Jodie Wolfe's Taming Julia

Taming Julia...really?  Julia or Jules as she likes to be called has lived a life that you wouldn't call ordinary.  She has never had a placed to call home.  Drew had a home but felt that he didn't belong.  What happens when their two worlds collide?

I enjoyed the interactions between Julia and Drew. He had expectations of what a female should look and act but Jules was not typical.  She tried to conform to his expectations. He also attempted to conform to what a minister should be.

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14

A lesson learned: we are each unique and special. GOD planned it that way.  He doesn't want Julia to be just like everyone else. This is something that Drew and Julia learn as they start to develop feelings for each other.

ABOUT JODIE WOLFE:

I am a woman who has stood on the sidelines for too long.

I am a woman who wants to break out.

I am a woman who wants to step away from the shadows and into the light.

But, I'll be truthful.

I'm scared.

I don't know exactly what it looks like and frankly, I'm just taking one step and then I'm praying for the courage to take another step.

I'm determined to find hope along the way.

I would love to have you join me on this journey.

Together, I'm praying we'll be transformed and step into who we really are.

Who God called us to be.

The Runaway Bride

News Flash:  another great book by Jody Hedlund!!!  I was excited to receive this book as I did read the first book of this series.  I just broke my arm so I had all the time in the world to devour this story.

Was Arabella a runaway bride?  Or was she finally stepping up and making decisions for herself?   She was put in a terrible position by her father and his boss.  Was there anyway she could do to save herself and her father's situation?

  Arabella was reminded that she was not alone.  GOD was by her side.  He was her strength.  He gave her the courage to do what is right. She had strong women in her life that reminded her of GOD's love for her and her well being.

Peter was trying to fulfill his dreams.  He had regrets about his past.  He asked for forgiveness and GOD was with him in his weak moments.  He was reminded by Father Abe how GOD was there for him in good times and bad.

We all need spiritual advisors in our lives. 

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” (vv. 9-10).

- Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

I loved the story.  It had romance and valuable lessons thrown in.  GOD is by our side at all times.  We must pray to him and ask for his guidance in our lives. 

Jody Hedlund:

MY WRITING JOURNEY

Like many writers, I’ve been writing since my childhood days. I always loved telling stories. However, as I began my college years, I quickly realized that creative writing wasn’t a career track that would help pay the bills. For a time, God moved me into social work. I went on to get my masters and was thankful for the experiences and opportunities I had during those years of helping underprivileged people. I can see now how many of my heroines have that same passion for helping others.

While I was working all those years, I was still writing and submitting manuscripts. I took a seven year break after my twins were born. At that time I had a toddler and twin babies and so I was just slightly busy changing diapers! But I couldn’t stay away from writing forever and eventually started again. The first book I wrote after my hiatus was The Preacher’s Bride.

When I began to query The Preacher’s Bride, the manuscript was rejected by all but one agent. Even with that one busy agent, my manuscript went into the To-Be-Read slush pile where it languished. However, while waiting to garner attention, I didn’t sit around idly twirling my thumbs. I worked hard during those months and went on to write another book. I kept building my online presence and I entered a number of writing contests.

After two manuscripts finaled in ACFW’s Genesis contest (one of them The Preacher’s Bride), I contacted the agent who had my manuscript to let her know. She pulled my manuscript to the top of her slush pile, read it, and offered me representation within a couple of days. She went on to land me a three-book contract within a few months’ time.

The Preacher’s Bride debuted in 2010, became a CBA bestseller, and won multiple awards. Since then, I’ve gone on to publish many more award-winning books which you can discover on my Books Page.

Waltz in the Wilderness

Eliza and Daniel were on different paths..going in opposite directions.    Daniel was a perfect gentleman and felt that Eliza needed assistance.  Eliza was stubborn and refused.  But with persuasion, She accepted his help. Daniel and Eliza set out on an adventure that neither would forget.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  I immediately went to Kathleen Denly's website.  I signed up for her blog.  I can not miss any of her future books.  I love books that are set in the woods and in the wilderness.  It makes me want to camp and enjoy all what nature has to offer.

I was pretty upset with Eliza's father.  He did not handle his grief well.  He ignored his duty to his daughter.  He literally dumped her at her uncle's house.  Eliza felt an obligation to care for her father.  Their roles were reversed. 

Eliza was driven to search for her father.  Daniel was driven to honor a promise.  Sparks fly.  This was the beginning of the dance.  They danced around and never really expressing their feelings.  This leads to confusion and pain.

I received this book for free from Celebrate Lit to review.

About the Book

Book:  Waltz in the Wilderness

Author: Kathleen Denly

Genre:  Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: February 4, 2020

She’s desperate to find her missing father. His conscience demands he risk all to help.

Eliza Brooks is haunted by her role in her mother’s death, so she’ll do anything to find her missing pa—even if it means sneaking aboard a southbound ship. When those meant to protect her abandon and betray her instead, a family friend’s unexpected assistance is a blessing she can’t refuse.

