The Promise

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Mallory Hammond is determined that no one will stand in the way of her goal—to save a life. She had that chance years ago, and she failed to take it, leaving her adrift and in search of the real meaning of her life. Finally, she meets a man online from a volatile corner of the world who offers her the chance to find that purpose. But she will have to leave everyone she loves behind in order to take it.

Tate Webber has loved Mallory for many years. He understands that Mallory will never be happy with him until her deepest heart’s desire is satisfied. When Mallory decides to travel across the world to fulfi ll her dreams, Tate begs her not to go but tries to give her the space she needs. Mallory embarks on her dangerous journey only to discover how swiftly and easily promises can be broken. And Mallory can only pray that she will make it out alive.

Inspired by actual events, The Promise is a riveting love story that asks the question: how far will we go for love?

My Thoughts:

First things first... I LOVE stories based on real life events, don't you!? And I love books that just grab a hold of you and don't let go until that very last page has been turned, don't you!? If you answered yes, then I would highly suggest reading "The Promise" by Beth Wiseman!

When we make promises, we all do our best to hold true to that promise but sometimes, it just doesn't work the way we had hoped. And sometimes we may give up when a promise hasn't been fulfilled in a timely manner, but what if 12 years passed and still that promise is looming about?  What if fulfilling that promise takes us to a world we know nothing about and each day becomes more and more dangerous. 

Mallory is brave, yet so naive, and at times I just wanted to shake her and ask her what in the world was she thinking! 

The Promise takes us into the Muslim world and it is here that Mallory finds God.

Back at home, her long time love, Tate is not only worried about her but has his own issues going on. He looks to God and his faith is stretched in ways he wouldn't have imagined.

I highly recommend The Promise to those who love to read captivating novels! I suggest you have a somewhat clear schedule, otherwise, you may end up ignoring that schedule all together! ;)

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥'s Indeed!!

Thank you LitFuse for allowing me this complimentary book in exchange for my honest review!!  

Lights Out: Living in a Sightless World

ABOUT THE BOOK:


When the lights go out – play harder. 
Travis Freeman plunged into a world of darkness at 12 years old. A rare occurrence of a routine illness stole his sight, leaving the small–town Kentucky boy's dreams of football and fun languish–ing on the sidelines. 
Having given his heart to Jesus merely a year before the illness, Travis knew one thing: God was still the light for his life. 
That life story is now the inspiration for a major motion picture, "23 BLAST" that hits theatres in October 2014. Starring Dylan Baker (SPIDERMAN, THE GOOD WIFE) and Mark Hapka (DAYS OF OUR LIVES, CRIMINAL MINDS), the film focuses on Travis's football career playing Center for the Corbin Red–hounds – a team that went on to win the state championship. 
Yet there is even more wisdom and hope for us to find in a full telling of Travis Freeman's story. So much more to hear that couldn't be included in The Today Show and Dateline coverage of his football exploits. 
This graduate of the University of Kentucky and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary now joins with seasoned writer Rebeca Seitz to share his story in his own words. His is a story that is destined to turn the lights on for millions of readers.

MY THOUGHTS:

You know those stories that while you're reading it, you just can't believe it, and then when you've turned that final page you STILL can't believe it!!?? Lights Out: Living in a Sightless World is one of those books! Travis Freeman has got to be one of THE MOST amazing men and his story is one that will touch/inspire/encourage each and every person who is able to hear it.


Travis lives in a small town, a very close knit community.  Travis explains it this way...

 “Life in the small town of Corbin revolves around family, church, neighborhood, and football – usually in that order. Every little boy – at least every little boy I knew – grew up with one dream: to become a Corbin Redhound, a member of the high-school football team.”  As a 4th grader he was able to be the water boy, which in his mind, was one step closer to being on the team!

When Travis turns 12 he begins having painful headaches! The doctors didn't take him seriously but when his Dad takes him to the hospital in pain, and running a very high temp, tests reveal Travis had Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis. Surgery was the only option and with it came the news that Travis would lose his sight.  

As I read his story I kept thinking about the Scripture, "What the enemy meant for harm, God will use it for good" Gen 50:20. You see, upon Travis learning that while the surgery had saved his life, the infection had taken his sight, and his reply was this... "I believe I will see again. But if I don't, I can't wait to see what God's going to do with my life!" And from that day to today, God is STILL doing amazing things through Travis' life!!

Travis went on to play football, yes PLAY football! He played all through high school, and then he was the equipment manager at the University of Kentucky during his college years. He has continued to do so many amazing things and with each accomplishment he hopes that people will see that disability does not equal inability! 

