Strains of Silence

Difficult read for me as I experienced abuse in my life.  Kasia blamed herself for Blake's behavior.  Blake convinced her it was her fault.  She gave up all the things she loved to make him happy.  But in reality, nothing could keep Blake happy and in the process, she lost herself.

Zan felt responsible for keeping his sister, Bailey, safe.  Bailey was in an abusive marriage.  Bailey was determined to change her life.  She knew that she was not alone.  She knew that GOD would be by her side throughout her ordeal and HE would keep her safe from harm.

A chance meeting between Zan and Kasia changed their lives.  Zan was so busy trying to save his sister and Kasia.  He failed to realize that he was the one who needed to be saved.  Once Zan allowed GOD to enter his heart, he knew that "all things work together for good to them that love GOD".  Roman 8:28

There were times in the book where I wasn't sure Keisha or Bailey would survive.  Definitely a page turner!!!

I received this book for free to review.

About the Author

Bethany loves a home filled with family and friends. Word gets around that—at the Kaczmarek house—food is abundant, conversations are real, and anything is up for discussion. She and her clan are fans of laughter, indie music, sonic screwdrivers, and superheroes. Home is wherever in the world they’re all together.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Bethany is giving away a grand grand prize a signed book, a Polish pottery mug with two of the main character’s favorite kinds of teas, 4 of her favorite albums (Josh Garrels, Waterdeep, The Gray Havens, and Andrew Greer), a box of chocolate butter cookies, and a $50 Amazon gift card.!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c5dc

The Lacemaker

Williamsburg, Va. 1775
I have travelled to Williamsburg on vacation a couple of times.  Page after page brought me to Williamsburg.  I could see the shops, the inns...I can see Lady Elizabeth walking down the streets.

 Lady Elizabeth or Libby (what she wanted to be known by) created lace pieces.  With patience and with each stitch, a beautiful creation was made.  GOD carefully weaves each one of us into a beautiful creation.

This story is one of discovery.  Who are we?  What do we stand for?  Libby must make a decision that will change her whole life.

Libby and Noble are a wonderful couple.  I loved reading their love story.

I received this free to review.

Food For Thought - Janet Lynn Mitchell

Dieting or attempting to lose weight is not an easy task for anyone.  I have been struggling to lose weight and keep it off all my life.  In order to be successful I must equip myself with the necessary tools.  I received this book free to review and I'm so glad I did.

This book is a treasure trove of wisdom and inspiration that will aid me in this weight loss journey.

I spent sometime reading the verses and I am looking forward to finding and picking out my favorites.  This is a powerful, little book that I will keep close by my side.

I love it!  I will recommend this to my friends and family!!!

Giveaway:
https://promosimple.com/ps/c513

I received this free to review.

About the Author

Candid, dynamic, friendly…and memorable are some of the words used to describe Janet Mitchell. Her fun, engaging style keeps her audiences wanting more. As a master storyteller, she shares her heart, passions and faith, relating incidents from her life that will touch you and make you laugh. Janet addresses relevant life issues and how it just takes one to make a difference in your world!

Janet has held staff positions with Youth for Christ and Forest Home Christian Conference Center and has served as the director of a Christian preschool. Janet is a CLASS Speaker (Christian Leaders, Authors, and Speakers) and is a popular speaker for women’s events, MOPS, family camps and single-parent groups.

As a senior in high school, Janet lost the use of her legs following surgery. On the night of her tenth surgery, she met Marty, who became her cheerleader and was alongside her as she learned to walk again. Eventually, he became her husband. Janet and Marty have been married for over thirty-five years and have three children. Janet’s knee problems reoccurred when she was thirty-two. She was horrified to learn she had been a victim of medical negligence, fraud and concealment. Her additional surgeries had been attempts to correct the mistakes. Janet has since become a voice for others who have suffered medical fraud. Assembly Bill 2571, borne out of her misfortunes, unanimously passed both the California Assembly and the Senate and was signed into state law on August 31, 2000. Her story, Taking a Stand, has motivated others to “take a stand” and remain firm in their faith through the good, bad, and the outrageous.

Janet has been featured on radio programs across the nation, including popular programs such as Focus on the Family and Billy Graham’s Decision Today. Janet has appeared on television programs such as, Fox, CBS and ABC News, Aspiring Women, The Harvest Show, and Chuck and Jenny. Her stories and articles have appeared in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, Multnomah’s Stories for the Extreme Teen, and in magazines such as Woman’s World, Light and Life, and Celebrate Life. Her Testimony, “When Doctors Make Mistakes,” was published in the July/August 2005 issue of Today’s Christian Woman magazine.

