Chief of Sinners by Caryl McAdoo

What a total mess Buddy made of his life and the impact of his sins on others!  I turned page after page hoping he would learn from his mistakes.  How Could He?  What?  Oh, No!!!

GOD is always present.  We only have to ask for His deliverance.  Just because you love someone doesn't mean it is good.  Buddy and Sandy's love or lust for each other was destructive, dangerous and deadly.  So sad to see what happened to the people they touched.

Was Buddy "THE CHIEF OF SINNERS"?  GOD'S grace is greater than sin.  There is always hope and salvation.

At times, I just cringed throughout the book.  I wanted to shake Buddy and Sandy back to reality.  What are you doing?

I received this for free to review.

This is part of a series.  I didn't read any of the others.  This book stood on it's own.

Promotion Giveaway:
https://promosimple.com/ps/bfd5

About the Author

Caryl McAdooprays her story brings God glory, and a quick scroll through her novels’ rankings by Christian readers attests to the Father’s faithfulness. She loves writing almost as much as singing the new songs He gives her—look her up on YouTube to hear a few. Her high school sweetheart husband won her heart fifty-one years ago, now they share four children and seventeen grandsugars. Ron and Caryl live in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas, waiting expectantly for God to open the next door.

The Christmas Blessing By Melody Carlson

Amelia found herself in a terrible predicament.  She knew what she had to do but it was at a cost. Could she do this for her son?  Would she regret her decision for the rest of her life?

As I read this story, I couldn't help to think about Jesus and the ultimate sacrifice he made for us. Jesus knew what he had to do to save us from our sins.

I read this quickly and enjoyed every page.  I was quite surprised by the ending.  It wasn't what I expected!

I have read a few of Melody Carlson's books and they were all great.  What a treat!  Her book "The Christmas Blessing" was a blessing to me.

I received this free to review.

About Melody

Melody Carlson is the award-winning, best-selling author of more than 200 books for women, teens and children. She and her husband live in the Pacific Northwest.

Find out more at www.melodycarlson.com.

ALL OF YOU BY SARAH MONZON

Picking up a book by an author you have never read can be daunting.  Will I like it?   Will it be a waste of time?

  Or just maybe it could lead to a fantastic discovery of a new favorite author.  Fortunately for me this book was a delight.  I opened the page not knowing what to expect.  By the time I finished, I was looking to see what else Sarah Monzon has written.

I was thrilled that the leading man was Michael. He was far from perfect.  He needed to learn a valuable lesson before he could accept his circumstances and find love.  Thanks to his Mom.  

Jack was not looking for romance after her previous disastrous relationship.  But thanks to her brother, love came walking into her garage.

I loved the throwback to Alice during World War II.  She was a brave and pretty daring woman.  You need someone like her in your side.

Great book.  Enjoyed the story.  I will be looking for more by this talented author.

I received this book free to review.

Five stars!

About the Author

Sarah Monzon is a Navy chaplain’s wife and a stay at home mom to the two cutest littles in the world. Playing pretend all day with them isn’t enough, she spends the evenings after their heads hit the pillow to create her own imaginary characters. When she isn’t in the world of make believe, she can be found in the pine forests of western Washington taking care of her family, fostering friendships, and enjoying all the adventures each day brings.

Her debut novel, The Isaac Project, skyrocketed to Amazon bestseller status while her Sophomore book, Finders Keepers, won the 2017 Selah award for contemporary romance.

 GIVEAWAY:

https://promosimple.com/ps/bd52

Terri Wangard- Wheresoever They May Be

Just finished, very difficult to put in words the impact of this book.  I'm going to sit here and let it soak in.  I read the last page and took a breath-WOW!  The book was way more intense than I expected.  It was a page turner.  Intense. Exciting. Sometimes jaw dropping!!!

I loved that it stayed real.  The book wasn't one where every thing turned out great.  It did give you hope.  You can survive.  You will grieve but GOD is there to help you pick up the pieces. 

GOD promises Everlasting Life.  This promise carries Lily through her darkest days. She believes and is strengthened by this.  She is comforted by GOD'S PROMISE.