Lights Out: Living in a Sightless World is a book that everyone should read! What a great thing for Families to read aloud together each evening, and then discuss between them and see how each person is touched or encouraged. Honestly anyone and everyone would be blessed to read Travis' story!

There is also a movie out titled "23 Blast" that tells his story. I'm not sure if it will come to my area but I sooooo hope it does! It is one to see for sure!!!

Hands down, I give this book as many ♥ as I possibly can!!! This is a MUST READ book!!
5 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥'s INDEED!!

Thank you so much LeAnn Hamby and Glassroad Media a division of BelieversPress for allowing me this complimentary book in exchange for my honest review!

The Mason Jar

ABOUT THE BOOK:

What if your old college roommate called, raving about a book someone sent her, calling it the most beautiful book she's ever read? "But," she said, "it's about you." The author is your college ex. 

In The Mason Jar, Clayton Fincannon is a Tennessee farm boy raised at the feet of his grandfather. He and his grandfather leave letters for each other in a Mason jar on his grandfather's desk; letters of counsel and affirmation. When Clayton attends college in Southern California, he meets and falls in love with a dark, debutante from Colorado, named Savannah. However, when an unmentioned past resurrects in her life and she leaves, Clayton is left with unanswered questions.

Clayton goes on to serve as a missionary in Africa, while he and his grandfather continue their tradition of writing letters. When Clayton returns home five years later to bury his grandfather, he searches for answers pertaining to the loss of the young woman he once loved. Little does Clayton know, the answers await him in the broken Mason jar.

A story about a girl who vanished, a former love who wrote a book about her and a reunion they never imagined.

Written for the bruised and broken, The Mason Jar is an inspirational romance that brings hope to people who have experienced disappointment in life due to separation from loved ones. With a redemptive ending that encourages us to love again, and written in the fresh, romantic tones of Nicholas Sparks, The Mason Jar interweaves the imagery of Thoreau with the adventures and climatic family struggles common to Dances with Wolves, A River Runs Through It and Legends of the Fall.

MY THOUGHTS:

When I read the blurb about "The Mason Jar" I knew right away that I wanted to review this book! Why? Well, it is a inspirational romance and one that states is similar to a Nicholas Sparks book. 

I loved the idea of the book! Everyone remembers their first love, but how many people do you know that had someone write a book about the relationship the two of you had? Well, that is just what happens in The Mason Jar. Finn and Eden fall in love while attending Pepperdine University and quickly become inseparable! Finn falls hard for Eden but when she suddenly disappears from campus, he is left with countless questions! The note Eden leaves only states she does not want him to pursue her. Attempting to overcome his broken heart Finn decides to go to Africa on a missions trip, and begins a Micro-lending program.

He also begins writing his grandfather in hopes of resolving his feelings for Eden. This is the best part of the book for me! I LOVED Finn's grandfather and how their relationship, while already a good one, only becomes much closer! Finn learns so much from this time of sharing notes back and forth! But, it isn't until his grandfather passes and he is going through his stuff, that he finds the final letter. Finn hopes this last letter will bring some much needed finality!

While I enjoyed The Mason Jar, I have to say I definitely don't feel it was up to the "Nicholas Sparks" level. The depth of this love story wasn't even close to those in Sparks' books. The ending was different than most romance novels, so, if you are looking for a storybook happy ending this is probably not for you!

I give The Mason Jar a 4 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥'s rating! Thank you LitFuse for allowing me this complimentary book in exchange for my honest review!

Hidden in the Stars by Robin Caroll

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Hidden in the Stars

Abingdon Press (September 16, 2014)

by

Robin Caroll

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin Caroll is a southerner through and through. Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others. Robin’s mother, bless her heart, is a genealogist who instilled in Robin the deep love of family and pride of heritage—two aspects Robin weaves into each of her books.


When she isn’t writing, Robin spends time with her husband of twenty-plus years, her 3 beautiful daughters, 2 precious grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home—in the South, where else?

ABOUT THE BOOK

Following an attack that killed her mother and stole her ability to speak, 21-year-old Sophia Montgomery has no choice but to accept her estranged grandmother’s offer to return to their family home. Although detective Julian Frazier is working hard on the case, Sophia unknowingly frustrates him because her inability to speak thwarts her eyewitness evidence. The fact that Julian is undeniably attracted to Sophia doesn’t help either, so Julian hides his feelings as concern for a trauma victim and focuses instead on finding the killer.

