Hatteras Girl - review

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Hatteras Girl Bethany House; Original edition (October 1, 2010) by Alice Wisler

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Alice J. Wisler is an author, public speaker, advocate, and fundraiser. She has been a guest on several radio and TV programs to promote her self-published cookbooks, Slices of Sunlight and Down the Cereal Aisle. She graduated from Eastern Mennonite University and has traveled the country in jobs that minister to people. Alice was raised in Japan and currently resides in Durham, North Carolina.

Facts about Alice
* Born in Osaka, Japan and lived in Japan for 18 years
* Went to Kyoto International School and Canadian Academy
* Majored in Social Work and graduated in 1983 from Eastern Mennonite University
* Worked at a group home for disadvantaged kids outside of Philadelphia
* Taught English and Culture Orientation at a refugee camp in the Philippines
* Taught English as a Second Language in Japan
* Speaks and teaches on Writing the Heartache
* Has three kids on earth, and one in Heaven
* Recently got married to Carl on 2/7/09

ABOUT THE BOOK

There are two things twenty-nine-year-old Jackie Donovan asks God for: an honest, wonderful man to marry, and to own a bed-and-breakfast in the Outer Banks region. In the meantime, Jackie works for Lighthouse Views magazine, writing articles about other local business owners, and intrepidly goes on the blind dates set up by her well-meaning but oh-so-clueless relatives.

There's one specific property Jackie dreams of purchasing: the Bailey Place, a fabulous old home where Jackie spent many happy childhood afternoons, a place that has now fallen into disrepair because of its outrageous price tag.

When Jackie meets handsome Davis Erickson, who holds the key to the Bailey Place, Jackie is sure God has answered both her prayers. But as Jackie learns some disturbing details about Davis's past, she begins to question her own motivation. Will she risk her long-held dreams to find out the truth?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Hatteras Girl, go HERE.

My Review:

When I first started Hatteras Girl, I had a hard time getting into it.  The first few chapters seemed somewhat slow.  However, I am glad I stuck with it because I ended up really enjoying this book.  It is full of life.  Love, death, family, friends, and JOY!!  It is a story of dreams come true.  All Jackie wants in life is to own the Bailey House and to find a good man.  I have always loved staying at a Bed and Breakfast, and would love to own one someday, so seeing how Jackie goes about it was fun.  I also really enjoyed all the quirkiness of the characters.  I would recommend this book to anyone.  It is a fun, light read.

Thank you CFBA for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Happy Reading

Grace review

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Grace Avon Inspire; Original edition (October 26, 2010) by Shelley Shepard Gray


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Shelley Shepard Gray is the beloved author of the Sisters of the Heart series, including Hidden, Wanted, and Forgiven. Before writing, she was a teacher in both Texas and Colorado. She now writes full time and lives in southern Ohio with her husband and two children. When not writing, Shelley volunteers at church, reads, and enjoys walking her miniature dachshund on her town's scenic bike trail.



ABOUT THE BOOK

It's Christmastime at the Brenneman Bed & Breakfast, and everyone is excited about closing down for the holiday.

Anna and Henry will be celebrating their first Christmas as a married couple, and for Katie and Jonathan Lundy, it's their first Christmas with baby Stefan. Winnie and Samuel Miller plan to stop by as well for a wonderful two weeks of family and rest.

But when two unexpected visitors show up, hoping to stay for Christmas, the family must test their commitment to hospitality. Levi is a widower who lost his wife four years ago and can't bear the thought of another Christmas alone. And Melody is a young pregnant woman who won't open up about how she ended up on her own at Christmas at almost nine months pregnant.

Anna, who knows a thing or two about keeping secrets, doesn't trust her, and strives to find out the truth about these two strangers who have disrupted their holiday. But as the Christmas spirit descends on them all, as well as snow that traps them in the inn, a healing and hopefulness takes over, allowing new relationships to be built, and the boundaries of family to be extended.

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Grace, go HERE.

