At Lighthouse Point by Suzanne Woods Fisher

 There has to be another book so I can find out how things go for the whole family.  I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to jump right back into the lives of the residents at Three Sisters Island.  

Blaine felt she had something to prove.  In her opinion, her worth was based on her success in cooking.  She as well as her sisters were driven to succeed.  I wonder where that came from?

A new character in this book was Jean-Paul.  He was a friend that Blaine met in France.  He had the gifts of observing, listening and being straight forward in his advice.  I wasn't totally surprised by the decision he made for his future.

Why do we feel that our worth is based on whether we succeed or fail at something?  

Colossians 3:12-14

New International Version

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

As I read this story, I thought back to my early years.  I was so focused on achieving a goal and to make others proud of me through my accomplishments.  Sure, my accomplishments allowed me to support my family but I failed to realize that I was already worthy.  My parents did not think more of me or loved me more because I graduated from college.  GOD doesn't love me because I had a job.  GOD loves me because I am one of his "chosen" people.  

Each sister discovered that their worth had nothing to do with a cell tower, having a successful counseling practice or a restaurant.  Their worth was in the relationships that they had with their family and the other residents in their community.  GOD "binds them all together in perfect unity". 

I received this book from Celebrate Lit to give a honest review.

About the Book

Book:  At Lighthouse Point

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: May 4, 2021

Blaine Grayson returns to Three Sisters Island with a grand plan–to take Camp Kicking Moose to the next level. Her dream starts to unravel when she discovers Moose Manor’s kitchen has been badly remodeled by her sister, Cam, who doesn’t know how to cook. Added to that blow is the cold shoulder given by her best friend, Artie Lotosky, now a doctor to the unbridged Maine islands.

As old wounds are opened, Blaine starts to wonder if she made a mistake by coming home. Little by little, she must let go of one dream to discover a new one, opening her heart to a purpose and a future she had never imagined.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Award winning author Suzanne Woods Fisher writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected. With more than one million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the bestselling author of more than 30 works, ranging from novels to non-fiction books to children’s books. Currently, she lives with her very big family in the East Bay.

 

More from Suzanne

10 Curious Facts about Lighthouses

 

 

People love lighthouses. There’s just something special about those sturdy sentinels with their beacons of light, patiently sweeping the water, their mournful and haunting wail of a foghorn. Longfollow’s poem, The Lighthouse, written in 1850, captured the allure so well:

 

And as the evening darkens, lo! how bright,
Through the deep purple of the twilight air,
Beams forth the sudden radiance of its light,
With strange, unearthly splendor in the glare!

 

“Unearthly splendor.” Wow, doesn’t that hit the nail on the head? A lighthouse, to me, represents a spiritual truth: Someone’s watching out for us, looking out for the dangers ahead, and always glad to welcome us home.

 

 

Here are 10 facts about lighthouses that you might not know:

 

• THE FIRST KNOWN LIGHTHOUSE was Egypt’s Pharos of Alexandria, Egypt, built in the third century B.C. The lighthouse was made from a fire on a platform to warn sailors of the port’s entrance. This lighthouse was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

 

• THE OLDEST EXISTING LIGHTHOUSE IN THE WORLD is considered to be La Coruna in Spain that dates from ca. 20 B.C. A Roman lighthouse is located on the Cliffs of Dover in the UK that was constructed in 40 A.D.

 

• THE UNITED STATES IS HOME to more lighthouses than any other country.

 

• THE FIRST LIGHTHOUSE IN AMERICA was at Boston on Little Brewster Island (1716). The first keeper was George Worthylake who, sadly, was drowned, along with his wife and daughter, when returning to the island in 1718.

 

• THE TALLEST LIGHTHOUSE is on Cape Hatteras, NC. Built in 1872, it reached 196 feet tall.

 

• THE FIRST WEST COAST LIGHTHOUSE was built on Alcatraz Island in 1854.

 

• DAYMARKS are the painted colors and patterns (diamonds, spirals and stripes) on lighthouse towers to distinguish them from each other.

