Reader's Version (NIrV) which is based on the New International Version (NIV), but the language is simplified to help with understanding, perfect for children.

Throughout are pages to help with understanding and getting key facts that are of importance. There is a page that lists the books of the Bible but and this is a definite plus it lists the books under their categorization Law, History, Poetry, Major Prophets, Minor Prophets, Gospels, Church History, Paul's Letters, Letters, and Prophecy. There are two pages that give a pictorial and textual synopsis of Genesis 1 - 2:3. There is a description of the Trinity that compares the three persons of God to the three states of water.

I have to be honest I really like the cover of this Bible, but then I'm drawn to images that have anything to do with space. The cover is hardcover so it has a bit of weight to it but should be no problem for those aged 6 and up and will withstand the normal wear tear and bent covers that go along with use.

I was provided a review copy this title by the publisher through Handlebar Marketing with no expectations of a positive review ~ All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Bible:

Life in the Spirit isn’t about cushioned pews and easy living—it’s about adventure, risk, daring, and the pursuit of wisdom. It’s about letting the awesome power of God work through you to do things you never thought possible.

In this brand-new full-text Bible, you’ll learn the highest, truest, and most rewarding way to a life of wisdom, apprenticing with the Ultimate Master himself—Jesus Christ.

Features include:

• 24 full-color pages of content on the marvel of God’s creation and the meaning of faith
• Vibrant outer space imagery
• Compelling, metallic-embellished cover
• The complete text of the New International Reader's Version (NIrV) of the Bible

Written in Love ~ Review

Written in Love
An Amish Letters novel #1
By Kathleen Fuller

A misdirected letter finds Phoebe Bontrager starting an unexpected correspondence with Jalon Chupp. For both this correspondence is one that touches both their hearts. But letters give an anonymity that allows them to keep the secrets of their past.

For Phoebe, Jalon's letters are the highlight of her life. Living with her aunt is a burden that she has to live with. It is the price she must pay for the choices she made. And revealing the truth is something she doesn't want to do as her friendship with Jalon isn't something she is willing to risk. But Jalon wants to meet Phoebe and to share his own past with her and his hopes for the future.

When the truth comes out Phoebe and Jalon must decide how next to proceed especially when Phoebe's aunt discovers this friendship and Phoebe's future is in doubt.

Those who enjoy Amish fiction will enjoy this offering from Kathleen Fuller as she starts a new series with this book. And who doesn't enjoy getting a letter in the mail? I know I've always enjoyed getting news from a friend, the surprise of a letter in the mailbox and the anticipation of revealing what news will be revealed.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through the Fiction Guild with no obligation to post a review positive or otherwise. All opinions expressed are my own. 


About the Book:

"Dear Mr. Chupp"–with those three words, 

a pen-pal relationship is ignited and two 

lives are changed forever.

Jalon Chupp has a past he isn’t proud to claim. He’s worked hard to overcome his youthful mistakes, and he has recommitted himself to his Amish faith. When he receives a sweet note included in a piece of misdirected mail, he can’t help but write back. Soon, the letters he receives from Phoebe are the highlights of his days, and with a hopeful heart, he suggests they meet in person.

Phoebe, too, looks forward to every single one of Jalon’s letters. Living with her overbearing aunt, Phoebe doesn’t have too much to look forward to. Then Jalon suggests they meet, and she panics—although she has shared some of the deepest longings of her heart with him, she hasn’t been entirely truthful about her past. But when Jalon shows up at her aunt’s doorstep, everything is revealed. And she can only pray he’ll forgive her for holding back the truth.

In order to reach beyond the errors of their pasts, both Phoebe and Jalon must put their faith in something—or Someone—bigger than either of them could pen.

The Miracle Season ~ Movie Trailer

THE MIRACLE SEASON

Release: April 13, 2018

Director: Sean McNamara

Writers: David Aaron Cohen, Elissa Matsueda

Producers: Mickey Liddell, Pete Shilaimon, Mark Ciardi, Scott Holroyd

Genre: Drama

Cast: Helen Hunt, William Hurt, Danika Yarosh, Erin Moriarty

Production Company: LD Entertainment

Distributor: LD Entertainment / Mirror

SYNOPSIS

Based on the inspiring true story of West High School girls' volleyball team.  After the tragic death of the school's star player Caroline "Line" Found, the remaining team players must band together under the guidance of their tough-love coach in hope of winning the state championship.

THE MIRACLE SEASON Official Channels

WEBSITE: miracleseason.movie

FACEBOOK: facebook.com/miracleseason

TWITTER: twitter.com/tweetLD

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/miracleseason

#LiveLikeLine

ABOUT LD ENTERTAINMENT

LD Entertainment is an independent film studio that finances the development and production of elevated and thoughtful films, television and theater. Founded in 2007 by veteran television and film executive Mickey Liddell, LD Entertainment has produced numerous award winning films covering all genres.

LD's recent films include the Academy Award nominated "Jackie", starring Natalie Portman and directed by Pablo Larrain, "The Zookeeper's Wife" starring Jessica Chastain and directed by Niki Caro, and "Megan Leavey" starring Kate Mara and directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite. Past films include "Anthropoid", with Cillian Murphy and Jamie Dornan, "The Grey" starring Liam Neeson, and "Risen" starring Joseph Fiennes and Cliff Curtis. LD's also produced and received Oscar nominations for the poignant and complex films BIUTIFUL starring Javier Bardem and ALBERT NOBBS starring Glenn Close. LD recently received 6 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, for the Broadway hit "Dear Evan Hansen."

LD Entertainment is in post on three films: "Dog Days" an ensemble family comedy from director Ken Marino, "Jacob's Ladder" starring Michael Ealy and directed by David Rosenthal, and "Fast Color" directed by Julia Hart and starring GuGu Mbatha-Raw. LD's "Forever My Girl", starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe is set for a wide release in January 2018.

ABOUT MIRROR

Mirror is a theatrical releasing company that believes in allowing creators to maintain individuality with their brands while thoughtfully approaching marketing, publicity, and distribution.