My Review:

This is my first Shelley Shepard Gray book.  Although I didn’t feel it was a gripping, edge of your seat, page turner, I did really enjoy it.  It was a very relaxed read.  A story that makes you feel good.  A story full of JOY and hope.

I think spending the holidays tucked away at an Amish Bed and Breakfast for the Christmas season, learning to let go of past hurts, sounds like an amazing time.  Add that to the beautiful snow and the simpler way of life, and it makes me want to be there.

But will what started out as an unexpected and somewhat unwanted situation turn into a beautiful Christmas, or will it be a disaster for all involved.  Will Melody get back home before the baby comes?  Will Levi deal with his hurt and anger?  Will Katie and the family make the best of the holidays with their guests?

This book is definitely worth reading!!  Light a fire, grab a blanket and a cup of coffee, and enjoy this feel good book!!

Thank you CFBA for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!!

Happy Reading

Within My Heart - Review

About the Author:

Tamera Alexander is a bestselling novelist whose deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and poignant prose resonate with readers. Having lived in Colorado for seventeen years, she and her husband now make their home in Tennessee, where they enjoy life with their two college-age children and a Silky named Jack.

Tamera invites you visit her Web site at www.tameraalexander.com.

About the Book:

Sometimes the greatest step of faith is taken neck-deep in fear.

Determined to fulfill her late husband's dream, Rachel Boyd struggles to keep her ranch afloat with the help of her two young sons. But some days it feels as though her every effort is sabotaged. When faced with a loss she cannot afford, she's forced to trust Rand Brookston, the one man in Timber Ridge she wishes to avoid. And with good reason. He's a physician, just like her father, which tells her everything she needs to know about him. Or so she thinks....

Dr. Rand Brookston ventured west with the dream of bringing modern medicine to the wilds of the Colorado Rockies, but the townspeople have been slow to trust him. Just as slow in coming is Rand's dream to build the town a proper clinic. When a patient's life is threatened, Rand makes a choice—one that sends ripples through the town of Timber Ridge. And through Rachel Boyd's stubborn heart.

From the beloved, bestselling author of From a Distance and Beyond This Moment comes an unforgettable story about faith in the face of fear, about tarnished hopes and second chances, and ultimately about the resilient courage and tenacity of hearts broken——and mended——by love.

My Review:

After losing her husband, Rachel Boyd is trying to fulfill his dream for her and their boys.    Living out on land by themselves and trying to keep their ranch afloat while her heart and love is really in the medical field.  The twist, her dad was a doctor and her experience growing up in his home left her with a bad taste in her mouth towards physicians.  Along comes Dr. Rand Brookston, not only to treat her, but to treat her dear friend.  Can she handle the feelings she has toward him because he’s a doctor?  Can she handle the feelings she is developing for him even though he’s a doctor?  Is he really different than her dad?  

This was my first Tamera Alexander book.  After getting past the beginning, which I felt had some unnecessary content, I loved the book.  It was full of life, love, and health.  A grieving widow, some little boys trying to find themselves, and the complications associated with life in the 1800’s.  

Thank you Bethany House for sending me a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.  

Happy Reading!!

In Every Heartbeat - Review

About the Author:

Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of fifteen novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and six grandchildren. She invites you to visit her Web site at www.kimvogelsawyer.com for more information.

About this book:

Three best friends, three cherished dreams, three searching hearts...

As three friends who grew up in the same orphanage head off to college together, they each harbor a special plan for the future. Libby Conley hopes to become a famous journalist. Pete Leidig believes God has called him to study to become a minister. And Bennett Martin plans to pledge a fraternity, find a place to belong, and have as much fun as possible. But as tensions rise around the world on the brink of World War I, the friends' differing aspirations and opinions begin to divide them, as well.

When Libby makes a shocking discovery about Pete's family, will it drive a final wedge between the friends or bond them in ways they never anticipated? 

My Review:

The story of three young friends starting college together.  Three different pasts that landed them all at the same orphanage.  All three hurting and hungering for a place to belong, a place where they feel wanted.  Libby - a life as a journalist, Petey - a life as a minister, and Bennett - a college fraternity, the military, just anywhere to belong and feel important.