Little do they know, the clues to solving the case may be right in front of them, displayed in Sophia’s mother’s “special” quilt design. Who will realize the secret Sophia’s unwittingly been hiding in plain sight? When the truth comes to light, will Sophia find her voice again? Or will the murderer—still at large—silence her forever?



If you would like to read the first chapter of Hidden in the Stars, go HERE.

Tried & True

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Kylie Wilde fought in the Civil War dressed as a boy and now she's homesteading as a man. But she makes one lousy man! When land agent Aaron Masterson comes to inspect her claim, he immediately realizes she's a woman. She begs him not to tell, but can he in good conscience defraud the U.S. government, even if she really did serve in the war?

Aaron is interested in the little spitfire from the moment her long hair falls from her cap, but when he tells her of his plan to stake his own claim, farther west and up in the mountains, she draws away. Kylie's focus is to "prove up" her homestead, sell it for a profit, move back east, and live the rest of her life in civilization.

But all Kylie's future plans are put in jeopardy when someone tries to burn her out. Who would attack her way out here? Aaron and Kylie suspect it's the local land baron--but Gage Coulter denies any involvement. He does suggest a way for Kylie to stay safe, though--marry him! More attacks scare Kylie near to death, and she can't face living on her own any longer. Should she tie her fortune to Gage or Aaron? Either choice will put an end to her dreams of a civilized life. And what if marrying doesn't stop the attacks after all?

MY THOUGHTS:

Tried & True is the 1st book in the "Wild @ Heart" Series! Mary Connealy writes fabulous cowboy comedy and this book showcases that so well! 

Kylie & her sisters are some tough cookies and so very brave! I can't even imagine living in the 1860's, but these sisters serve in the Civil War (appearing as men), and then try their hand @Homesteading  too, making it quite humorous at times!! Romance is in the air and adventures await the sisters! Tried and True is fabulous!!  A great book to just sit down and escape for awhile! Thanks Litfuse for allowing me this complimentary book in exchange for my honest review!

Tried & True is most definitely 5 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥'s

Home to Chicory Lane ~ Review

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Audrey Whitman’s dreams are coming true. Now that their five kids are
grown, she and her husband Grant are turning their beloved family home
into a cozy bed and breakfast, just a mile outside of Langhorne,
Missouri.

Opening weekend makes Audrey anxious, with family and friends coming
from all over to help celebrate the occasion. But when Audrey’s
daughter, Landyn, arrives, the U-Haul she’s pulling makes it clear she’s
not just here for a few days. Audrey immediately has questions. What
happened in New York that sent Landyn running home? Where was Landyn’s
husband, Cory? And what else was her daughter not telling her? One thing
was for sure, the Chicory Inn was off to a rocky start. Can Audrey
still realize her dream and at the same time provide the comfort of home
her daughter so desperately needs?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Deborah Raney s books have won numerous awards, including the RITA, National Readers Choice Award, HOLT Medallion, and the Carol Award, and have twice been Christy Award finalists. She and her husband, Ken, recently traded small-town life in Kansas the setting of many of Deborah s novels for life in the (relatively) big city of Wichita, where they enjoy gardening, antiquing, movies, and traveling to visit four children and a growing brood of grandchildren who all live much too far away. Visit Deborah on the web at DeborahRaney.com.

MY THOUGHTS:

I LOVE Deborah Raney, so when I saw this was the 1st book in her new series, I was so excited! I so enjoy staying at a Bed & Breakfast, and felt right at home at the lovely Chicory Lane! I love the message that came through loud and clear from the Whitman family...God is in control ALWAYS, especially when we feel everything is out of control, it is then that we see HIM move on our behalf! Thank you Deborah for sharing your gift of writing with all of us and letting us see the many examples of how God moves in our situations and our lives via the Whitman family! I felt like a part of their family! I know the value of coming together as a family and working hard helping those you love when they need you. 

I cannot wait until the next book comes out!! We get a glimpse of this next novel, Two Roads Home,  at the end of Chicory Lane! Don't you just love it when authors provide that! 

Thank you LitFuse for allowing me this complimentary book in exchange for my honest review!!
A definite 5 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥'s for sure!

A Grand Design

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

A Grand Design

Abingdon Press (August 19, 2014)

by

Amber Stockton


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Words from the author:


Hi, I'm Amber, but my friends call me Tiff, short for Tiffany, my first name. I am in my mid-30's, married to the love of my life since July 2007, have a daughter and a son, and live in Colorado. Here, I am content to do what I love—write, speak, and offer virtual assistance.


