Coming Into Her Own

 

Tybee Island sounds like a wonderful place to visit.  Maybe we could stay there?  It's a place where I could relax and take a much needed vacation.

But it wasn't a vacation for Whitney.  She has a lot on her plate.  A single mom trying to take care of everyone. Is she able to keep up this pace?

Julep, Whitney's Mom, was doing what she can to keep the Inn going.  She needed to keep busy.  She missed her husband more than ever.   

Oh no!  The book ended with a cliffhanger.  So you can bet that I'll be picking up the next book as soon as I can.

I enjoyed the story.  It was easy to read.  The characters were well written. 

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

About Author:

Laura Brighton lives on the southeast coast of the United States, full of sunny beaches, beautiful marshes and stories that speak to the heart. Her women's contemporary fiction resonates with women of all ages. And so does her blatant addiction to good books and great food!

Sunburst

 Book Two of The Sky King Ranch Series continues the story of the Kingston Brothers.  Ranger's life is about to change.  A ray of sunshine enters his life unexpectedly just when a cloud threatens his future.  Noemi is in danger and Ranger is prepared to do what is necessary to keep her safe.  

A very interesting book that goes into detail of Nigeria and their lifestyles.  I enjoyed the descriptions of the foods served and the elaborate wedding ceremony.  I would have loved to attend that wedding!  

SUNBURST was quite enjoyable.  It had everything you look for in a book: mystery, romance, intrigue, cultural differences and family dynamics.  I couldn't put it down.  

I received this book from Revell to review.

About the Author

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling author of nearly 90 novels with more than 1.5 million books sold, including the Global Search and Rescue and the Montana Rescue series, as well as Sunrise and Sunburst. Winner of a RITA Award and multiple Christy and Carol Awards, as well as the HOLT Medallion and numerous Readers' Choice Awards, Susan makes her home in Minnesota. Find her online at www.susanmaywarren.com, on Facebook @SusanMayWarrenFiction, and on Twitter @SusanMayWarren. 

Ensnared by Jody Hedlund

 Sacrifice, loyalty and honor.  I thought of these three words as I was reading this new book by Jody Hedlund.

The story speaks of these three words.  Gunnar would do anything to protect Mikaela.  Mikaela constantly is aware that her actions could hurt her family.  Both will make sacrifices.  Both will deny their true feelings.  

This series is geared towards younger adults but I'm 64 and enjoyed the storyline.

This book is part of a series- Knights of Brethren.   I read book one - Enamored - and Book two - Entwined- so I was eager to start this one.  I was introduced to Jody Hedlund's books a few years ago.  I have enjoyed every book she has written.  She is always on my go to reading list as soon as I see a new book coming out.

I received this book to review from the author.

ABOUT AUTHOR:

Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over thirty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award. She lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy teens, and five spoiled cats.

Among The Innocent

 

Evil exists.  He killed before and plans to do it again.  Leah survived his first attempt.  Would she this time?

What a story.  It kept me in suspense until the very last page.  The characters were realistic and likeable.  I can't resist Amish books but this was different. It was more of a criminal mystery in an Amish village.  I loved it.

This is my first book by this author.  I recommend you pick up this book.  

I received this book from Revell to review.

◄ Romans 12:21 ►

New International Version Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary Alford

Mary Alford is a USA Today bestselling author who loves giving her readers the unexpected, combining unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots that result in stories the reader can't put down. Her titles have been finalists for several awards, including the Daphne Du Maurier, the Beverly, the Maggie, and the Selah. She and her husband live in the heart of Texas in the middle of 70 acres with two cats and one dog. Learn more at www.maryalford.net.

The Sergeant's Matchmaking Dog

 

Radar, a dog rescued from Afghanistan, is on the cover.  It is the kind of book cover that gets my attention.  I am glad I picked this story to read. I am not often drawn to Harlequin Romance stories. But how could I resist Radar and his owner, Gabe?

Gabe returns to his hometown.  He has a past he'd like to forget.  Addie moved there to start a new life with her brother, Teddy.  Addie and Gabe found that it is possible to change their lives for the good.  You never forget your past but it doesn't have to dictate your future. Gabe and Addie were good for each other.  Radar was great for all of them.  