 

• LIGHTHOUSE KEEPING was one of the first U.S. government jobs available to women, as far back as the 19th century. Most obtained their position when their husband died or became incapacitated.

 

• THE RANGE OF THE LIGHTHOUSE LIGHT produces a light seen 25 miles at sea.

 

• ABOUT 700 LIGHTHOUSES are still in active use in the United States.

 

As I wrote the third book in the ‘Three Sisters island’ series, I just had to give that little charred lighthouse its day in the sun. It had patiently played a role in the first two books, waiting for its turn on center stage. Not only did its setting provide a very unexpected “WHAT? How did that happen?” conclusion to the series, it even stole the headline! The undisputed title: At Lighthouse Point.

 

Do you have a favorite lighthouse? If so, please add your picture in the comments below. Don’t forget to include its location.

 

Thanks for reading! Stay well, stay home, and read.

 

Suzanne

Blog Stops

lakesidelivingsite, May 11

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 11

Wishful Endings, May 11

The Avid Reader, May 12

Just Writing, May 12

The Write Escape, May 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 12

By The Book, May 13

HappyWhenReading, May 13

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, May 13

Texas Book-aholic, May 13

Inklings and notions, May 14

Cultivating Us, May 14

Blogging With Carol, May 14

Batya’s Bits , May 14

Betti Mace, May 15

Bizwings Blog, May 15

Southern Gal Loves to Read, May 15

For Him and My Family, May 15

deb’s Book Review, May 16

Jeanette’s Thoughts , May 16

HookMeInABook, May 16

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, May 16

Connie’s History Classroom, May 17

Lighthouse-Academy, May 17

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, May 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 18

Godly Book Reviews, May 18

Daysong Reflections, May 18

Mary Hake, May 18

Artistic Nobody, May 19 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 19

EmpowerMoms, May 19

SusanLovesBooks, May 19

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 20

Older & Smarter?, May 20

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 20

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, May 21

Simple Harvest Reads, May 21 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Splashes of Joy, May 21

Blossoms and Blessings, May 21

Through the Fire Blogs, May 22

Vicky Sluiter, May 22

Pause for Tales, May 22

Moments, May 22

She Lives To Read, May 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 23

Labor Not in Vain, May 23

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, May 24

Life, Love, Writing, May 24

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 24

Remembrancy, May 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away the grand prize of a $25 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/10bb6/at-lighthouse-point-celebration-tour-giveaway

RETURN TO THE BIG VALLEY

A collection of stories by Wanda, her daughter-in-law and her granddaughter.  What a wonderful opportunity to share their love of writing as well as for the Amish.  

The three stories demonstrates how GOD works in your life.  HE is there during good times and bad.  

The three stories were:

Wilma's Wish by Wanda Brunstetter

Martha's Miracle by Jean Brunstetter

Alma's Acceptance by Richelle Brunstetter

The three main characters in each story must make a critical decision that will change their lives but their families as well.  These decisions can not be made without prayer.

When you need to make a decision in life do you include prayer?  This is a step that is the most important but frequently not done.  GOD listens.  He guides our steps.  

I am never disappointed when I am reading a book by any Brunstetter.  I am excited for Richelle as her story shows that she has a great future ahead of her.

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

 

Over Her Head

Over Her Head Epic Book Launch

About the Book

Book:  Over Her Head: In the Shadow

Author: JL Crosswhite

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release date: June 21, 2021

She’s working on a new start…

…He’s trying a new work venture.

Can they build a relationship that fits their new life?

Fresh out of cosmetology school Jessica and whiz software engineer Austin have been thrown together by mutual friends. They even escaped a wildfire together.

But do they have something more than friendship?

Maybe a singles’ camping trip will make their future clear.

But when they encounter someone who needs their help, the relaxing weekend away becomes anything but. As the danger mounts and the challenges reveal who they truly are, will it pull them together or push them apart… for good?

You will get lost in Over Her Head because the biggest adventure is falling in love.