Thanks to the gentle nudging of a fellow author -- Tracie Peterson -- in 2002, I joined the American Christian Fiction Writers and wouldn't be published today without them. For those of you who are also fiction writers looking for a wonderful support group, check them out! My very first book, Promises, Promises, sold in December 2006 and released in February 2008. I've been going steady ever since.


ABOUT THE BOOK

When Alyssa Denham, a single career woman, wins a fun getaway for two on Mackinac Island where her grandmother lives, she gives her carefree best friend a call. Together, they tour the old shops and hidden treasures of the quaint island while helping Alyssa’s grandmother piece together an heirloom quilt. Their quest gains them entrance into the homes of many longtime residents of the island, parts of the city that are otherwise off limits to tourists.
As the quilt’s story takes shape, Alyssa gains amazing insight into her grandmother’s life . . . and attracts the attention of the handsome Scott Whitman, an island resident in charge of hotel transportation. Will memories of her past keep Alyssa from letting go? Or will the quest to piece together the heirloom quilt restore Alyssa’s fractured heart—and bring healing to her entire family?


If you would like to read the first chapter of A Grand Design, go HERE.

Miracle in a Dry Season

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Miracle in a Dry Season

Bethany House Publishers (August 5, 2014)


by

Sarah Loudin Thomas


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sarah Loudin Thomas grew up on a 100-acre farm in French Creek, WV, the seventh generation to live there. Her Christian fiction is set in West Virginia and celebrates the people, the land, and the heritage of Appalachia. Her first novel, Miracle in a Dry Season, releases August 2014 through Bethany House. Sarah is represented by Wendy Lawton of Books & Such Literary Agency.

A graduate of Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC, Sarah once dreamed of being a marine scientist. But her love for words won out and she has spent much of her career in public relations and marketing. She currently oversees fundraising and communications for a Christian children’s home in Black Mountain, NC.


Sarah and her husband Jim live in the mountains of Western North Carolina with Thistle–the canine equivalent to a personal trainer pushing them to hike, run, and throw sticks. Sarah is active in her local church and enjoys cooking and–you guessed it–reading.


ABOUT THE BOOK

In a Drought, It's the Darkest Cloud

That Brings Hope


It's 1954 and Perla Long's arrival in the sleepy town of Wise, West Virginia, was supposed to go unnoticed. She just wants a quiet, safe place for her and her daughter, Sadie, where the mistakes of her past can stay hidden. But then drought comes to Wise, and Perla is pulled into the turmoil of a town desperately in need of a miracle.


Casewell Phillips has resigned himself to life as a bachelor. . .until he meets Perla. She's everything he's sought in a woman, but he can't get past the sense that she's hiding something. As the drought worsens, Perla's unique gift divides the town in two, bringing both gratitude and condemnation, and placing the pair in the middle of a storm of anger and forgiveness, fear and faith.


If you would like to read the first chapter of Miracle in a Dry Season, go HERE.

SKY ZONE

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Sky Zone

David C. Cook (June 1, 2014)


by

Creston Mapes


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Creston has fond memories of his boyhood in Bath, Ohio, where he became enchanted with his future wife, way back in the fourth grade. His father, Bernie, owned and operated The Weathervane Furniture Shop in town. The whole family lived right upstairs in the century-old house known as "The Shop."

Creston studied journalism at Bowling Green State University, then began his writing career. During the past 30 years, he has worked as a reporter, corporate copywriter, creative director, freelance writer, and author.


ABOUT THE BOOK

A rally for a controversial presidential candidate.
A terrorist threat.
A nightmare of cataclysmic proportions.


Jack and Pamela Crittendon have hit the breaking point. After months out of work as a reporter, Jack is playing Mr. Mom and working part-time at Festival Arena with his survivalist friend Brian Shakespeare. Meanwhile, Pamela has gone back to work full-time while eight months pregnant. Having her recently widowed mother on hand isn't making matters any easier.
With financial pressures boiling, Jack reports for duty at a rally for controversial presidential candidate Martin Sterling where he expects a mindless night on the job. But when Homeland Security picks up intel about a potential terrorist threat, Jack and Shakespeare are thrust into a life-or-death battle to save their own lives--and the lives of thousands of innocent people.


If you would like to read the first chapter of Sky Zone, go HERE.

Rival Hearts!

