Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Dreams Rekindled by Amanda Cabot

I have read many books by Amanda Cabot. I picked this up and was ready to revisit Mesquite Springs. This is Book Two of the Mesquite Springs Series. The cover is beautiful and I can imagine being right there, taking in this beautiful sight.

I have never been one to take a risk. At least, I don't think I did. By. Dorothy's standards, I am a major risk taker. I have been married more than once. Divorce and recovering from one can take some time. It takes a while to trust again. If ever. To protect oneself from any additional pain, an invisible wall is put up. I know. I didn't allow my past experience to stop me from loving again. Thank goodness, as I married the love of my life at age 50.

Dorothy never divorced but she was afraid of being hurt. No one intentionally enters a relationship wanting to be hurt. Dorothy put up a wall. She wasn't going to marry. She was not going to allow anyone to come inside....to touch her heart. Brandon was just the one to take the wall down.

The book also clearly deals with gossip and how it can injure individuals but also communities. Mean and vicious gossip can destroy lives. It spreads like a fire and it is difficult to extinguish. It is relevant in today's world as well as in the 1850's.

I received the book for free from Revell to give a honest review.

Amanda Cabot

Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of the Texas Dreams series, Christmas Roses, Summer of Promise, and Waiting for Spring. Her books have been finalists for the ACFW Carol Awards and the Booksellers Best. She lives in Wyoming.

Favorite Verse: Joshua 1:9 (KJV) Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Revell Books
ISBN 978-08007-3536-4

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Thursday, March 11, 2021

No Journey too far by Carrie Turansky (Book 2 of 2: McAlister Family)

A touching conclusion about a family torn apart by the British Home Children Program. I have ties to Britain and to Canada so it was quite interesting to read this story.

The McAlister family fought long and hard to be together again. This book's main characters were siblings: Garth and Grace McAlister. Both had different upbringings due to their placements but were proud of where they came and fought for the truth.

I loved the twists and turns of the book. It had a little of everything. Who could be more romantic and devoted than Garth towards his love, Emma? Rob, a very close friend of Garth's, carefully lets his guard down to show Grace his true feelings.

I was touched by how people whom were not blood related can and did become family. This was displayed by so many in this story.

I truly loved the book. I left feeling that I was a part of their family.

Thank you, Carrie Turansky for such a moving story. It is not one I will easily forget.

I received this book for free from Carrie Turansky's Reading Friends on Facebook to give a honest review.

About the Author

Carrie Turansky is an award-winning author of more than twenty novels and novellas. She has won the ACFW Carol Award, the Holt Medallion, and the International Digital Award. She loved traveling to England to research her latest Edwardian novels, including No Ocean Too Wide, Across the Blue, and the Edwardian Brides series. Her novels have received starred reviews from Library Journal. They have also been translated into several languages and enjoyed by readers around the world. --This text refers to the paperback edition.

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Bent Tree Bride by Denise Weimer

Susanna lived a life of privilege. Her future was planned out. Her father had a husband selected for her. Susanna had no say in the matter. She was to do what she was told.

Of course, Susanna was determined to live her life the way she felt she should. Throughout the book you can see the growth in Susanna as she found herself surrounded by the historical events during the War of 1812.

Sam, a mix-blood Cherokee, was caught between two worlds. He often found himself in turmoil.

Could Susanna and Sam have a life together despite their differences?

A love story that I could not put down. A historical delight that made my heart pitter patter every time Sam and Susanna were together!!

I received this book for free to give a honest review.

Denise Weimer writes historical and contemporary romance and romantic suspense, mostly set in her home state of Georgia. She's authored a dozen traditionally published novels and a number of novellas. As a managing editor for the historical imprints of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, she also helps others reach their publishing dreams. A wife and mother of two daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.

Sunday, February 28, 2021

FROM THIS MOMENT by KIM VOGEL SAWYER

A book that was touching and inspirational. A story that moved me greatly. Jase was heartbroken. He questioned his faith after experiencing a loss. He accepted a job as a youth minister in a small town. This move changed not only his life but also Kenzie's and Lori's.

The main characters all had to learn how to emotionally deal with their pasts. Everyone is different in how they handle loss or grief. Some find unhealthy ways to deal with their pain. This can lead to very serious consequences.

The book had some unexpected twists and turns which made the ending not as I expected it to. I loved it!!

A few Bible passages came to me as I read this book.

Isaiah 43:2

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (NIV)

I received this book from WaterBrook & Multnomah to give a honest review.