One common need - Jesus!!

Petey fill the holes in his life with the Lord but will the others ever let go of their worldly desires and find Him?  Will Bennett find a place or family to belong to.  Will Petey and Libby be able to put their differences aside and find love?

Great book, very well written and hard to put down.  Would definitely recommend.  Hoping she writes a sequel.

Thank you Bethany House for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!!

Happy Reading!!

In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and share our love of the written word!  This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books!  It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs to read!  So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING through the list of blogs that are posted in the Linky list here.

RULES:

Your blog should have content related to books, including, but not limited to book reviews.
 

1.  Enter your book blog link in the Linky List below

In your link, please state the main genre that you review:  eclectic, contemp. fiction, ya, paranormal, mystery, non-fiction, etc. 

Please do not list every genre you review - if you are review a variety, please put eclectic!  The Hop gets jumbled up if the title is too long, so please limit to one genre.  I will be limiting the number of characters in the title to ensure the Hop doesn't look messy!  Thank you!

Example:  Crazy-for-Books (adult fiction) 

NOTE:   You no longer have to enter the length of time you've been blogging, but do let us know if this is your first time hopping with us!

2. Post about the Hop on your blog.  Spread the word about the book party!  The more the merrier!  In your blog post, answer the following question (new question each week!).  If you have a suggestion for a future HOP question, click here to fill out the form!  Thanks!

This week's question comes from Tina who blogs at Book Couture.

"How do you spread the word about your blog?
(e.g. Social Networking sites, Book Blog Directories, comments on other blogs...)"

My Answer:  I have recently started doing blog hops in hopes of gaining more followers and finding more blogs to follow!!  I also have a personal blog that I post on daily and refer to my book blog at times!!

3.  Visit other blogs in the Linky List!  Make new friends!  Follow new book bloggers!  Talk about books!  Rave about authors!  Take the time to make a quality visit!  Check out other posts and content, make a new friend!  Don't randomly follow someone if you never intend on actually following them!  No spamming please!  (Please do not leave your link and not visit other blogs - it's just not cool and not in the spirit of the Hop!)


And just as an FYI - this event is not something you should feel that you have to participate in every week.  If you want to join in and link up once a month, GREAT!  It's up to you how often you participate!

So, have fun HOPPING and enjoy your BOOK PARTY weekend!!!

Counting it all JOY!!

Loves First Bloom - review

About the Author:

Delia Parr, pen name for Mary Lechleidner, is the author of 10 historical novels and the winner of several awards, including the Laurel Wreath Award for Historical Romance and the Aspen Gold Award for Best Inspirational Book. She is a full-time high school teacher who spends her summer vacations writing and kayaking. The mother of three grown children, she lives in Collingswood, New Jersey. Visit www.deliaparr.com for more information.

About the Book:

She must conceal her past, her identity. What hope can there be for love?

Life changes drastically for Ruth Livingstone the day her father puts a young child in her arms and sends her under an assumed name to a small village in New Jersey. There she dutifully awaits his acquittal, certain that her father, Reverend Livingstone, soon will be cleared of the outrageous accusations against him. 

When tragic events transpire, Ruth finds solace tending a garden along the banks of the Toms River—a place where she can find a measure of peace amid her growing heartache. It is also here that she meets Jake Spencer, a man who both frustrates and intrigues her. Fearful of the newspapermen intent on tracking her down and unsure of whom to trust, Ruth knows she must carefully maintain her identity as Widow Malloy. But as love begins to slowly bloom, can the tenuous affection growing between Ruth and Jake withstand the secrets that separate them?

My Review:

Loves First Bloom is a story full of twists and turns.  Ruth Livingstone finds herself with a new identity, a daughter, and a new home.  Trying to protect her dad, herself, and the baby, she lives her life as Widow Mallow, living with the Garners and hiding from the press.  Along comes Jake, the lies and deception escalate to an unbelievable level.  