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Rival Hearts

Abingdon Press (June 17, 2014)

by

Tara Randel


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tara Randel has enjoyed a lifelong love of books, especially romance and mystery genres, so it didn't come as a surprise when she began writing with the dream of becoming published. After finding Romantic Times magazine in a bookstore many years ago, she found information about writing organizations. Soon after, she joined Romance Writers of America. She located the local RWA chapter and immediately attended her first meeting. There was no stopping her after that!


Through Tampa Area Romance Authors, Tara learned all about the business of publishing, starting with the craft of writing to behind the scenes of publishing. She served as contest coordinator for four years and served as President for one year, enjoying the organization and the lasting friendships made there.


When not writing, Tara owns a business with her husband and stays busy with her two daughters. She lives on the West Coast of Florida, where gorgeous sunsets inspire the creation of heartwarming stories, filled with love, laughter and the occasional mystery. Enjoy!


ABOUT THE BOOK

Molly Henderson and Ben Weaver have been rival magazine writers for the same publishing group for years. When both come up for the same promotion, they find themselves in an unexpected competition to win the spot. Molly, editor of Quilter’s Heart, and Ben, editor of Outdoor Adventures, must switch roles, each working for the other for one month, then submit an article at the end of their quests.

Can girly-girl Molly survive the outdoor adventures that Ben has planned? Can Ben navigate the perils of the social dynamics of quilting events without destroying a valuable quilt in one short month? More importantly, in this he-said, she-said situation, will Molly and Ben give in to their attraction and fall in love, no matter who wins?


If you would like to read the first chapter of Rival Hearts, go HERE.

Blind Trust - Review

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Kate Adams had no idea she was carrying counterfeit money, and she can't believe that it came from her sweet neighbor. Or that it lands her in the middle of another one of Detective Tom Parker's investigations. Determined to prove her neighbor's innocence, Kate stumbles into a pit of intrigue that is far deeper than a two-bit counterfeit operation--and strikes too close to home for comfort. As family secrets come to light, her world--and her budding romance with Tom--begin to crumble. To Kate, it's clear that she won't be safe until she uncovers all of Port Aster's secrets. But is it too late for her and Tom?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sandra Orchard is the award-winning author of several inspirational romantic suspense/mysteries, including Deadly Devotion and Blind Trust. Her Love Inspired Suspense titles have garnered two Canadian Christian Writing Awards and aRomantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award. Sandra has also received a Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. In addition to her busy writing schedule, Sandra enjoys speaking at events and teaching writing workshops. She lives in Ontario, Canada. Learn more about Sandra's books and check out the special bonus features, such as deleted scenes and location pics, at http://sandraorchard.com.

My Thoughts:

I have to share first off that I had no idea this was the 2nd book in a series.  The Port Aster Secrets series and the first book is titled "Deadly Devotions." Typically when you read a series, each book can be read as a stand alone without much confusion, but that is not the case in this series! I found myself confused many times but even so I still loved the book and will be purchasing the 1st book in this series, and will definitely be anxiously awaiting the next one!

This is the first time I've read anything from Author Sandra Orchard and I will definitely look for other books she's written! If you like mystery, action, romance, suspense, and lots of drama, this will be a great series to begin! 

Thank you to Revell, a division of Baker Publishing for allowing me this complimentary book in exchange for my honest review!

Meant to be Mine ~ Review

ABOUT THE BOOK:

One spontaneous Las Vegas wedding. + One groom who regrets it in the morning. + Five and a half years of separation.  + A baby hidden from her father. = Lots of emotion, fun, romance and forgiveness. 

Ty Porter has always been irresistible to Celia Park. All through high school---irresistible. When their paths cross again after college---still irresistible. This time, though, Ty seems to feel exactly the same way about Celia. Their whirlwind romance deposits them at a street-corner Las Vegas wedding chapel.  

The next morning they wake to a marriage certificate and a dose of cold reality. Celia's ready to be Ty's wife, but Ty's not ready to be her husband. He's a professional bull rider, he lives on the road, and he's long planned to settle down with the hometown girl he's known since childhood.  

Five and a half years pass. Celia's buried her dreams so that she can afford to raise her daughter. Ty's achieved all of his goals. Or thought he had, until he looks again into the eyes of the woman he couldn't forget and into the face of the child he never knew he had.  

How much will Ty sacrifice to win back Celia's trust and prove to her that their spontaneous marriage can still become the love of a lifetime? 

