Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Never Forget

Today is the release date of this delightful story written by one of my favorite authors.  I have recommended all of Jody Hedlund's books to friends and family members and I won't hesitate to recommend this one, too!


Due to the holidays, I didn't get started as fast as I wanted to.  I knew that once I cracked open the cover, I wouldn't put it down until I was finished.  I quickly read through this book as well.  


The main characters are Abbie and Nathaniel.  Abbie made some very poor decisions that she would regret later.  Her decisions were always made with good intentions.  She loved her grandfather and tried to help him any way she could. She must come up with a plan to keep the lighthouse and stay on Rose Island.


Nathaniel was lost and didn't know it until he was washed ashore the island.  This is when he really knew where he belonged.


Abbie and Nathaniel renewed their faith and found God's love and the light that would transform their lives.  This light was brighter than the light that shines from the lighthouse.


You won't be disappointed reading this.  This is the last book I completed in 2016.  What a great way to end the year.  


We all make mistakes.  Sometimes our mistakes seem unforgivable.  We are forgiven and this allows us to start anew.  The past is the past and today is a new day.  Great message to start this new year!


About the Author

jody-hedlund-web-copyWinner of the 2016 Christian Book Award and Christy Award,  best-selling author Jody Hedlund writes inspirational historical romances for both youth and adults.
Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).
When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen

Jeanette Fallon rated a book it was amazing
The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen
Just completed this book about Jane Bell and her journey of self-discovery. Jane is widowed and shows no interest in Ivy Hill. As time goes on, Jane blossoms and starts to care for Ivy Hill and all that is connected to this Inn.

In order for Ivy Hill to survive, changes must be made. Changes occur to the Inn as well as to all in the community. Change is not evil. It is important for personal as well as to the village growth. Jane's quest to save Ivy Hill is also saving her. She learns what is important and becomes more self-reliant. She is saving herself.

Thora, Jane's mother-in-law, learns to let go and begins a new chapter for herself.

Rachel, Jane's friend, learns she can survive losing her ancestral home with dignity and pride.

Charlie, Royal Mail Coach Driver, gives of himself to help a woman he had loved for years.

This story is rich in character development and elaborate detail of home and community.I

I loved it. Thanks, Julie Klassen! I enjoyed every minute.

Saturday, December 17, 2016

SOAR LIKE EAGLES BY TERRY WANGARD


What is there not to like about this book?  This book is so richly detailed and intriguing.  I loved reading about the obstacles the characters conquer while serving our country in World War 2.

Chet and Carol were very careful about allowing anyone to get too close.  Carol saw what happened to her friend who married way to quickly.  She felt it was best not to have any ties to hold her down.  She was not going to do anything rash and have regrets for the rest of her life.  Then she met Chet.

She was intrigued but was closely guarding her heart.  She thought if she was stationed in France she would be safe.

Chet and Carol each had a job to do but often would think of each other and pray that they were safe.

This was a wonderful romantic story but was very detailed.  I felt like I was in the cockpit with Chet.  It is amazing to think that the pilots continued to get in the plane over and over again.  They had a duty to serve and they served it well.

I loved the last chapter.  It was a pleasure to read.  Highly recommend.  This is a story that leaves you feeling patriotic and proud to be an American.  I will be looking for more books by Ms. Wangard to read in the future.

Giveaway:
https://promosimple.com/ps/aa5f

About the Book

soar-like-eagles-2-1Carol becomes a Red Cross doughnut girl, serving GIs and boosting their morale. Convinced wartime romances are doomed to disappointment, she attempts to avoid entanglements. She didn’t plan on Chet, the navigator who tempts her to throw caution to the wind.
Chet’s father and brothers always belittled him. As a squadron lead navigator, he longs to prove them wrong. He’s already been offered a terrific job with PanAm after the war. First he must survive his combat tour. Will he even have a future?

About the Author

terri-wangardTerri 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.


Friday, December 16, 2016


This book is a collection of three stories with a connection to baking and the love that goes into the recipes.
I am reviewing The Christmas Bakery on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand.

I've read a few books by Ms. Beckstrand so I knew I was in for a treat.

This story is about Titus and his wonderful grandparents - Anna and Felty.  His grandmother wanted Titus to find a wife and to be happy as she was in her marriage.

Katie Rose is being sent to stay with Anna and Felty during the Christmas season.  Her parents are hoping that an old neighbor, Adam, will propose after he samples some of Katie's cooking.  Anna knows he is not a match for Katie but her grandson, Titus, is perfect for her.

Katie knows how important it is for Adam to propose.  If he doesn't she'll be an old maid.  But he is so critical and doesn't appreciate her baking.  Titus realizes Adam doesn't deserve Katie and he is on a mission to win her hand.

Titus and Katie are very caring people.  They are very respectful and always try to make others happy.  You can't help to cheer for Titus in his quest to win Katie's affection.  It doesn't hurt that he has a Christmas goat to help him.

Great story.  I enjoyed reading this.

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

The Christmas Bakery at Huckleberry Hill

When shy Katie Rose Gingerich’s dat sends her to Huckleberry Hill to secure a marriage proposal, she never expects to long for carefree Titus Helmuth—or to hope that he might want to spend every Christmas with her . . .