Janet’s book, A Special Kind of Love, published by Broadman and Holman and Focus on the Family, has been highlighted by Rick Warren in his “Ministry Toolbox.” Her Hands on Faith: Family Nights and Hands on Faith: Family Fun books by Carson- Dellosa are now available along with Janet’s five new Praying Scripture Flip Books. Janet’s Taking a Stand was released in November of 2006. It is truly a testimony of God’s faithfulness through the good, bad and outrageous. This past year Janet’s latest book, Words Matter became available. One thing Janet has learned is:

It just takes one to change the world we live in.

The Hope of Christmas

Three stories-

So happy to receive this in time to read right before Christmas!  I love historical stories and I was not disappointed with these three stories of love and discovering what really matters. 

Picking A Bride For Paul is a delightful tale of finding love right in your front yard.  We often don't realize how good we have it and think that it is "greener" next door.

Typhoon Prompting is a powerful reminder what our servicemen and women deal with during times of war.  Jerry is pretty casual about his circumstances until he faces a life and death situation.  It makes him re-evaluate his life and love.

A Dr. in the House demonstrates the prejudices women faced when they went outside the box and started to become doctors, etc.  This story made me think of Downton Abbey.  Can Emma have it all or does she have to give up a man she has fallen for or a job she worked so hard for?

All three stories were written in the Christmas season.  This is appropriate as each main character had something they wished for and were gifted the true meaning of the holiday season.

I received this for free to review.

About the Authors

Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She’s been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests and is a member of ACFW. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.

Terri Wangard grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during the Lombardi Glory Years. Her first Girl Scout badge was the Writer. Holder of a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in library science, she lives in Wisconsin. Classic Boating Magazine, a family business since 1984, keeps her busy as an associate editor.

Linda Shenton Matchettis a journalist, blogger, author, and history geek. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry, Linda has lived in historical places most of her life-from Edison, New Jersey (named for the famed inventor of the light bulb) and Washington, DC to Wolfeboro, New Hampshire (reputed to be the oldest summer resort in America). She volunteers at the Wright Museum of WWII and as a trustee for her local public library.

Giveaway

To celebrate the tour, Celebrate Lit Publishing is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c514

 

December 13th-The Heart of an Agent by Tracey J. Lyons

Can one learn to love again after experiencing a loss?  The answer is yes!!!!  This is a delightful story of two people that can't escape their pasts.  They meet and it opens up new beginnings!  

Lily does not expect to find love at Great Camp.  Owen has lost his wife and now is losing his home.   He sure wasn't ready for Lily to change his life forever.

I loved the story and the location of this book.  I have never been to the Adirondacks but Ms. Lyons painted a beautiful picture with her words.  I can imagine staying at the camp enjoying all the sights and sounds.  Then you add the delightful cuisine from Mrs. Cuddieback's kitchen and you are in heaven!

Owen and Lily both had a lesson to learn.  It is best to be honest.  This is a lesson for all of us to learn.

I received this for free to review.

About the Author:

An Amazon Top Ten bestselling historical romance author of the Adirondack Pinkertons and the Women of Surprise series, Tracey was a 2017 National Excellence Romance Fiction Award finalist. She sold her first book on 9/9/99! Her books have been translated into several languages and are available in print, digital and audio formats. A true upstate New Yorker, Tracey believes you should write what you know. Her historical romances are all set in the New York State area. Tracey considers herself a small town gal who writes small town romances. You can learn more about Tracey and her books by visiting her website atwww.traceylyons.com.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tracey is giving away a Grand Prize Package of a tea-time themed gift box (Valued at over $75) and a $25 Visa Gift Card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!https://promosimple.com/ps/c1f6

My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate Utah - Leanna's Choice by Angie Dicken

I received this free to review so I thought what do I have to lose?  I started this on a Tuesday and finished it in a Thursday.  Nicely written. The majority of the characters were from Greece who immigrated to America for a better life.  This was totally different from anything I have read before.

The story is one of loss: the loss of a loved one, the loss of faith and the loss of knowing who you really are.  Leanna had an important decision to make.  She wasn't prepared for what would happen when Alex knocked on her door.  Alex was trying to forget his loss with hard work and determination.