My Thoughts:

This is a tough one because I truly had a love/hate thing with this book! Celia and Ty also had a love/hate thing going on which drove me crazy! Ty continuing on & on about the "Other Woman" was just so wrong, yet him interacting with his new found daughter, Addie is absolutely precious! Addie is 4 yrs. old and just a doll, however, at times she responds to Celia as if she were 14. So Very in tune with Celia's emotions and situations, and in my opinion, no 4 yr. old would even grasp what the situation truly was. 

I loved the ending, but I will be honest, getting there was so rushed...I would have loved to see the author

work on the true sentiments of Celia and Ty and leave all the other stuff alone! Leaving out all of the drug use and other addictive behaviors would have helped some as well. 

Heart of a Bookworm gives Meant to be Mine 3 ♥ ♥ ♥'s

Thank you to Litfuse publicity for allowing me this complimentary book in exchange for my honest review!

Pressed Pennies Review

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Rick and Abby grew up together, became best friends, and ultimately fell in love. Circumstance tore them apart in their early teens, though, and they went on to lives less idyllic than they dreamed about in those early days. Rick has had a very successful career, but his marriage flat-lined. Abby has a magical daughter, Paige, but Paige's father nearly destroyed Abby's spirit.

Now fate has thrown Rick and Abby together again. In their early thirties, they are more world-weary than they were as kids. But their relationship still shimmers, and they're hungry to make up for lost time. However, Paige, now nine, is not nearly as enthusiastic. She's very protective of the life she's made with her mother and not open to the duo becoming a trio. Meanwhile, Rick has very little experience dealing with kids and doesn't know how to handle Paige. This leaves Abby caught between the two people who matter the most to her. What happens when the life you've dreamed of remains just inches from your grasp?

PRESSED PENNIES is a nuanced, intensely romantic, deeply heartfelt story of love it its many incarnations, relationships in their many guises, and family in its many meanings. It is the most accomplished and moving novel yet from a truly great storyteller of the heart.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Steven Manchester is the published author of Pressed Pennies, The Unexpected Storm: The Gulf War Legacy and Jacob Evans, as well as several books under the pseudonym, Steven Herberts. His work has appeared on NBC's Today Show, CBS's The Early Show, CNN s American Morning and BET s Nightly News. Recently, three of Steven's short stories were selected 101 Best for Chicken Soup for the Soul series. When not spending time with his children, writing, or promoting his works, this Massachusetts author speaks to troubled children through the Straight Ahead Christian Program, as well as Street Speakers; a talented group of high school poets from the Whaling City Alternative School.

My Thoughts:

I have to say how much I loved this book! Childhood friendships are a treasure and maintaining those relationships into adulthood is even more so!

I could relate to so much about this book and in particular, I could relate to Paige. Paige is a young girl who is caught between her parents as they are divorcing. Paige's faith in her father never waivers despite being put off, forgotten, or just plain ol' left standing at the door waiting and waiting and waiting for her daddy to pick her up. 

Abby is a phenomenal mom who tries her best to be all things to Paige...a Mom, a Dad, a friend, and so much more and does a really great job at it! When she runs into her old flame, Richard, it was as if no time had ever kept them apart. But Abby is determined to keep Paige her first priority. Will Richard be able to handle being 2nd in Abby's life? Will he be able to earn the love of her daughter, Paige?

Pressed Pennies is a wonderful story of two childhood sweethearts who are reunited and wonder if their love is still as strong as it was all those years ago! 

Pressed Pennies is a definite 5 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥'s !!

One More Last Chance ~ review

ABOUT THE BOOK:

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.

MY THOUGHTS:

One More Last Chance is the 2nd book in this Series. I have not read the 1st book, and can tell you this book can definitely be a stand alone. While I didn't know the characters in the first book, I never felt like I was missing anything but I plan on reading it next! :)
Sarah has just ended a relationship and is looking to a city called Last Chance to help her mend her broken heart. The last thing she ever wanted was someone in her life that would change things up but Chris Reed was certainly brought into Sarah's life for a reason!

One More Last chance is a wonderful story in a sweet town that will make you want to visit and you might not want to leave !! While Sarah is very difficult to like in the beginning, things begin to change just as I hoped they would! I highly recommend it and can tell you it would be a great read over this next holiday weekend!

Thanks to Revell for allowing me this complimentary book in exchange for my honest review!

Gathering Shadows

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Gathering Shadows

Bethany House Publishers (May 6, 2014)

by

Nancy Mehl


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita, Kansas with her husband Norman and their dog, Watson. She’s authored thirteen books and is currently at work on her newest series for Bethany House Publishing.