Over Her Head Excerpt One

Jessica Blake swept up the last of the client’s platinum blonde hair into the dustpan at the end of the first day of her job at Salon Moritz as she tried to tune out the chatter about clubbing from the girls around her. Not her. Not any more. She was headed straight home after this. There was still a pint of mint chip in the freezer, if Mom hadn’t eaten it yet. That was celebration enough. She was lucky to get this job right out of cosmetology school.

Madison Rubio, the stylist Jessica was working under, seemed pleased with her work. Though it had been a long day, her heart was light at the praise she received. She hadn’t realized how much her parched heart needed the watering of encouraging words. It had been a long time.

Lyric Madden came bounding over, neatly side-stepping the pile of clippings Jessica had made. “So the girls invited us to go for drinks with them to celebrate our first day on the job. Sounds fun.” Lyric had gone to Jessica’s school, and they’d both started here today

Purchase Link: 

Over Her Head: In the Shadow Book 3, a Christian Romantic Suspense (In the Shadow, Christian Romantic Suspense) https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B092F1JXZQ/ref=cm_sw_r_u_apa_glt_02DN01RWRYNSW9JGJ7DB 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jennifer’s favorite thing is discovering how much there is to love about America the Beautiful and the great outdoors. She’s a mom to two navigating the young adult years while battling her daughter’s juvenile arthritis, exploring the delights of her son’s autism, and keeping gluten free. A California native who’s spent significant time in the Midwest, she’s thrilled to be back in the Golden State. Follow her on social media to see all her adventures and how she gets inspired for her books!

PRESENT DANGER BY Elizabeth Goddard

What?  I usually can figure out the bad guy before the last chapter.  But not in this book.  The killer could have been one of many.  Tara and Jack had a past but was there any chance of a future?

The main characters, Jack and Terra, had something to prove to others as well as to themselves.  This could be a strength or a weakness.  Terra's mother once told her that " The direction your life takes often come down to one decision, one moment in time."  I'm sure that at one time or other you can look back at a decision that altered your life.   I often wondered if I went to college straight out of high school instead of later how my life would have been different.  What if I turned left instead of right?  These decisions didn't seem like much at the time but your whole life can change because of them.

The story was interesting and action packed.  Terra was a strong and intelligent woman with a career.  She wasn't just waiting for a man to rescue her.  But if she needed someone  to do so, Jack was the man.  

I received the free Ebook from Revell Reads to give a honest review.  

Hope Between The Pages - Pepper Basham

 "Books breathed to me".  Ok, I was hooked by that simple sentence.  

A lovely story that I enjoyed right from the start.  This is a part of the Doors To The Past Series.  We are introduced to Sadie and how her choices in life impacted the future.  

Clara inherited Blackwells' Books.  It's a bookstore that is an important part of the community.  But it's survival depends on Clara discovering the truth.  In this discovery, Clara finds her destiny.

We all have to find our own path in life.  What are we meant to be or do?  In making life's decisions we often can make mistakes or we experience misfortune.  But with each mistake, we can come out stronger with GOD's guidance and love.  HE is with us in every step.  

I received this ebook for free from Celebrate Lit to give a honest review.  

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

About the Book

Book:  Hope Between the Pages

Author: Pepper Basham

Genre: Christian Historical

Release date: April, 2021

Uncover the Story Behind a One-Hundred-Year-Old Love Letter

Visit historic American landmarks through the Doors to the Past series. History and today collide in stories full of mystery, intrigue, faith, and romance.