Will her dad be found guilty of murder?  Will she be found out?  Will Jake expose her?  Will the two be able to forgive the lies and deception?  Will he ruin her life or convince her to love him?  You will have to read it to find out.

This book is full of romance and mystery so if you are interested in romance in the 1800’s, this is the book for you!!

Counting it all JOY!!

Monday - What Are You Reading??

Today I am joining Sheila with Book Journey.  She asks us to share what we read last week and what we will be reading this week!!  How fun!!

I just finished reading for review:

No Girls Allowed - a very good devotional for boys 9-12

I also read Take Four by Karen Kingsbury!!  

This week I am reading (also for review)

Delia Parr’s Loves First Bloom

What are you reading this week??

Counting it all JOY!!

No Girls Allowed - review

Author Bio

Jayce O'Neal is a speaker, actor, and writer living in the Los Angeles area. He and his wife moved there for the writing and acting opportunities and to be missionaries in the entertainment industry. He has, as he likes to say, "a PhD, two master's degrees, a B.A., and a small trophy for perfect attendance in Sunday school." He is a committed Christian who comes from a family of Christian workers. His parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles were all children's pastors. Jayce and his wife have continued this tradition and have been actively involved in ministering to jr. high and high school kids for many years.

Jayce has recently published a book with Strang Communications called 100 Answers to 100 Questions Every Graduate Should Know. He has also published a picture book titled Crazy Circus World.

About the Book:

No Girls Allowed Devotions for Boys is the companion devotion to the popular For Girls Only! Devotions (2009). The devotion books follow the same format: a story related to a scripture theme, a game/activity, a list of things to do, and quotes from people and the Bible that reinforce the theme. Each of the 60 devotions is 4 pages long (2 complete spreads) and includes original single-color art that will attract and engage boys ages 8-12. The illustrations are more like cartoons—each has a caption that relates to the theme. Some of the themes addressed include bullying, being a good winner, 

generosity, church participation, worship, and creation. The devotions use a wide range of examples. The author uses original stories, but he also uses things familiar to boys (G.I. Joe, Transformers, sports figures, superheroes, comics, video games, etc.) to illustrate his point.

My Review:

Considering I have 4 boys, two of which are at the perfect age for this devotional, I was excited to be able to review it.  I have to say, I wasn’t disappointed.  After reading the first chapter together, my boys were both apologizing to each other.  Not that they had done anything specific, it was just great food for thought and had them regretting not always being uplifting to each other.  The devotions continue in that direction, taking everyday situations and teaching you how to handle them in a Godly fashion.  Something we all need more of.  

All 60 chapters include a short story, word puzzle, ideas on things you can do to implement the current topic, things to remember - bible verses, and “do it” wisdom with applicable quotes.  

As a mom, I love any book that deepens my kids desire to be in the Word and challenges their walk!!  This book definitely does that.  I would recommend it to anyone with boys 9-12 or so.  There is also a girls devotional - “No Boys Allowed” available for girls.

Thank you Tyndale Publishers for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Counting it all Joy!!

The Thorn - review

About the Author:

Beverly Lewis, raised in Pennsylvania Amish country, is a former schoolteacher, an accomplished musician, and an award-winning author of more than eighty books for adults and children, many of which have appeared on bestseller lists, including USA Today and The New York Times. Her novel The Brethren won a 2007 Christy Award for excellence in Christian fiction. Writing memorable stories set in Amish farmland brings Beverly continual joy and inspiration. Her own family heritage is Old Order Mennonite, but she has many dear friends among Amish communities in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. Beverly and her husband, David, live in Colorado Springs, Colorado. For more information, visit www.beverlylewis.com

About the Book:

Lancaster County, with its rolling meadows and secret byways, may seem idyllic, but it is not without its thorns. The Rose Trilogy is the stirring saga of two Amish sisters, and the events and decisions that change their lives.

