Service Station Angel - review

ABOUT THE BOOK:

New Christian Fiction Novel, Service Station Angel, Is One Man’s Story of Picking Up the Pieces, Trusting God’s Plan, Spiritual Destiny and Faithful Forgiveness

God often place people in perplexing situations that seem purposeful. The question is can they trust his lead? New author explores that question in debut novel, Service Station Angel.

Highlands Ranch, CO – When trouble rocks a small town – leaving one man struggling with disabling injuries – a community is left to pick up the pieces. Their spiritual strife is the story behind author Lisa J. Schuster’s newly released debut novel, Service Station Angel, published by Outskirts Press.

Ernie Price is a middle-aged, humble-hearted man who owns and operates a service station in a rural Midwest town in Upper Michigan, back in a time when full service was the only service. Customers got service with a smile, windows cleaned and tires pumped for free. The man’s entire life is a reflection of God’s love: He gives of himself fully and graciously to his church and to the people of his community. As music director for the children’s choir or host of the annual Christmas party for disadvantages children in town, Ernie is loved by many and his life touches the lives of countless others.

But the town is rocked to its core when an accident leaves the beloved man physically incapacitated to offer his help to others. The community is left to pick up the pieces, mourn the turn of events and move on, while Ernie wrestles with troubling spiritual questions of his accident. Moving from grief to grace, Ernie is led by God’s healing touch and restored to his mission.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lisa J. Schuster is a first-time author; Service Station Angel is her debut novel. She enjoys creative writing, reading, musical theater, ministry work with teens and youth in downtown Denver, and traveling. Fond of her hometown of Hubbell, Michigan, and the memories of the close-knit community, she wanted the place where she grew up to be the setting for her first novel. She currently resides in Highlands Ranch, Colorado with her husband, Jeff, daughter Savanna and son Grant.

MY THOUGHTS:

This book is HANDS DOWN one of the sweetest books I have read in a long time! I felt as if I had traveled back in time when life was simple, and everyone in town new everyone! Service Station Angel is a story about Ernie Price and his life in Michigan as a Service Station owner. Ernie is a humble man who loves to serve all of those in his community. I fell in love with Ernie and so many others in this sweet town. 

It was such a treat to read this story by Lisa Schuster. To see a man who is so humble, and has given so much of himself and his heart to all of those around him, was very moving. I loved how they all were able to give back to Ernie in so many ways while he was recovering - brought tears to my eyes a few times! 

Service Station Angel is one of those books that is a feel good book, and one that you could read to any age- young or old will love it! 

Thank you Lisa Schuster for contacting me to read and review your debut book! I was so blessed to be given this opportunity! 

Once upon a Winter's Heart

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Once Upon a Winter's Heart

Center Street (January 7, 2014)


by

Melody Carlson


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Over the years, Melody Carlson has worn many hats, from pre-school teacher to youth counselor to political activist to senior editor. But most of all, she loves to write! Currently she freelances from her home. In the past eight years, she has published over ninety books for children, teens, and adults--with sales totaling more than two million and many titles appearing on the ECPA Bestsellers List. Several of her books have been finalists for, and winners of, various writing awards.

She has two grown sons and lives in Central Oregon with her husband and chocolate lab retriever. They enjoy skiing, hiking, gardening, camping and biking in the beautiful Cascade Mountains.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Emma Burcelli has suffered over a decade of dating disasters. But she concludes that love is officially dead when her grandfather Poppi suddenly passes, leaving her grandmother Nona devastated. To help out, Emma works in the family bookstore, which Nona insists must be decked out in sweetheart décor as Poppi would have done for Valentine's Day. Although she feels like a V-Day Scrooge, Emma quickly learns to enjoy the task with the help of a handsome family friend, Lane Forester, who shows her that hanging hearts is much more fun when done to the tune of Dean Martin. As Emma and Lane share time and memories of Poppi, she reconsiders the notion that romance is alive.




If you would like to read the first chapter of Once Upon a Winter's Heart, go HERE.





My Thoughts:

Once Upon A Winter's Heart is  a cute and quick read (155 pgs).  I was thankful for a very cold winter day, snow was falling and the fire was roaring, so I grabbed the book and commenced to reading.

For the most part I enjoyed Once Upon A Winter's Heart. There was just enough "cute and predictability" that kept me turning pages to see just how and when Emma and Lane would get together! I loved Nona and Poppi and the legacy of their love and character.