All of Nancy’s novels have an added touch – something for your spirit as well as your soul. “I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing,” Nancy says. “It’s a part of me and of everything I think or do. God is number one in my life. I wouldn’t be writing at all if I didn’t believe that this is what He’s called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan especially for your life, and there is nothing you can’t overcome with His help.”

She and her husband attend Believer’s Tabernacle in Wichita.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Wynter Evans is a promising young reporter for a television station in St. Louis, but even a bright future doesn't take away her pain over the disappearance of her brother nine years ago. So when she stumbles across a photograph of a boy with an eerie resemblance to him, she can't pass up the chance to track him down. With research for work as her cover, she sets out with one of the station's photogs for the place where the picture was taken: the town of Sanctuary.

Almost as soon as she arrives, she meets the town's handsome young mayor, Rueben King, and together they begin to uncover long held secrets that could tear the small town apart and change everything Wynter thought she knew about her life. As the truth of her family's past hides in the shadows, it's clear someone will stop at nothing to keep the answers she's searching for hidden forever--even if the cost is Wynter's very life.

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

Fatal Exchange

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Emily Hunt might come from a family of cops, but she never goes looking for an adrenaline rush. She lives the quiet--well, relatively quiet--life of a teacher and thrives on making a difference in the lives of her students. But she'll have to draw on a well of strength and savvy she didn't know she had as student Rafael Cerda takes her class hostage for ransom money to save his brother's life.

Undercover cop Mason Taylor has been working with Rafael to find his brother and bring the cartel thugs who hold him to justice. Can he talk Rafael down from his impulsive actions? And is there something more sinister at work here than he realizes?

Fatal Exchange draws readers into a complex matrix of intertwining lives and unraveling secrets, where every answer creates more questions. Romantic suspense fans will hardly want to come up for air.

MY THOUGHTS:

Holy Smokes!!! This is one of those books that will take you on a WILD RIDE!! The pages can't be turned quick enough and sleep is not happening because you just can't get your head out of this book!!!

Even though this is the 2nd book in the series, it can be read and understood just fine! 
I LOVE the suspense with a touch of romance! I am definitely a new fan of Lisa Harris!

Thank you Revell for allowing me this book in exchange for my honest review!!

One Perfect Spring

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Claire Summers is a single mother who's doing her best to make ends meet. Keith Watson is a philanthropic workaholic who fields requests for donations. But when a letter from Claire's 11-year-old daughter reaches his desk, everything changes. Will this one missive intertwine his life with Claire's---and reap more blessings than they could ever imagine?

MY THOUGHTS:

Oh my goodness! This book is a MUST to have on your reading list! It has everything a good book needs to keep you turning pages until there are none left to turn! One Perfect String will hit almost every one of your emotions and leave you feeling inspired! A sweet story that has many twists and things happen that I didn't see coming at all! I just fell in love with little Haley and her sweet heart! Please put this on your reading list! I know you will love it and want to pass it along to someone else  :) It's just that good!

Critical Condition ~ Review

ABOUT THE BOOK:

It began as a quiet dinner party honoring Dr. Shannon Frasier's colleague, but became a nightmare when a man was shot on her lawn, reviving emotions from a similar episode a decade ago. Then a midnight call from her sister, Megan, causes Shannon to fear that her sister is on drugs again.

Her "almost-fiance" Dr. Mark Gilbert's support only adds to Shannon's feelings of guilt, since she can't bring herself to fully commit to him. She turns for help to her pastor-father, only to learn that he's just been diagnosed with leukemia.

Shannon thought it couldn't get any worse. Then the late-night, threatening phone calls begin, the rough voice asking, "What did he say before he died?

My Thoughts:

Anytime I get a chance to read one of Dr. Richard Mabry's books, I jump on it!  I absolutely LOVE his medical thrillers and Critical Condition was EXCELLENT, as I knew it would be! I'm never able to solve the who-done-it in Dr. Mabry's books and I LOVE that! I've always loved the fact that his books, for me, are not the typical cookie cutter suspense novels.  He writes good, clean, exciting novels that leave you anxiously awaiting the next one!

I loved Shannon and how she loved her family! She cared immensely for her sister, and being the oldest child, she took on a role that I could completely relate to. I just thought Mark was amazing and his patience with Shannon were obviously God-given :) But that is always how the Lord works! What we think is impossible, God makes a way and provides all you need to get through it, and that is evident in Dr. Mabry's books! 

If you haven't read one of Dr. Mabry's books, you truly should! If you like suspense, medical thrillers, then Oh boy! you truly need to read his books!! 