About the Author
Jennifer Beckstrand is the bestselling Amish romance author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series for Kensington Books. Huckleberry Summer was nominated for the RT Book Reviews Reviewer’s Choice Award and the 2015 RITA® Award, and Huckleberry Hill won the 2014 LIME Award for Inspirational fiction. Both Huckleberry Hill and Huckleberry Christmas appeared in Examiner.com list of top ten inspirational books for 2014.

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. Jennifer has a degree in mathematics and a background in editing. She and her husband have been married for thirty years, and she has four daughters, two sons, and four adorable grandchildren, whom she spoils rotten.

Monday, December 12, 2016

Sweet On You- Meddlin' Madeline by Chautona Havig

Madeline just wanted what was best for her friend.  If that makes you meddling- so be it.

Madeline is going to discover the truth at all costs.  It is a joyful ride on Madeline's quest for the truth.  Southwest her friend's brother, Russell, goes along trying to keep her out of trouble.

Madeline is unconventional and it is easy to like her.  She is not shy and a lot of fun to be with.  She depends on Russell and would be lost without his friendship.  Russell attempts to see Madeline as his little sister but he realizes he is starting to have feelings for her that are not sisterly.

Madeline is a great friend.  It would be a lot of fun hanging with her.  She is not worried about how others think of her but more how it impacts the ones she loves.

Yeah!!! This is Book One of a series.  I'm hoping that Madeline and Russell show a little affection towards each other.  I guess I'll have to wait to the next book to see!

I enjoyed this book while on a cruise. It was a great vacation read.  It was delightful.

https://promosimple.com/ps/aa59




Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Healing of the Heart by Loree Lough


New authors excite as I don't know what to expect.  Will I want to finish the book?  Will I be sad when I turn to the last page?  This book was the first book I ever read by this author.  I saw it was Book 3 and was prepared to be confused and bewildered for awhile.  But I was able to catch on pretty quick and could figure out what Ruby McCoy was all about. 

Ruby felt responsible for her father's actions.  She was trying to pay back to all the people who were harmed by her father.  She travelled from city to city to accomplish this goal.  She was afraid to let anyone know who she was as she knew that she would be shunned and thrown out of town.  She kept her identity a secret. 

She arrived in Fairplay to try to erase her guilt.  She sensed that Fairplay was different.  She felt like she belonged there.  It didn't hurt that she was attracted and interested in the town's sheriff, Rex Truett.

Rex took care of his aunt and two orphan children.  He wanted to protect them from any harm.  He wanted to adopt the children but he had two strikes against him.  He was single and he had a dangerous job.  He was the sheriff.  He became the sheriff of Fairplay after his father was killed by a villain. He felt guilty that his father was at the bank (the scene of the crime) because of him.  It was his fault that his father was there in the first place.

Ruby and Rex made life decisions on their feelings of guilt.  Neither were guilty of anything but took it upon themselves anyway.  This guilt dictated their decisions.

Rex and Ruby fell in love but also learned that no matter what they did the feeling of being responsible of something they had no control over could never go away.  They had to learn to allow themselves to feel God's love and understand what they can and can not control. 

With this new understanding, they were to able to turn to each other and grab on to the happiness they both deserved. 

Great book.  I received this book free to review.  I highly recommend the book as well as the series Secrets on Sterling Street.
 
Link to contest: https://promosimple.com/ps/a81c


Tuesday, November 8, 2016

The Blue Ribbon Brides Collection



Story collections are great to read.  They are quick, enjoyable and to the point.  I am always excited when a new collection comes out.  This collection is about young women who aim for the Blue Ribbon prize as a way to fulfil their dreams.

Altered Hearts by Gina Welborn is the story of Reba and her dreams to live in the city and open a millinery shop.  She visited the city when she was a child and she decided that there is where she wanted to go.  Reba loved designing hats.  Winning the Blue Ribbon gave Reba the courage to leave Parker, South Dakota for the big city. 

Levi had a plan but didn't discuss it with Reba and he assumed she was agreeable.  He was going to marry Reba and live with his family at the dairy farm. 

Reba felt she was a failure and that the success of her shop would reveal  God's will for her life.  She opened her shop but realized she didn't have the business sense to keep it going. 

Levi realized that he never properly courted Reba.  Reba looked at him as a friend.  Well, he wasn't going to sit by and lose her.  He was going to Sioux Falls and persuade Reba to marry him.

Levi's dream was to study horticulture but he put his dream aside to assist his family's dairy farm in accounting and paperwork.   Reba's dream was for her shop to be successful as she loved designing hats.  The more successful her shop, the less time she had to design hats.

Both were praying to God asking for guidance.  How can they come together and agree on their future? 

This book is about compromise, prayer and God's will for our future.  

I received this book free to review.  The stories were delightful. 

Five stars




To celebrate their tour, The Blue Ribbon Brides authors are giving away an award winning themed basket that included a quilt and an Amazon Kindle Fire!

Link to giveaway: https://promosimple.com/ps/a7ea
Link to purchase book: http://amzn.to/2f9xBIR




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