What I had issue with, was the dysfunction in this family.  Don't get me wrong, I know no one has a perfect marriage or perfect family, but I hated how childish and selfish Emma's mom and dad were while going through a rough patch in their marriage. While that was frustrating, it was the relationship that Emma's mother had with her youngest daughter, Anne. When a mother not only acts like she is above others, but then also acts as if she and her younger daughter are superior to the other daughter, well, that is just hard to read.  These issues covered the majority of the pages throughout the book, and then with just a few pages left, Emma's parents appear to have reconciled but without any word of how that all played out.

Overall I would give this 3 out 5 ♥'s

Thank you CFBA for allowing me this complimentary book in exchange for my honest review.

No One to Trust

Summer Abernathy wakes up one morning to find her husband missing, three men in her home intent on finding him, and the life she's been living based on a lie. Which Kyle Abernathy did she marry? The computer programmer she met in line at the bank? Or the one who was apparently using that image as a cover story?

The search for her husband--and answers--takes Summer ever deeper into a world of organized crime where people are used one moment and discarded the next. And with her deepest relationship of trust already shattered, Summer doesn't know who to believe.

My Thoughts:

I. LOVE. LYNETTE EASON. BOOKS!! I was thrilled to learn she was writing a new series and No One to Trust is the 1st book in that series. One word describes this book…WOW!! just WOW!!

Summer and Kyle are happily married. If there was one thing Summer made clear when they were married, never EVER lie to her. Little did she know, Kyle wasn't even Kyle, and everything about her husband as she knew it…was a lie! One day, a knock on the door changes everything for Summer. Her life, her marriage, her security, and potentially her future!

Kyle is in the WITSEC and is a VERY WANTED MAN!! He is wanted by a very powerful, very evil man, who seems to have countless hit men and connections on the inside from the police all the way up to the government. Which explains the title…Trust No one!

Lynette takes us on a wild ride and if I even began to think I had something figured out, I was mistaken every time! I love those books, don't you??!! 

If you love to read Romantic Suspense novels, this one is sure to be a favorite!! I highly highly recommend  it !!!

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

Everyday Confetti

ABOUT THE BOOK:

When a busy woman looks at her calendar and sees a birthday, holiday, or special occasion, she has the best intentions for bringing joy to her family and creating lasting memories. Then reality hits. Amidst demanding responsibilities and an overloaded schedule, when is she ever going to have time to plan the perfect celebration or find the creativity to make it special?

In this go-to guide, Karen Ehman and Glynnis Whitwer give women the ideas and the motivation they need to make such occasions less daunting. They provide creative ideas and menu plans for
· Holidays 
· Birthdays
· Special Events
· Everyday Occasions
Readers will even find suggestions for reaching out to others throughout the year through celebrations that are simple, doable, and stress-free.

My Thoughts:

WOW! This book has soooo much more than I thought it would!!! When it comes to celebrations I absolutely LOVE having family and friends come over to my house! To me, there is nothing better!
When it comes to being creative or having these great party planning ideas, I fail miserably! But I am so excited to say that w/Everyday Confetti all of that is going to change!!!

This book shares not just traditional holidays but also those that I never really thought about celebrating.  You will also learn some of the holiday's history and different facts as well! You will find recipes, decorating tips, and how to plan ideas! Making memories and sharing traditions with your family is so important and Everyday Confetti shares how to do just that! I appreciate anything that encourages bringing families together and this book does that, page after page, no matter the occasion!

I HIGHLY recommend this book and would say don't just get 1, get 2 or 3 and share them with your friends and relatives! This would also make a GREAT wedding gift, a Baby shower gift, or Mothers' Day… I could go on and on :) 

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

A Melody for James

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Solitary strangers meet during a stormy stopover. Hours later, their hearts hum a harmonious duet.

Melody Mason has the hottest female voice in the country music scene. But the cheers of throngs of adoring fans mean little in the absence of the handsome stranger who rescued her years before. Widower James Montgomery has never forgotten her. He prays God can bring her back.

Incredible events finally bring them face to face again. Together at last, they realize the bond between them has miraculously risen to a crescendo, melodiously marrying them like strong symphonic chords. Uncannily, they learn they share more in common than they could have ever imagined. They know God reunited them for a purpose.

Sinister forces threaten to destroy their new found happiness. The couple must work in close concert, placing all their faith in God as they solve the deadly mystery that ties their lives inexplicably together.

Fire, loss, and bloodshed cannot shake their faith in God to see them through as they face a percussive climax that leaves hearts and lives forever changed

MY THOUGHTS:

This is the first book by author Hallee Bridgeman that I have read, and I must say, I am soo glad to have found her books! A Melody for James is a beautiful story of what I would call "Divine Moments!" Don't get me wrong…. this isn't JUST a mushy gushy love story, Oh NO! It is filled with suspense, romance, and plenty of "who did it?" 