The story was also about prejudice, class distinctions and intimidation.  We read how Alex and Leanna come to terms with all of the above as their feelings for each other deepen.

I enjoyed this book and I will recommend it to my friends and family.

Will Leanna and Alex beat the odds?  Can they blend their cultures and find true happiness?  I won't tell.  You have to pick up this book and read it for yourself.

Four stars!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

21 Days of Christmas

Christmas is coming sooner than we think.  So many of us are busy trying to prepare for the holiday season running here and there.  But I highly recommend that you pick up 21 Days of Christmas!  

This book contains 21 short stories celebrating Jesus' Birth.  Every one of the 21 stories has a message to share.  Each story touched me in some way.  It is a wonderful collection.  I plan to begin a new tradition.  Every year I am going to take this off my shelf and revisit the wisdom shared between the pages.

I was amazed that a 17 year old girl named Esther G. Seim wrote Home For Christmas!  I predict she has a wonderful Dr ahead of her.

Linda Bonney Olin's The Last Ember makes the point that reaching out to others makes a difference.

A Violet Christmas by Summer Robidoux makes you realize what is important.  

A lovely collection - a treasured gift that I will read year after year to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas!

I received this free to review.

Five Plus Stars!!!!!

GIVEAWAY:

https://promosimple.com/ps/c3c2

More About Kathy Ide

Kathy is the editor/compiler of the Fiction Lover’s Devotional series (www.FictionDevo.com) and author of “Proofreading Secrets of Best-Selling Authors” (http://secretsofbestsellingauthors.com). She has also written numerous articles, short stories, devotionals, play scripts, and Sunday school curriculum. She has ghostwritten ten nonfiction books and a five-book novel series.

She is also a full-time freelance editor, working with aspiring, new, and experienced authors as well as publishers.

Kathy speaks at writers’ conferences across the country.

She is the founder and coordinator of The Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network (www.TheChristianPEN.com) and the Christian Editor Connection (www.ChristianEditor.com).

For more about Kathy, visit www.KathyIde.com.

Christmas Admirer by Laura V. Hilton

There is something about Amish fiction that gets me every time.  I love to read about their family relationships and their struggles in the world we live in. 

 Susanna has loved Benaiah all her life.  She longed for the day she would be his wife.  Benaiah wanted to make this happen but he had responsibilities to his family and he wasn't sure how it would work out.

  Prayer and patience were needed.  Will things work out for them?  Susanna was told to trust in The LORD.  Only then would she learn HIS plans for her. 

 I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I was so upset at Susanna's father but saw that he also had plans for her.  Great book.  Christmas is in the title but this book is for all seasons.   

I received this free to review.

About the Author

Amish fiction lovers responded positively and immediately to Laura V. Hilton’s debut novel, Patchwork Dreams, when she burst on the scene in 2009 with her unique series, The Amish of Seymour, set in the tiny town of Seymour, in Webster County, Missouri. Fans of the genre immediately recognized Hilton’s insider knowledge, not only of the Webster County community, but Amish culture in general. Her natural speech and writing patterns, she says, are uniquely “Amish,” acquired from her Amish maternal grandparents. The Amish of Seymour, includes Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts, and Promised to Another. Her second series, The Amish of Webster County, is comprised of Healing Love, Surrendered Love, and Awakened Love. A stand-alone title, A White Christmas in Webster County, was released in September 2014. The Amish of Jamesport includes The Snow Globe,The Postcard and The Birdhouse. In spring 2016 she released The Amish Firefighter with the setting in Jamesport, MO, the same as for The Amish Wanderer.

Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer. Laura and her husband, Steve, have five children, whom Laura homeschools. The family makes their home in Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas.

Giveaway

In honor of her tour, Laura is giving away

Grand Prize Package: The Christmas Admirer, “Unto Us a Child is Born” painting on decorative serving plate by Donna White, The Hearthside Collection, Inc., and commemorative Whitaker House/Anchor Distributors coloring book (not in photo).

1st Place Package: The Christmas Admirer and The Very First Christmas by Juliet David with interactive illustrations by Pauline Siewert (children’s book).

2nd Place Package: The Christmas Admirer and “The Woman Who Honors The Lord Shall Be Praised” myrrh-scented candle from abba Jerusalem!