Daniel Clarke came to California to make his fortune, and a stable job as a San Francisco carpenter has earned him more than most have scraped from the local goldfields. But it’s been four years since he left Massachusetts and his fiancé is impatient for his return. Bound for home at last, Daniel Clarke finds his heart and plans challenged by a tenacious young woman with haunted eyes. Though every word he utters seems to offend her, he is determined to see her safely returned to her father. Even if that means risking his fragile engagement.

When disaster befalls them in the remote wilderness of the Southern California mountains, true feelings are revealed, and both must face heart-rending decisions. But how to decide when every choice before them leads to someone getting hurt?

About the Author

Kathleen Denly lives in sunny Southern California with her loving husband, four young children, and two cats. As a member of the adoption and foster community, children in need are a cause dear to her heart and she finds they make frequent appearances in her stories. When she isn’t writing, researching, or caring for children, Kathleen spends her time reading, visiting historical sites, hiking, and crafting.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathleen is giving away the grand prize package of a NEW Kindle Fire HD8, Proverbs 3:5 Paperback Lined Journal, Romans 8:28 Leather Bookmark, Proverbs 3:5 mug, and an Antique Silverplated Spoon made by 1847 Rogers Bros!!

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/f5b6/waltz-in-the-wilderness-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

A Baker’s Perspective, February 5

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, February 5

Pause for Tales, February 5

Texas Book-aholic, February 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 6

Older & Smarter?, February 7

deb’s Book Review, February 7

Reflections From My Bookshelves, February 8

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 9

The Christian Fiction Girl, February 9

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, February 9

Betti Mace, February 10

Through the Fire Blogs, February 10

Inklings and notions, February 11

Robin’s Nest, February 11

Remembrancy, February 12

For Him and My Family, February 12

My Devotional Thoughts, February 12

Maureen’s Musings, February 13

For the Love of Literature, February 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 14

Jeanette’s Thoughts, February 14

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 15

Blossoms and Blessings, February 15

Bigreadersite, February 15

Emily Yager, February 16

Blogging With Carol, February 16

Mia Reads, February 16

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impression, February 17

Janicesbookreviews, February 17

SPLASHES of Joy, February 18

Hallie Reads, February 18

Connie’s History Classroom, February 18

Two Steps Forward

Jimmy decided to come home.  He had no place else to go.  But was he ready to face his mother?

Silvie would do anything for Joey.  She landed up at Rising star Farm.  What did she have to do to keep it?

I just couldn't understand why Jimmy's mother was so mean to Silvie.  I can assume she was trying to protect her son.  But boy oh boy!

I enjoyed revisiting characters from the previous books.  It gives you the opportunity to see a character's growth such as Luke or see someone like Izzy who had her dreams come true.

I received this for free to review.

Meet Suzanne

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a bestselling author of Amish fiction and non-fiction. Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, who was raised Plain in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. She travels back east a couple of times each year for research. For fun, too.

Suzanne has a great admiration for the Plain people and believes they provide wonderful examples to the world. She has an underlying belief in her books–you don’t have to “go Amish” to incorporate many of their principles into your life: simplicity, living with less, appreciating nature, forgiving others more readily, trusting in God.

When Suzanne isn’t writing, playing tennis, or bragging to her friends about her grandbabies (so cute!), she is raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To her way of thinking, you just can’t take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone’s underwear in its mouth.

Keep up on Suzanne’s latest news by receiving her e-newsletter, as well as connecting on Facebook, Twitter and her blog!

Hannah's Courage

Hannah took things for granted...well, she took Timothy for granted.  She loved him but she wasn't ready to settle down.  But she didn't plan that there would be competition.

It was frustrating in seeing this couple dance around and not communicate what they really needed to say to each other.  Hannah tried to find the perfect moment to tell Timothy her true feelings.  She just didn't have the courage to be vulnerable and open to rejection.  She almost lost the chance of true happiness.

We all need to take a risk or two in life.  Hannah finally took à risk.
With this risk, she discovered who she was.

Prayers to our Heavenly Father will guide and keep us on the right path.  Hannah and Timothy knew that with prayer GOD will provide the answers.

Philippians 4:6,7: Pray about everything

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.”

I received this for free from Celebrate Lit to review.

I loved it!

About the Book

Book:  Hannah’s Courage

Author: Molly Jebber

Genre:  Amish Historical Romance

Release Date: January 28, 2020

A loaf of fragrant cinnamon bread for breakfast . . . a sweet and creamy custard pie for dessert. In 1912 Ohio, the Amish Charm Bakery has something to delight locals and visiting Englischer alike. And within this warm, welcoming community, there’s always room for love to grow . . .