Clara Blackwell helps her mother manage a struggling one-hundred-year old family bookshop in Asheville, North Carolina, but the discovery of a forgotten letter opens a mystery of a long-lost romance and undiscovered inheritance which could save its future. Forced to step outside of her predictable world, Clara embarks on an adventure with only the name Oliver as a hint of the man’s identity in her great-great-grandmother’s letter. From the nearby grand estate of the Vanderbilts, to a hamlet in Derbyshire, England, Clara seeks to uncover truth about family and love that may lead to her own unexpected romance.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor with southern Appalachian flair. Both her historical and contemporary novels have garnered recognition in the Grace Awards, Inspys, and ACFW Carol Awards. Her historical romance, The Thorn Healer, was a finalist in the 2018 RT Awards. Her historical romance novels, My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge and The Red Ribbon, and her contemporary novels, the Mitchell’s Crossroads and Pleasant Gap series, showcase her Appalachian heritage, as well as her love for humor and family. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist to about fifty more, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

 

More from Pepper

Books are a uniquely portable magic – Stephen King

Appalachia is known for having a high illiteracy rate. A place of beautiful scenery and rugged landscapes, the people of the mountains developed stories through oral storytelling much more than “book learning”.  As a young girl growing up in this world, I loved hearing my granny share tales from up to five generations ago, filling in the narrative gaps between a birth date and a death date on a tombstone – giving flesh and breath to the stone-etched names.

It’s no surprise then, with a heart cultivated from rich oral stories, I fell in love with reading. Books became that “portable magic” that took me places my little Appalachian community couldn’t provide. I fell in love with the Boxcar Children and Nancy Drew. Wept through the end of Bridge to Terabithia and Old Yeller. Traveled to the plains with Sarah Plain and Tall and fell in love with horses with The Black Stallion. But when I was in seventh grade, I read my very first “British” novel, The Secret Garden. In that one introduction, my world expanded into mysterious English manor houses and British classics. Before long, I’d consumed Jane Eyre, Austen’s classics, some Dickens, Dracula, Frankenstein…and the list goes on! And then…I found Tolkien and Lewis – and the ‘real’ world swelled into OTHER worlds.

I’m grateful for true stories of book-loving pioneers traveling into the world of Appalachia to provide books and literacy training to “my people”, because I know some of those books made their way to my tiny elementary school library…and not only brought me the chance to discover stories, but to write them too!

Isn’t it amazing how books can do that?

In Hope Between the Pages, I wanted to bring the same awe and discovery I felt as a child (and continue to feel as an adult reader) to the story of two people whose words had seemed small. Stories stretched their worlds, but the stories also gave them wonderful imaginations and positive perspectives. It’s still amazing to me that ink-and-paper words can make such a lasting impact on hearts and minds. They can lead us to dream, teach us new things, encourage our hearts, help us to think outside the box, swell our imaginations, broaden our horizons, and encourage our hope.

Books are not a replacement for real adventures and relationships, but they certainly provide a beautiful “door” into other lives and worlds that we may never have a chance to experience in real life. Sadie, my historical heroine, and Clara, my contemporary heroine, both have kept close to home but traveled greatly through books…and BOTH are given the opportunity to reach beyond the bindings to discover real-life adventures. I’d like to think that their love for stories helped them have the courage to step away from the page and into their own tales even more prepared than they would have been without stories.

What are some of your favorite books you read as a child? Did any of them influence you to become a more avid reader?

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, April 24

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 24

Reflections From My Bookshelves, April 24

Worthy2Read, April 24

Texas Book-aholic, April 25

Reviewingbooksplusmore, April 25

Christian Bookaholic, April 25

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 25

She Lives To Read, April 26

Books and Everyday Life, April 26

For the Love of Literature, April 26

For Him and My Family, April 26

Wishful Endings, April 27

Bigreadersite, April 27

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, April 27

deb’s Book Review, April 27

Inklings and notions, April 28

Connect in Fiction, April 28

Writing from the Heart Land, April 28

Blogging With Carol, April 28

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 29

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 29

Life of Literature, April 29

Pick a good book, April 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 30

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 30

Betti Mace, April 30

Kathleen’s Blog, April 30

lakesidelivingsite, May 1

Connie’s History Classroom, May 1

Fiction Book Lover, May 1

Jeanette’s Thoughts, May 1

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 2

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, May 2

Godly Book Reviews, May 2

Mary Hake, May 2

Older & Smarter?, May 3

Genesis 5020, May 3

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, May 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 4

Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads , May 4

Blossoms and Blessings, May 4

sodbusterLiving, May 4

Splashes of Joy, May 5

Where Faith and Books Meet , May 5

Simple Harvest Reads, May 5 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Through the Fire Blogs, May 5

Pause for Tales, May 6

To Everything There Is A Season, May 6

Remembrancy, May 6

Lights in a Dark World, May 6

Live.Love.Read., May 7

Karen Sue Hadley, May 7

Amanda Tero, blog, May 7

The Write Escape, May 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Pepper is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a 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/10b27/hope-between-the-pages-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blackberry Beach by Irene Hannon

 

Katherine aka Kat needed to make some important decisions.  There was no better place to go than Hope Harbor.  She was hoping for peace and quiet to steer her in the right direction.  She never expected that she would meet Zach.  

Zach appears to have it all together.  But he was at the point in life that he needed more.  

Zach and Katherine as well as others in this book question if they are good enough.  This thought is something that many at some point in their lives think.  Turning to GOD with prayer will give you the answer.  You just need to listen.

Luke 12:6-7, ESV Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.

A lovely story.  I read a previous Hope Harbor book and was hooked.  The characters were real and appealing.  Charley, the taco stand owner, is my favorite.  He always knows what to say.  He has much wisdom.

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

A Merry Heart by Wanda Brunstetter

 

Miriam did not have a merry heart.  She had her reasons.  She was just unable to get through her pain. Her mother prayed for her.  Her friends prayed for her.  Even Amos, a hopeful suitor,  prayed for her.  Miriam tried to pray but felt lost and confused.

Depression is very serious. I have had relatives who suffered from depression.  They sometimes don't even have the energy to get out of bed.  It hurts to watch their downward spiral.  I can remember praying that everything would be ok.  I was frightened that they would take their own life.  Help is available but they have to want the help.

Positive thoughts.  Prayers.  Supportive family and friends.  GOD.  Miriam had what it takes to make the right choice.  A choice for happiness.  

I loved the book.  How grateful I am of the gifts GOD gave me.  I know I have A MERRY HEART!

Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.  Ecclesiastes 9:7

 

Wagon Train Wife by Catherine Kennedy

 A few years ago my husband and I went out west for a vacation.  One of our stops was the trail ruts.  I was amazed to see the ruts made so many years ago by the early pioneers etched in stone.  I stood there and was easily taken back to the days when wagon after wagon took this trail praying for a better future.  They often experienced hardship after hardship to achieve their goal.

This book is about two young girls and their determination for a better life.  Eliza and Hannah were sisters.  They endured much before they even started on this journey.  Did they have what it takes to survive?

Thomas had a plan.  He was saving for his future.  Then he met the sisters and was determined to help them.  But how far would he go?

I enjoyed the book and the strong sense of community displayed in the pages.  It was a rough world and everyone pulled together.  They had each other's' back.  

I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more by this author.

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

Laura V. Hilton - The Amish Secret Wish

Have you ever had a secret wish?  Were you afraid to tell?  Did you believe that if spoken it would not happen? 

Hallie was heartbroken and afraid for her future.  She needed to face this fear to ever fulfil GOD's plan.  

Kiah was determined to find his true love.  But at all costs? 

It seemed that Kiah and Hallie were not going to get together.  There were obstacles between them and in their communities that stood in their way.  There were family members that had other plans.  But remember:

Jeremiah 29:11

New International Version

 For know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

This is one of my favorite passages from the Bible.  I have kept this close to my heart as I dealt with the ups and downs of my life.  

A lovely story about the importance of faith and family.  Both Hallie and Kiah were blessed by GOD's love and guidance as well as their family's.  

 I enjoyed the book and loved visiting Hidden Springs.

Philippians 4:13 ESV 

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Laura V. Hilton is an award-winning author with more than twenty Amish, contemporary, and historical romances. When she's not writing, she reviews books and writes devotionals and blog posts for Seriously Write. Laura and her pastor-husband have five children and a hyper dog named Skye. They currently live in Arkansas. When she's not writing, Laura enjoys reading, and visiting lighthouses and waterfalls.