I loved the historical content and adored Lily, Frank, Joe And Susan.  

I received this book for free.  I was happy to have the privilege to read and review this book

GIVEAWAY- https://promosimple.com/ps/bd12

About the Author

Terri Wangard grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during the Lombardi Glory Years. Her first Girl Scout badge was the Writer. These days she is writing historical fiction, and won the 2013 Writers on the Storm contest and 2013 First Impressions, as well as being a 2012 Genesis finalist. Holder of a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in library science, she lives in Wisconsin. Her research included going for a ride in a WWII B-17 Flying Fortress bomber. Classic Boating Magazine, a family business since 1984, keeps her busy as an associate editor.

Whisper by Mark Batterson

I received this for free and thought I would attempt to read this book.  I never heard of Mark Batterson.  After reading this book, I'm sure I'll look for his other books. 

 Whisper....a good title to grab your attention.  It's about hearing GOD when HE is talking to you.  Yes, HE does talk to you but often we don't pay attention.  There were many notes I took while reading this.  

1.  GOD enters by invitation only.  You have to invite him in.  He is ready when you are.  

2. FAITH is taking the first step before GOD reveals the second one.  Sometimes you have to leap based on faith alone.

3.  GOD puts people in our lives to draw out our potential.  GOD has a plan for us.  We don't know (only GOD does) the significance of whom we meet and have contact with on a daily basis.   A meeting with one person can alter our whole lives.  Mark Batterson calls this the " human pinball". 

4.  You are the answer to someone's else prayer.  This put things in perspective for me. A smile, a kind word, helping someone out......can make a major impact on someone.  At times, when I was working, I felt like what I was doing didn't really matter.  But later I was approached by previous clients and they told me that I did help them.  I asked one young man, please tell me what did I say?  Maybe I could use this piece of knowledge over And over again.  He said I listened.

GOD IS TALKING TO US.  We just have to listen.

The Return by Suzanne Woods Fisher

The Return- What was returned?  What was lost?  Could it be returned without any problems or changes?  Could it be returned without pain and conflict?  Could it really be returned at all?

This book is set in the l700's in an Amish Community.  It is the story of Anna and Bairn coming to America and starting a new life.  This book is the third book of the series.  It is about Tessa, their daughter, and the conflict with the Indians and in their community.

Tessa was young but she was in love with Hans.  Could he return the love that Tessa so desperately desired?

Hans loved Betsy with all his heart.  Was Betsy able to return his devotion after everything has happened? 

Betsy longed to return to her home.  But could she really return? Could she forget the Indians that helped her in her journey?  Could she return and be the same?

Caleb knew he couldn't return to his mother's family.  But he could help Betsy return even if meant he lost someone so very special to him.

Hans was so angry and his need of revenge was strong.  Before he knew it, he was involved in a deadly situation.  His last gift to Betsy was to help Caleb return to his people.

Tessa did a terrible thing and quickly regretted it.  Was there anything that she could do to rectify the situation?  Could she really return what was lost?

I read all three books of this series and loved every minute of it.  It was very enjoyable and interesting to read.  I loved the historical content.  I was sad to see it end. 

Five Stars! 

About the Author

Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than two dozen novels, including Anna’s Crossing and The Newcomer in the Amish Beginnings series, The Bishop’s Family series, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and The Heart of the Amish. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher.

 To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is doing an amazing giveaway from August 1 through 14! Check it out:

Four winners will receive one of the prizes below:

• An Amish Gift Basket and a copy of The Return
• Amish popcorn sampler and a copy of The Return
• The Amish Beginning 3 book set series

One grand prize winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini

You can enter at Suzanne’s website (http://suzannewoodsfisher.com/contests/) or on her Facebook page (http://gvwy.io/q1kb9u4)

ANY DREAM WILL DO by Debbie Macomber

My dream is that Debbie Macomber continues writing books for years to come.  Starting to read a book by Ms. Macomber is like going on a vacation.  You are excited to start the trip.  You have a great time while on the trip and sad when it is over.  This book was no exception.