Hannah Lapp’s life, like a long-cherished recipe, is satisfying just the way it is. She enjoys whipping up desserts at the bakery, tutoring local children, and socializing with dear friends. One of those friends, Timothy Barkman, has made his interest in Hannah clear, but she’s been in no hurry to change her circumstances.

No sooner does she feel ready to grow closer to hard-working, handsome Timothy than Hannah finds she may have waited too long. Charlene Shetler intends to become Timothy’s fraa. It’s little wonder he’s attracted to such a pretty, forthright young woman, but is the newcomer all that she seems? Only when Hannah is willing to confront some difficult truths can she move bravely toward a life of abiding faith and love . . .

About the Author

Molly Jebber’s Amish Historical Romance books have been featured on Publisher’s Weekly’s Best Ten Recommended Reads, in USA Today’s HEA, Romantic Times and many other media sites. She’s tours and speaks for Stonecroft Ministries – Women’s Christian Connection, and about Amish history/traditions, writing, marketing, publishing, and her books. She loves God, her family, and friends. She enjoys swimming, golf, reading, and says yes to butterscotch pie and parasailing, but no to coconut and skydiving! Visit http://www.mollyjebber.com for a complete list of her books and speaking events.

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, January 30

Genesis 5020, January 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 31

Texas Book-aholic, January 31

Batya’s Bits, February 1

Quiet Quilter, February 1

She Lives to Read, February 2

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 2

Bigreadersite , February 3

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 3

For Him and My Family, February 4

deb’s Book Review, February 4

Inklings and notions, February 5

Jeanette’s Thoughts, February 5

Pause for Tales, February 5

Older & Smarter?, February 6

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 6

Blossoms and Blessings, February 7

Lighthouse Academy Blog, February 7 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 8

Christian Bookaholic, February 8

For the Love of Literature, February 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 9

SusanLovesBooks, February 10

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, February 10

Connie’s History Classroom, February 11

SPLASHES of Joy , February 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 12

Vicky Sluiter, February 12

The Major's Daughter

She didn't want to be known as the "Major's Daughter.  She had dreams and aspirations for so much more.  And she was going to do it!

Frisco felt like he never belonged to anyone or anywhere. He was going to find a place he could call his own.  And the Mayor's Daughter stood in his way!

I have always enjoyed Regina Jenning's books.  I loved the cover as the main character, Caroline, appeared so confident.  She was pretty gutsy in her quest of the American dream to own her own piece of land.

With time, Caroline discovered that she could make her dreams come true and be The Mayor's Daughter at the same time.  Caroline might have got in the way of Frisco's plans but plans can change. Frisco and Caroline both wanted a place to call "home".

I loved it.  Five Stars!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR- REGINA JENNINGS

After a particularly stressful day of parenting, Regina Jennings decided to create a fantasy world that didn’t involve potty-training or stain-removal, and thus began her career as a historical romance writer. Since then, she has written more than a dozen historical novels that are sold worldwide and have been translated into three languages. (To read about her publication journey click here.)

A graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University, Regina is the winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award, two-time finalist for the Golden Quill Award and a finalist for the Oklahoma Book of the Year. She has also worked at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and First Baptist Church of Mustang. Now, she spends her free time learning to play the banjo and traveling with her husband of twenty-six years. Highlights include working at a leper colony in India, sleeping on a trampoline for a week in Senegal, and getting a problematic weapons search in a Mexican prison.

Sarah Sundin- The Land Beneath Us

What a classic love story!  I have read every book of this series.  I love the Paxton brothers.  They each have an individual  battle to overcome while serving our Country!

Speaking of personal battles- Leah's was so heart wrenching.  It is great to read how her faith in GOD helped her through the most difficult times.  She was a disciple of Christ.  Her passion and caring nature spilled over to everyone she touched.

Both Clay and Leah had to learn their value before their love could blossom.

Great story.  I loved everything about this book.

The Land Beneath Us

Book 1: The Sea Before Us, February 2018

Book 2: The Sky Above Us, February 2019

Book 3 in the Sunrise at Normandy series, coming February 4, 2020

A dream as dangerous . . .

A love as solid . . .

As the land beneath them.

** STARRED REVIEW FROM PUBLISHERS WEEKLY! **

In 1943, Private Clay Paxton trains hard with the US Army Rangers at Camp Forrest, Tennessee, determined to do his best in the upcoming Allied invasion of France. With his future stolen by his brothers’ betrayal, Clay has only one thing to live for—fulfilling the recurring dream of his death.

Leah Jones works as a librarian at Camp Forrest, longing to rise above her orphanage upbringing and belong to the community, even as she uses her spare time to search for her real family—the baby sisters she was separated from so long ago.

After Clay saves Leah’s life from a brutal attack, he saves her virtue with a marriage of convenience. When he ships out to train in England for D-day, their letters bind them together over the distance—but can a love strong enough to overcome death grow between them before Clay’s recurring dream comes true?