A short but sweet story.  I could have done without the love scene but that's me. 

Carrie Nichols

Carrie Nichols loves to travel, is addicted to British crime dramas, and knows a Seinfeld quote appropriate for any occasion. She has one tolerant husband, two grown sons, and two critical cats. To her dismay, Carrie's characters--much like her family--often ignore the wisdom and guidance she lovingly offers. Her stories contain heart, home, and humor.

Dawn has always played it safe.  By doing that, she is in a job she doesn't like and lost the love of her life.  She clashes with her mother and is not very happy.  Marnie, her mother, realizes how fast time is flying by.  She jumps and buys an old ice cream parlor that needs a lot of work.

Marnie and Dawn. Mother and daughter. Is it possible for them to reach an agreement?  Can they find " The Sweet Life" that everyone is looking for?

I really enjoyed the story.  The book covered numerous topics: loss, grief, fear and most importantly - hope.

I was one that usually played it safe.  I can look back (as I'm old now-ok, not that old) and see where that got me.  But at age 50, I took a chance.  And that chance changed my life completely.  I got married to a wonderful man.  If I let my fears have complete control, I would have missed out on happiness.  Was I scared?  You bet.  But I trusted that GOD was steering me in the right direction.  And I am forever grateful HE did.

I received this ebook from Celebrate Lit to review.

The Sweet Life 

About the Book

Book: The Sweet Life

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release date: May 3, 2022

Jilted by her fiancé, Dawn Dixon escapes to beautiful Cape Cod on a groomless honeymoon–with her mother. But she didn’t expect her mom to risk everything, on a whim, to move there permanently or buy a rundown ice cream shop in need of repair. In order to make their new life work, they’ll also need her ex’s help.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

With over 1.5 million copies sold, Suzanne Woods Fisher is a bestselling author of over 30 books, ranging from novels to children’s books to non-fiction. She is a Christy Award finalist, a winner of Carol and Selah awards, and a two-time finalist for ECPA Book of the Year. She writes stories that take you to places you’ve never visited—one with characters that seem like old friends. But most of all, her books give you something to think about long after you’ve finished reading it. Suzanne lives with her very big family in northern California.

 

 

 

More from Suzanne

The Sweet Life is a story about a mom and a daughter who, both in need of a little respite from life’s bumps and bruises, start an ice cream shop on Cape Cod…thinking it will be easy. After all, who doesn’t love ice cream?

 

Well, sure. That’s true. Everybody loves ice cream. But ice cream can be tricky. This I can say with authority. My husband is a serious hobby ice cream maker. He even attended Penn State’s Ice Cream School. While Steve was working on his vanilla recipe, he experimented fifty-nine times before he was finally satisfied. 59 times! Other flavors, like chocolate, can mask mistakes. Not vanilla. Too pure.

 

Here’s a few other things you probably didn’t know about ice cream:

 

The very first mention of a frozen dessert dates back to Persia in 550 BC, though it might have been sorbet-like. It’s said that Emperor Nero had ice brought down from the Apennine Mountains to produce a sorbet of honey and wine. And then there are those who insist that ice cream came out of China, and were introduced to Italy with the help of Marco Polo. Regardless of its origins, a love of ice cream has been around for a very, very long time.

 

Quaker colonists introduced ice cream to early America, having brought their recipes with them from England. Some argue that the French brought ice cream to America. Regardless, during the colonial era, ice cream was sold in shops in New York.

 

George Washington loved ice cream. So much so that he even brought ice cream making equipment to Mount Vernon! There are many accounts of “ice creem” (as it was then called) served during his administration.

 

First Lady Dolley Madison, wife of U.S. President James Madison, served ice cream at her husband’s Inaugural Ball in 1813. Common colonial flavors were soft fruits, like peaches or strawberries, added to a vanilla custard. Dolley had a curious favorite flavor: oyster. (Ugh.)