Author Bio

Kim Vogel Sawyer is a highly acclaimed bestselling author with more than one million books in print in seven different languages. Her titles have earned numerous accolades including the ACFW Carol Award, the Inspirational Readers' Choice Award, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Kim lives in central Kansas with her retired military husband, Don, where she continues to write gentle stories of hope. She enjoys spending time with her three daughters and her grandchildren

Sunday, February 21, 2021

The Wedding Planner by Laura Brighton

Just discovered a new author and I had to share. Her name is Laura Brighton. Her books are based on Tybee Island. Sounds like a wonderful place to live or visit.

This story is about The Wedding Planner on the island. Her name is Rachel. Rachel has suffered heartbreak in her early years. She thought she was over it but as the story unfolds she realizes she has much to learn about healing and forgiveness.

I was enjoying the story when it abruptly ends. What? I have to wait to the next book!! I will keep a look out for the next one as I have to find out if Rachel gets the answers she needs to move forward.

I received this for free from Book Sirens to give a honest review.

About Laura Brighton

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!

Saturday, February 20, 2021

The Robin's Greeting by Wanda Brunstetter

Have you ever been so excited to read the latest book by your favorite author but sad when finished? This is always the case for me when I have a new book by Wanda Brunstetter. The Robin's Greeting is the third book in The Amish Greenhouse Mystery Series. This book brings everything to a conclusion. I was quite surprised at the ending.

The theme of Forgiveness runs throughout this book. There were moments in the story that I was surprised forgiveness was given. It isn't easy to do. Carrying the anger and bitterness inside when you are wronged can eat you up. You are giving the other person too much power over them. Forgiving is freeing!

Believe me, I have been treated poorly in a past relationship. I could have used this to be bitter and suspicious of others. It would have been easy to put up an imaginary wall up and not let others in. But I would have missed much. I was not going to let this keep me caged up.

Jesus was nailed to the cross and said "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do". Quite powerful.

You will love this book. I have received a copy of this book from Barbour Books and being a member of Wanda's Clippity Clop Club.

Monday, February 15, 2021

The Rose Keeper by Jennifer Lamont Leo

Clara kept to herself. She didn't let anyone in. She prided herself for being a good nurse and she loved her roses. Everything else she kept at a distance.

But was it enough? Clara's quiet existence was about to change. A new tenant has moved in the apartment building. And she had a young daughter!

A lovely story about Clara and how she "bloomed" and grew after Laurie and Rosalie moved in. Clare's story was quite touching. The relationship Clara shared with Laurie and her daughter, Rosalie, impacted the way Clara saw the world. With this change, Clara opened her heart to others and with GOD. What an impact this made in not only Clare's life but with so many others.

I received this book from the author, Jennifer Lamont Leo, to give a honest review. Thank you as this story touched me as well. I highly recommend that you pick up a copy.

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

A Dance In Donegal by Jennifer Deibel

"THE TRANQUIL, SOOTHING POWER OF A SIMPLE CUP OF TEA ALWAYS TOOK MOIRA BY SURPRISE."

This line drew me right in and well, hello, Moira and Sean did, too! I love books that are based in Great Britain. England and I have a relationship going. I love the history of the British Isles. I can't get enough of the Royal Family. My Mother was born there and I have visited at least 7 or 8 times. I long to go and travel throughout Great Britain as I have ties to Scotland and Ireland.

This book was just lovely. Moira's faith was tested over and over. She knew GOD was by her side and she got her strength from that. HE had a plan for Moira.

Sean was caring and very respectful to Moira. He learned so much from his boss and friend, Colm.

Peg and Colm were a lovely couple that practiced what they preached. They were just what Moira needed. They were supportive and did not judge others. There were others in their small community that believed the gossip about Moira and treated her poorly. I was stunned by the behaviors of some of the ones that Moira counted as friends.

Can Moira find happiness in Donegal? Is Sean part of her future? Will she ever feel part of the community? Will she get the answers to all her questions about her Mother?

Pick up a copy of this book. I loved this book. I know you will, too!

I received this book for free from Revell to review.

AUTHOR:

Jennifer Deibel is a middle school teacher and freelance writer. Her work has appeared on (in)courage, on The Better Mom, in Missions Mosaic Magazine, and others. With firsthand immersive experience abroad, Jennifer writes stories that help redefine home through the lens of culture, history, and family. After nearly a decade of living in Ireland and Austria, she now lives in Arizona.

Debut novel, A Dance in Donegal, releases February 2, 2021 from Revell. Follow Moira Doherty to the wilds of rural Ireland in 1921. Available for preorder wherever books are sold.

Sunday, February 7, 2021

Tybee Holiday Homecoming - Book One

A cute story about a close family getting together for the holidays. The mother, Julep Tucker, is the matriarch that is trying to keep everyone together. She is finding her way after her husband died a year ago. She has to make some difficult decisions that might not make everyone in the family happy.