Melody's journey is one filled with doubt & heartache and only God can reveal HIS love and HIS Faithfulness to her. When we lose our way and our Faith takes a hit, God knows just the thing to do to open our eyes to see HIM again, despite the hurt and pain we are facing! 

James has dealt with a huge loss and while he is grieving, he is determined to not allow the pain separate him from the Lord or to allow unforgiveness to take root in his heart! Hallee Bridgeman writes the character of James so beautifully!  

Somewhere in the mix of all of this, these two finally find one another in that very "Divine Moment".  

A Melody for James is a MUST READ! A true 5 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥'s for sure!! Thank you Hallee Bridgeman for allowing me a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!! I LOVED IT!! 

A Marriage in Middlebury ~ Review

About the book:

One decision changed both their lives . . . but will love win in the end? Charlotte Rose Hill enjoys a comfortable life serving up country delicacies, uniquely blended teas, and matchmaking advice for her quirky, devoted customers. The only thing lacking is someone to share it with. At eighteen she denied Sam Wilder's marriage proposal after his family convinced her to walk away from their relationship. They both moved on . . . or so she thought. When Sam walks back into her life more than a decade later, Charlotte is surprised that her heart still quickens. But is it because of his presence? Or because of the presence of Sam's new fiancée? A second chance at love doesn't happen often, but their past may keep them apart. Is it too late for Sam and Charlotte?

About the Author:
  
Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, is the author or coauthor of thirty-five books for adults and children. She has recently been honored with a 2013 Inspirational Reader's Choice Award and is a two-time finalist in the 2013 Selah Awards as well as a finalist in the 2013 Cascade Awards. She holds a BA in the combined fields of speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends. Please visit her online at  www.anitahigman.com


My Thoughts:

What is it about a small town, and a love story gone wrong that just pulls you in?

A Marriage in Middlebury gives you soooo many reasons to fall in love with this quaint little town and many of those that live there. Charlotte Hill loves her customers and if there is one thing that Charlotte knows, it's people! She listens, cares, and serves each customer with such love and kindness. She also has an amazing way of creating the perfect tea combination for each person and while she may not know the perfect blend immediately, it is in the learning more about each person that tells Charlotte just which teas she should use that is so touching. 

Despite all of her successes and much sought after advice, Charlotte has never found love again. That is, not since she was 18 years old and hoping for a marriage proposal from her first and long time love, Sam. She did however, receive that proposal, and never in a million years did she believe her answer would be "No!" She was manipulated and threatened by Sam's Father into declining Sam's proposal, leaving both Sam and Charlotte heart broken. Deceit and ignorance work in many ways, and in this case, it forever changed the course of Sam and Charlotte's lives that day. When Sam returns to Middlebury twenty years later, he brings along his fiancé and has a request for Charlotte, to speak to his dying father. As the web of deceit is untangled and the truth comes out, will Sam and Charlotte be able to deny their love for one another?  

A Marriage in Middlebury is wonderful and I fell in love with this town, it's people, and each story within it.  I sooo appreciated the way the relationship with Charlotte and Sam's Father was written. I don't want to "spoil" it for anyone, but suffice to say, I am so glad that Charlotte was able to see the truth and to offer forgiveness despite what was given to her.  

The community of people and their relationships weren't perfect by any means, however, one thing stood out to me and that was the love and acceptance of one another. It felt like home, like I knew each one of them, but then again, isn't that the way a small town is.

If you love romance and meeting fun loving and quirky people, then A Marriage in Middlebury is definitely for you! I must warn you though, it will pull you in and you may not want to leave… let alone put the book down!

Thank you Litfuse for allowing me this complimentary book in exchange for my honest review!  
Heart of a BookWorm gives this one 5 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥'s 

Marriage in Middlebury

Anita Higman is celebrating the release of her latest book, A Marriage in Middlebury, with a double Kindle Fire giveaway (one for you & one to give away!) and a "Tea for Two" Facebook Author Chat Party on December 12th.

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire for you AND a friend


• A Marriage in Middlebury by Anita Higman (one to keep and one to give away!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 12th. Winner will be announced at the "Tea for Two" Facebook Author Chat Party on December 12th. Invite your friends and connect with Anita for an evening of book chat, prizes, and an exclusive look at Anita's next book!

So grab your copy of A Marriage in Middlebury and join Anita on the evening of December 12th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word — tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on 12/12!