 

In September of 1846, a Philadelphia house wife named Nancy Johnson filed patent #3254 for a simple hand cranked ice cream churn. Prior to this point, ice cream belonged to the wealthy. Her hand cranked ice cream churn made it affordable for everyone. Nancy Johnson’s design is still used today.

 

During the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904, an ice cream vendor ran out of cardboard dishes. The vendor next door offered to make cones by rolling up his waffles. Voila! The birth of the ice cream cone.

 

The majority of American ice cream companies have been in business for more than 50 years. Many of them are still owned by single families.

 

For the last 128 years, Penn State University has held Ice Cream School for professionals and serious hobbyists during January (for obvious reasons). All the greats have attended: Baskin & Robbins, Ben & Jerry, Dreyer’s, Nestle’s, Blue Bell Creamery, Dairy Queen, and…my husband.

 

The most popular flavor in the world? Vanilla. Of course.

Blog Stops

Back Porch Reads, May 26

Inside the Wong Mind, May 26

The Avid Reader, May 27

lakesidelivingsite, May 27

Vicky Sluiter, May 27

Remembrancy, May 28

Southern Gal Loves to Read, May 28

Splashes of Joy, May 28

Texas Book-aholic, May 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 29

Miriam Jacob, May 29

Daysong Reflections, May 30

Inklings and notions, May 30

For Him and My Family, May 31

The Book Club Network, May 31

Blogging With Carol, May 31

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 1

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 1

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, June 2

deb’s Book Review, June 2

Artistic Nobody, June 2 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 3

Jeanette’s Thoughts, June 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 3

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 4

Blossoms and Blessings, June 4

Mary Hake, June 4

Christina’s Corner, June 5

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 6

Book Looks by Lisa, June 6

Simple Harvest Reads, June 6 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Pause for Tales, June 7

Spoken from the Heart, June 7

She Lives To Read, June 8

Bigreadersite, June 8

Labor Not in Vain, June 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1e36c/the-sweet-life-celebration-tour-giveaway

A Change of Heart

Cherish didn't know what to do.  Someone would be hurt no matter what decision she makes. 

This family, like every family I know, has their ups and downs.  Due to a sad situation, the family is brought together.  Their differences are clear to see but love is evident amongst them.  Each member has an obstacle to overcome before they find true happiness.

Cherish is a people pleaser.  She is afraid to make a decision.  This could very well backfire on her.  I was afraid that she was going to be hurt by her inaction.

Is it difficult for you to make a decision?  Do you make a decision based on your heart or head?  Do you make a decision quickly or do you take your time?  The answers to these questions can determine your happiness.  Or regrets?

This is Book 29 of the Amish Bonnet Sisters series.  I only have read the previous book and this one.  I enjoyed both but I recommend reading them in order starting with the first one.  

I received this ebook from the author to review.

About the Author-

USA Today Bestselling author of Christian & Amish fiction, Samantha Price wrote stories from a young age, but it wasn’t until later in life that she took up writing full time. Formally an artist, she exchanged her paintbrush for the computer and, many best-selling book series later, has never looked back.
Samantha is happiest on her computer lost in the world of her characters.

Samantha is best known for the Ettie Smith Amish Mysteries series and the Expectant Amish Widows series.

A Duke Worth Fighting For

 It has been awhile since I have read a regency romance.  I loved the cover. It was a bit of a tease and the Duke was quite hunky , for sure.

Fortunately, it had a plot.  Margery would do anything to protect the memory of her deceased husband.  She is extremely loyal to whom she loves.  Wait a minute, she is loyal to whom she loves?  Could it be possible that she has feelings for the Duke?  No.  She will never marry again.

I enjoyed reading about Margery and the Daniel's aversion to romance and love.  They were trapped by their fears.  Was it possible to escape their self-made entrapments?  

AUTHOR

Christina Britton developed a passion for writing romance novels shortly after buying her first at the tender age of thirteen. Though for several years she put brush instead of pen to paper, she has returned to her first love and is now writing full time. She spends her days dreaming of corsets and cravats and noblemen with tortured souls.  