Critical Condition is a 5 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥'s review for sure!

Thank you Litfuse for allowing me the complimentary books in exchange for my honest review!

A Promise in Pieces

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

A Promise in Pieces

Abingdon Press (April 15, 2014)

by

Emily T. Wierenga


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


A Word from the Author:

I’m Emily, and I’m honored and humbled to meet you, friend.

We’re all stumbling along on this journey and you can approach me about anything okay? I’m an open book, with dog-eared pages and a worn cover.


I’m mama to two boys, ages two and four, and married to a farm-boy-turned-math-teacher. We live in a small Dutch hamlet with three churches, one Co-Op and no stop lights. There are a lot of fields out here, there’s a lot of space and sky for breathing and running and writing.


We foster two boys in addition to our own two, and before I had kids, I took care of my Mum who had brain cancer. She fought back and has recovered, all glory to God, and my pastor-father still holds her hand while they go for daily walks.


I battled anorexia nervosa as a child, and then again as a newly married woman, and I write a lot about body image now and have a passion for women to learn to love themselves.


My husband and I have battled infertility and are currently trying to adopt our third child through the local Alberta government.


I hurt for the church, and believe in it, and pray for it, as I’ve grown up inside its walls and have heard its groanings.


I have a heart for Africa, particularly Uganda, and went there in January on a bloggers’ trip with World Help.


My favorite things to do are read literary novels, play guitar, snowboard, paint with oil and acrylics and hug my babies.


I am the author of two books on eating disorders, a novel releasing this spring, and a memoir coming out this summer.


I hope you’ll connect with me on FB: https://www.facebook.com/emilytwierenga, or if you prefer, Twitter: @emily_wierenga. I’d love to have a virtual glass of wine, or cup of coffee, with you.


Peace to you friends,


e.

ABOUT THE BOOK

After the end of World War II, Clara Kirkpatrick returns from the Women’s Army Corp to deliver a dying soldier’s last wishes: convey his love to his young widow, Mattie, with apologies for the missed life they had planned to share.

Struggling with her own post-war trauma, Clara thinks she’s not prepared to handle the grief of this broken family. Yet upon meeting Mattie, and receiving a baby quilt that will never cuddle the soldier’s baby, Clara vows to honor the sacrifices that family made.

Now a labor and delivery nurse in her rural hometown, Clara wraps each new babe in the gifted quilt and later stitches the child’s name into the cloth. As each new child is welcomed by the quilt, Clara begins to wonder whatever
happened to Mattie—and if her own life would ever experience the love of a newborn. Little does she know that she will have the opportunity to re-gift the special quilt—years later and carrying even greater significance than when it was first bestowed.


If you would like to read the first chapter of A Promise in Pieces, go HERE.

Maybelle in Stitches

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Maybelle In Stitches

Abingdon Press (March 18, 2014)

by

Joyce Magnin


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


A word from the Author:

I am the author of seven novels. Five adult novels and two middle grade readers. I never wanted to do anything else but write and every day I wake up astonished that I get to do what I always dreamed about. My days are filled with words and images along with the usual family stuff. I have three children, Rebekah who is married to Joshua. They have three of the most adorable boys on the planet, Lemuel, Cedar and Soren. My daughter Emily Kate is a lovely young woman anthropologist and my son Adam is fourteen and a student--he's a genius who loves frogs and lizards and fish and plants. He amazes me.


I have never eaten a scallop. I love cream soda. Drink way too much coffee. I do not like elevators but I do enjoy needle arts and of course books. I prefer jazz over country (no offense), milk chocolate over dark, but not roller coasters although my life has often resembled a roller coaster ride.


One of my life's desires is to meet Amy Grant so I can tell her she saved my life.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Maybelle can’t sew. But when she finds an unfinished quilt in the attic of her mother’s house, she gets the crazy idea to complete it. At first, it’s just a way to fill the lonely nights while her husband, staff sergeant Holden Kanzinzki, is away fighting in World War II.


Yet when Maybelle discovers that the quilt is made from scraps of material that can be traced back through her family heritage, the project is suddenly much more important. Then word comes that Holden is missing in action, and with little else to do, Maybelle clings to the quilt as much as to the hope that her husband is still alive. As neighborhood friends gather around Maybelle to help her through the unknown days and nights ahead, it is the quilt that becomes a symbol of her unflagging belief that Holden will return—to her, to their home, and to their quilt-covered bed.


If you would like to read the first chapter of Maybelle In Stitches, go HERE.