Spirited Rose Ann Kauffman has long enjoyed a close friendship with the bishop's rebellious foster son. Rose's older sister, Hen--who knows more than she should about falling for the wrong man--cautions her against him, but Rose is being courted by another, and so dismisses the warnings.

Hen Kauffman Orringer's impulsive marriage to an outsider divided her from the People, a decision she regrets now that she has a daughter of her own. As Hen struggles to reclaim aspects of Amish culture, her very modern husband pushes back, and the two soon come to an impasse. Can she find a way to reconcile her longing for the Old Ways with the life she has chosen?

My Review:

I was so excited when I was asked to review this book.  Beverly Lewis is one of my absolute favorite authors, so to be given the privilege of reviewing one of her books was an honor!!  I have become so fascinated with the Amish lifestyle from reading her books.  She definitely makes me long for a simpler life.  

With this book, she doesn’t disappoint.  It is well written and easy to read.  It focuses on an Amish family with typical daughters.  One, Hen, who longed for the English way of life and finds herself in marries to an “Englisher”, but after having a daughter she longs for the simpler way of life she was raised in.  The other daughter, Rose, wants nothing more than to be Amish.  She longs for an Amish marriage and to live her life out with all the traditional Amish ways she is accustom to.  In the midst of all this though, Rose finds herself in a serious relationship with the son of an upstanding Amish family, but also attracted to the Bishop’s foster son, Nick, her long-time best friend.  The only problem - Nick is attracted to the English way of life he was accustom to before being place with the bishop.  

As with all Beverly Lewis trilogies, she makes you feel like you know these people and leaves you longing for the rest of the story.  I highly recommend this book or any other Beverly Lewis book.  If you don’t already have an interest in the Amish way of life, you will.  

I would like to thank Bethany House for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Happy Reading!!

Angel Song review

Sheila Walsh

A best-selling author with over 4 million books sold.  A featured speaker with Women of Faith, more than 3.5 million women have heard her speak.  She lives in Texas with her husband, Barry, and their son, Christian.

Kathryn Cushman

A graduate of Samford University with a degree in pharmacy.  After practicing for several years, she left her career to spend more time at home with her daughters and has since pursued her dream of writing.  Kathryn and her family currently live in Santa Barbara, California

Book Description

When Annie Fletcher returns to Charleston to see her younger sister, Sarah, receive her master’s degree, she finds herself riding in the back of an ambulance, watching helplessly as Sarah fights for life. During the ride, Sarah appears to talk to someone who is not there, humming a melody Annie has never heard before.

Neighbor Ethan McKinney lends a shoulder when Sarah unexpectedly dies. And as a carpenter, Ethan volunteers to help Annie get the Fletcher family home into shape for selling. Ethan’s presence is distracting, but what troubles Annie is her neighbor Tammy’s 12-year-old son. Keith has Down Syndrome and the guile to believe he can see and hear angels.

God begins to reveal Himself to Annie – both in her newfound friends and through heart-rending and clearly supernatural events. Annie discovers faith in God, finally experiencing the comfort that His angels really do surround us.

My Review

I was so excited when I got the opportunity to review this book!!  I love Sheila Walsh and have read many of her spiritual growth books, so imagine my JOY when I saw this book.  I was not disappointed.  These authors did a great job.  

Everyone has lost a loved one and everyone has questioned why God has allowed such things to happen.  What really matters is what we, the survivors, do in those situations.  In this story Annie doesn’t trust God, or even believe in Him, due to so much pain in her past.  She doesn’t believe the song she is hearing could be coming from Angel’s.  She doesn’t want any relationships especially one with a sweet little boy with Downs Syndrome who claims to hear the Angels too.  She builds walls around herself for protection and doesn’t realize it is those walls that are ruining her life, hurting her way more than protecting her.

I loved this book.  I would recommend it to anyone who loves Christian Fiction, anyone who has lost loved ones, anyone who has ever felt pain and the need to build walls and protect themselves from people and relationships.

Thank you Thomas Nelson and the Booksneeze program for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Counting it all Joy!!