She lives with her husband and two children in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The True Love Bookshop

 

What a cute title for an enjoyable story.  I was drawn into the story quickly.  I felt Tess' anguish when she discovered the truth.  I was there at one time many years ago.  My husband didn't die but we were going through a divorce.  I questioned everything.  What was true?  What was a lie?

Unfortunately, I had no River to stand by my side as the truth was being revealed.  Truth can sometimes hurt but it can also heal.

Annie Rains is a USA Today bestselling contemporary romance author who writes small town love stories set in fictional places in her home state of North Carolina. When Annie isn't writing, she's living out her own happily ever after with her husband and three children.

The Amish Twins Next Door

I loved Deborah and her two boys.  She thought her life was complete. She was convinced that GOD's plan was for her to remain single and to raise her boys with the help of her parents.  But she felt something was missing.

On a date, Deborah was selecting an ice-cream flavor.  She loved ice cream but her thoughts strayed as to what she was looking for in a future relationship.  She thought  "you might enjoy a scoop of pistachio, but did you want it for the rest of your life?" Funny but so true.  Did you pick pistachio and after awhile wished you had vanilla?   

GOD is good.  Deborah and her neighbor, Nick, needed to trust that GOD had a plan for them.  

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. - Romans 8:28

I received this ebook from Celebrate Lit to review.

Book: The Amish Twins Next Door

Author: Vanetta Chapman

Genre: Amish romance

Release date: April 26, 2022

Two little matchmakers could change everything…in this novel by USA TODAY bestselling author Vannetta Chapman.

Falling for a pretend suitor could cause real complications…

Amish single mom Deborah Mast is determined to raise her seven-year-old twin sons her way. But when neighbor Nicholas Stoltzfus takes the rambunctious boys on as apprentices on his farm, she’ll learn the value of his help with more than just the children. And when the two little matchmakers hatch a plan of their own, Deborah could also discover how to reopen her heart…

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Vannetta Chapman is a USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of 39 full length novels, plus various novella collections. She has written for Abingdon Press, Harvest House Publishers, and Harper Collins Christian Publishing. She currently writes for the Love Inspired line of Harlequin Books. Chapman has received numerous awards including the ACFW Carol Award for best mystery (Falling to Pieces), and Christy Award finalist (Anna’s Healing).

More from Vannetta

When I married my husband 22 years ago, he had a 21-year-old daughter and 16-year-old twins. I was a single mom with a 10-year-old son. I was also a certified, experienced teacher. I could handle it. (Cue laughter) I had no idea what twins was like. I didn’t understand that special language they have with one another. I was perplexed by the way they could be fighting one moment and adamantly defending one another the next. Everything about twins confused me.

 Now our children are all grown. They’re adults, and I wonder how the years have passed so quickly. The Amish Twins Next Door is my first book featuring twins, and I enjoyed every minute of writing it. I enjoyed telling a story about a mom who wonders if she will ever have a conventional family—because I was that mom. I also had way too much fun writing about a man who thought he could give parenting advice when he had no children.

 Ultimately though, like all of my other books, The Amish Twins Next Door is a book about the over-arching grace of God and how it can carry us through all things. My hope is that you will laugh, maybe cry, and come away from the book feeling uplifted.

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, May 6

Connie’s History Classroom, May 6

She Lives To Read , May 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 8

Simple Harvest Reads, May 9 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 9

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 10

Inklings and notions, May 11

Jeanette’s Thoughts, May 12

For Him and My Family, May 12

Texas Book-aholic, May 13

deb’s Book Review, May 14

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 15

Miriam Jacob, May 15

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 16

Bigreadersite, May 17

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 18

Mary Hake, May 18

Lighthouse-Academy, May 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Vannetta is giving away the grand prize package of a signed copy of the book and a $50 Amazon gift card!!

 

A Rose for the Resistance

A story that is so emotional that it brought tears to my eyes.  I read these books with much interest as my mother lived in England during WW2.  She was young but it left an lasting impression on her that is just as vivid over 80 years later.

Rose wanted no part of the Resistance.  She preferred to keep out of it.  But as the Germans invaded her town and her heart, she had to do something.