Any Dream Will Do shares that you must always have dreams and to not give up on them.

Drew lost the love of his life and the mother of his children.  He never thought he could love again.  Would he risk all for this second chance of love?

Shay had risked before and lost.  Could she take the chance of opening her heart?

I will wait as patient as I can for the next book by Debbie Macomber.  Enjoyed the story.

Wanda Brunstetter's The Blessing

The Blessing is that Mrs. Brunstetter continues to write such delightful stories that I love.  It is so easy to like her characters.  How could you not love Heidi?  She suffers such heartbreak but continues to be faithful and trusts that GOD does have a plan for her.

Each character blesses others in some way (big or small).  They each might have an obstacle to conquer in their own lives but by giving to others they are blessed in return.

I read this very quickly.  I loved it.  I don't read Wanda Brunstetter's books.  I devour them until she released a new one.  Thank you for blessing my life with your talents.

With You Always by Jody Hedlund

This is a wonderful story of Elise and her determination to make a better life for her and her family.  I was concerned when she came upon misfortunes and cheered when she conquered her fears.  Elise thought she was just a plain, immigrant girl but she was so much more.

  Thornton met Elise and couldn't get her off of his mind.  He knew she was someone special but he was so caught up with proving to his father he was worthy and the competition against his brother.  He almost lost a wonderful gift from GOD.

GOD was with Elise always.  She didn't realize it.  She fought against it.  She refused to believe it but GOD was right there.

The answers we often seek are sometimes right in front of us.  We get so caught up with everything around us that we need to just stop.  We need to stop- take a moment to reflect- pray to our Heavenly Father and the answer will come.  GOD is there to guide us every step of the way.

Elise and Thornton's story is an excellent example of this.   GOD was there and he provided.

Great book.  I loved the story and look forward to the next book in the series.  Thank you, Jody Hedlund, for giving me hours of enjoyment.

Heart On The Line by Karen Witemeyer

Amos and Grace didn't expect to find love any time soon.  Amos thought love was beyond his grasp.  Who would want to love him?  Grace was afraid to get close to anyone.  As long as she was in danger, she kept her distance from friends.  But what harm was there in striking up a friendship over the wires -  (Sounds like the internet and Facebook)?  But GOD had a plan for them..

Their paths crossed by wire and both of their lives changed.  Grace learned the valuable lesson of allowing others to help her with her struggles.  Amos took a risk and he discovered not only what he was capable of but the love of his life.

Valuable lesson- We need to believe that GOD is there every step of our way.  We are not alone.  He is protecting us and gives us strength in our moments of weakness.

Karen, this was such an enjoyable read.  I loved the story and was happy about the outcome.  I will always be eager for your new releases.

I took this book on a mini-vacation and enjoyed reading it while watching the waters of Lake Michigan.  It added to my rest and relaxation time.

Return to Huckleberry Hill

A lovely story about two people who were childhood friends and how they helped each other.  Fern is the friend we all need.  She is there for you and will tell it like it is.  Reuben needed her to learn some valuable lessons.

Their journey of discovery was a delight to read.   Three words came to me while reading this book- Loyalty, Pride and Forgiveness.  Fern was loyal to to Reuben.  She knew he  always looked out for her and had a warm, softer side.  Reuben allowed pride to blind him of what was important in his life.  Forgiveness was needed for Reuben to move on and to grab a hold of happiness.  I love to read anything by Jennifer Beckstrand.  I have no problem to RETURN TO HUCKLEBERRY HILL over and over again.

About the Author

Jennifer Beckstrand is the award winning Amish romance author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hillseries and The Honeybee Sisters series for Kensington Books. Jennifer has always been drawn to the strong faith and the enduring family ties of the Plain people and loves writing about the antics of Anna and Felty Helmuth and the Honeybee sisters’ aendi Bitsy. Jennifer has a degree in mathematics and a passion for Jane Austen and Shakespeare. She and her husband have been married for thirty-two years, and she has four daughters, two sons, and soon-to-be six adorable grandchildren, whom she spoils rotten.

GIVEAWAY-

https://promosimple.com/ps/b3b2