I love reading of how the family pulls themselves together. Each member of the family has a story to tell on their own. Fortunately, there are five books in the series so we can revisit the Tucker family again and again.

I enjoyed this book. It was described as being similar to a Hallmark movie. I can see that. It was just what I needed to read to take me away from all the worries of today.

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

About Laura Brighton

Blink Of An Eye

This book is the recent installment (8th) of the Kendra Michaels series. I have not read any of the previous books but after this one, I will. It took a few chapters to get to know the main characters.

The women characters are all strong and opinionated women. This is unusual in most books I have read. Kendra Michaels is an asset in solving this action thriller. She uses her special gifts to catch the "bad" guy.

I enjoyed the book. It was a page turner in the last few chapters. I kept my light on way longer than I planned as I wanted to finish. I was surprised at the end.

I recommend you pick this up and enjoy an evening of suspense.

I received this copy of the book free from Grand Central Publishing.

IRIS JOHANSEN is The New York Times bestselling author of Your Next Breath, The Perfect Witness, Live to See Tomorrow, Silencing Eve, Hunting Eve, Taking Eve, Sleep No More, What Doesn't Kill You, Bonnie, Quinn, Eve,Chasing The Night, Eight Days to Live, Blood Game, Deadlock, Dark Summer, Pandora's Daughter, Quicksand,Killer Dreams, On The Run, Countdown, Firestorm, Fatal Tide, Dead Aim, and more. And with her son Roy Johansen, she has coauthored The Naked Eye, Sight Unseen, Close Your Eyes, Shadow Zone, Storm Cycle, and Silent Thunder.

Johansen began writing after her children left home for college. She first achieved success in the early 1980s writing category romances. In 1991, Johansen began writing suspense historical romance novels, starting with the publication of The Wind Dancer. In 1996 Johansen switched genres, turning to crime fiction, with which she has had great success. She had seventeen consecutive New York Times bestsellers as of November 2006.[1]

Johansen lives near Atlanta, Georgia and is married. Her son, Roy Johansen, is an Edgar Award-winning screenwriter and novelist. Her daughter, Tamara, serves as her research assistant.

Thursday, February 4, 2021

The Moonlight School

I always look forward to a book release by Suzanne Woods Fisher. It always has to be in my must read list. The Moonlight School was a great story.

It made me think of when I just started out as a Social Worker in 1984. I was young and eager to change the world. One lesson I learned that was so valuable to me as I worked as a juvenile probation officer was that their normal and values might be different than yours. It doesn't mean they are wrong. You can't work with a family and expect them to think like you or act like you. You need to tread lightly and be aware of your value system so that you don't impose on them.

This lesson served me well in the 28 years I worked in the inner city of Detroit. Lucy Wilson learned this after arriving in Rowan County, Kentucky. She was in a world so different than what she grew up in. At first, she found it difficult but with time her eyes and heart were changed forever.

I loved being on her journey and meeting the residents of this community. I know you will, too.

I received this for free from Celebrate Lit to review.

About the Book

Book: The Moonlight School

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release Date: February 2, 2021

Haunted by her sister’s mysterious disappearance, Lucy Wilson arrives in Rowan County, Kentucky, in the spring of 1911 to work for Cora Wilson Stewart, superintendent of education. When Cora sends Lucy into the hills to act as scribe for the mountain people, she is repelled by the primitive conditions and intellectual poverty she encounters. Few adults can read and write.

Born in those hills, Cora knows the plague of illiteracy. So does Brother Wyatt, a singing schoolmaster who travels through the hills. Involving Lucy and Wyatt, Cora hatches a plan to open the schoolhouses to adults on moonlit nights. The best way to combat poverty, she believes, is to eliminate illiteracy. But will the people come?

As Lucy emerges from a life in the shadows, she finds purpose; or maybe purpose finds her. With purpose comes answers to her questions, and something else she hadn’t expected: love.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Carol award winner Suzanne Woods Fisher 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. With over one million copies of her books sold worldwide, Suzanne is the best-selling author of more than thirty books, ranging from non-fiction books, to children’s books, to novels. She lives with her very big family in northern California.

More from Suzanne

I’m Suzanne Woods Fisher, the author of The Moonlight School. This historical fiction will release on February 2, 2021, and is based on a true story featuring Cora Wilson Stewart, a Kentucky educator way ahead of her times. In 1911, Cora had a crazy idea—to open rural one-room schoolhouses in her county on moonlit nights to teach illiterate adults how to read and write.

So what happened next? Well, it’s so astonishing that you wouldn’t believe me if I told you. Instead, I hope you’ll read the book and find out for yourself.

In the meantime, this infographic provides a fascinating look at illiteracy THEN…and NOW. Makes you want to thank your teachers, doesn’t it?