It is difficult to really believe that this happened.  We need to remember.  We have to remember.  

Psalm 121:7-8

Contemporary English Version

7 The Lord will protect you
and keep you safe
    from all dangers.
8 The Lord will protect you
now and always
    wherever you go.

I received this book from Celebrate Lit to review. 

About the Book

Book: A Rose for the Resistance

Author: Angela K. Couch

Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance/Christian

Release date: April, 2022

A French Woman and German Soldier Create a Truce

Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this new series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.

With her father in a German POW camp and her home in Ste Mere Eglise, France, under Nazi occupation, Rosalie Barrieau will do anything to keep her younger brother safe. . .even from his desire to join the French resistance. Until she falls into the debt of a German solder—one who delivers a wounded British pilot to her door. Though not sure what to make of her German ally, Rosalie is thrust deep into the heart of the local underground. As tensions build toward the allied invasion of Normandy, she must decide how much she is willing to risk for freedom.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

To keep from freezing in the great white north, Angela K Couch cuddles under quilts with her laptop. Winning short story contests, being a semi-finalist in ACFW’s Genesis Contest, and a finalist in the 2016 International Digital Awards also helped warm her up. As a passionate believer in Christ, her faith permeates the stories she tells. Her martial arts training, experience with horses, and appreciation for good romance sneak in as well. When not writing, she stays fit (and toasty warm) by chasing after four munchkins.

 

More from Angela

The story of A Rose for the Resistance has been in the making for a while. Rosalie and Franz came to life for me in the first novel I started writing as a teenager… (not even going to mention how long ago that was). Though much of that early work will never see the light of day, I am glad I can finally share them with you.

 

Every November 11th since I was a child, I would sit with my dad and watch WWII documentaries and movies like A Bridge too Far, or The Longest Day which featured Sainte-Mère-Église during the D-day landings. So many of those stories beg to be remembered and I tried to include as much as I could in this novel, even in passing. Stories such as John Steele of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment who dropped into the warzone of Sainte-Mère-Église that night and his chute caught on the spire of the church. He hung limply for hours, pretending to be dead, before the Germans took him prisoner. John later escaped and rejoined his division. Or, Henry Langrehr who landed five miles from his drop zone, crashing through a greenhouse on the way down. He was unharmed from the fall, but was later wounded and captured. He lived into his nineties to tell the tale.

 

Many of the events and deeds of The Resistance in the novel are also pulled from history. The French citizen’s willingness to risk their lives to transport weapons and information, and to staunchly resist the brutal German occupation. It is estimated that approximately 90,000 men women – and children – were killed, tortured, or deported by the Germans for their efforts.

Though many of the characters in this story are fictional, there are so many men and women who truly did live through the horrors of the War in Europe, and more importantly risked or sacrificed their all for the freedom and lives of others.

I pray we never forget.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 29

Books, Books, and More Books, April 29

The Write Escape, April 30

Remembrancy, April 30

Southern Gal Loves to Read, May 1

Rachael’s Inkwell, May 1

Texas Book-aholic, May 1

Genesis 5020, May 2

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, May 2

Inklings and notions, May 2

She Lives To Read, May 3

lakesidelivingsite, May 3

Betti Mace, May 4

For Him and My Family, May 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 4

Sodbuster Living, May 5

deb’s Book Review, May 5

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, May 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 6

Jeanette’s Thoughts, May 6

Vicarious Living, May 6

Older & Smarter?, May 7

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 7

Sylvan Musings, May 7

Connie’s History Classroom, May 8

Blossoms and Blessings, May 8

Mary Hake, May 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 9

Splashes of Joy, May 9

Through the Fire Blogs, May 9

Bizwings Blog, May 10

Pause for Tales, May 10

Labor Not in Vain, May 10

Bigreadersite, May 11

Where Faith and Books Meet, May 11

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, May 11

CarpeDiem, May 12

Lights in a Dark World, May 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Angela is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1d3bb/a-rose-for-the-resistance-celebration-tour-giveaway