Click the link to enter! https://promosimple.com/ps/c16f

11/13/2017: Love's Thankful Heart

1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is GOD's will for you in Christ Jesus.

This Bible verse comes to mind after reading this collection of stories based around Thanksgiving.  The three stories are wonderful examples of giving thanks and the miracle of prayers.

Gingerbread Wishes

Thanksgiving Strangers

The Thanksgiving Frolic 

I enjoyed reading all three.

In Gingerbread Wishes we revisit Becca Troyer.  She was in a previous book by Laura V. Hilton. This story was wonderful.

Thanksgiving Strangers -

What more can be relevant at Thanksgiving than providing a free meal to all that needs one?  Faiths Beiler, with her giving heart, pours God's love and grace into Crist.  Touching story.

The Thanksgiving Frolic-

Monroe as well as his family needed to learn some valuable lessons.  Rosemary, Monroe's girlfriend, opened their eyes to see the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

I loved Rosemary's grandfather.  We could all learn so much from someone like that.  

I am so grateful these three authors got together and wrote this book.  Happy Thanksgiving to them for sharing these "feel good" stories.

I received this for free to review.

Giveaway

To celebrate the tour, Celebrate Lit Publishing is giving away a Kindle Unlimited 6 month Subscription!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!https://promosimple.com/ps/c403

About the Authors

Laura V. Hilton is an award-winning, sought-after author with almost twenty Amish, contemporary, and historical romances. When she’s not writing, she reviews books for her blogs, and writes devotionals for blog posts for Seriously Write and Putting on the New.

Laura and her pastor-husband have five children and a hyper dog named Skye. They currently live in Arkansas. One son is in the U.S. Coast Guard. She is a pastor’s wife, and homeschools her two youngest children.

When she’s not writing, Laura enjoys reading, and visiting lighthouses and waterfalls. Her favorite season is winter, her favorite holiday is Christmas.

Rachel J. Good grew up near Lancaster, PA, the setting for many of her Amish novels. Striving to be as authentic as possible, she spends special time with her Amish friends, doing chores on their farm and attending family events. Rachel is the author of several Amish series, including Sisters & Friends (Charisma), Love & Promises (Grand Central), and two books in the Hearts of Amish Country series (Annie’s Book Club). In addition, she has twoAmish Quilts Coloring Books as well as stories in several anthologies, including Springs of Love(CelebrateLit).

Thomas Nyewrites novels about horses and Amish life, with a touch of romance, and a foundation of faith in Christ. He and his wife, Shari, live on her family farm where they raised five children. Their six grandchildren love to visit Karma and Karla, a team of draft horses which Thomas purchased from an Amish friend. Walking a mail route for the U.S. Postal Service keeps Thomas close to nature and affords him many quiet hours which he uses to dream up novels. Over three decades of friendships with Amish neighbors has revealed a simple wisdom that he weaves into his writing. To find out more, visit:amishhorses.blogspot.com

12 Days at Bleakly Manor by Michelle Griep

The cover made me think of Charles Dickens type of stories.  So I was excited to read this Christmas tale of intrigue, love and murder.  It was a delight to read and I was not disappointed.  It left me guessing and surprised by the ending.

Things aren't always what they seem.
 Clara and the guests of Bleakly Manor
all wanted something and they believed that staying at the Manor would grant them their wishes.

 Christmas at Bleakly Manor gave them much more than what they wished for.

I loved taking a step back in time reading this book.  Michelle Griep gave me an early Christmas gift.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Colors of Christmas by Olivia Newport

Loss is difficult at anytime of the year but at Christmas it is extremely so.  These stories are examples of how our faith guides us through these moments and makes us stronger.

The book includes two stories. Both are about loss but also about helping others.  While helping others, you are healing yourself.

The first story is how Astrid  could have drowned in her loss but saw someone in need and reached out.

The second is about loss but also how you can heal through honoring the one you lost.

GOD is a healer.  He never leaves our side.  He is with us every step of the way.  He hears our cries.  He hears our prayers.

I enjoyed these two Christmas stories even though they are not typical Christmas stories.

I received this book for free to review.

Giveaway:

https://promosimple.com/ps/c319

About the Author

Olivia Newport’s novels twist through time to find where faith and passions meet. Her husband and twentysomething children provide welcome distraction from the people stomping through her head on their way into her books. She chases joy in stunning Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where daylilies grow as tall as she is.