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.  

 

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.

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

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!

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.

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?

Blog Stops

Inklings and notions, January 30

Batya’s Bits, January 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 30

CarpeDiem, January 31

Sara Jane Jacobs, January 31

A Novel Pursuit, January 31

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, January 31

The Avid Reader, February 1

Bliss Books & Jewels, February 1

lakesidelivngsite, February 1

Connie’s History Classroom, February 1

She Lives To Read, February 2

For the Love of Literature, February 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 2

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 3

Through the Fire Blogs, February 3

Texas Book-aholic, February 3

Inspiration Clothesline, February 3

Fiction Book Lover, February 4 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 4

Blogging With Carol, February 4

Lis Loves Reading, February 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 5

Jeanette’s Thoughts, February 5

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

HookMeInABook, February 5

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 6

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, February 6

Artistic Nobody, February 6 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

For Him and My Family, February 7

EmpowerMoms, February 7

The Write Escape , February 7

Mary Hake, February 7

Older & Smarter?, February 8

deb’s Book Review, February 8

Splashes of Joy, February 8

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 9

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, February 9

Beauty in the Binding, February 9

Blossoms and Blessings, February 9

Remembrancy, February 10

Bigreadersite, February 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 10

By The Book, February 11

Wishful Endings, February 11

Vicky Sluiter, February 11

Pause for Tales, February 11

Spoken from the Heart, February 12

Hallie Reads, February 12

To Everything There Is A Season, February 12

Southern Gal Loves to Read, February 12

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/1068d/the-moonlight-school-celebration-tour-giveaway

Maryann's Hope

I absolutely love visiting the Amish Charm Bakery.  Within this bakery there is a lot of love and compassion as well as goodies that can pack on the pounds just by reading about them.  

Maryann suffered sadness and grief.  Can she afford to put her heart at risk?  

Andrew knew what he wanted but somehow he keeps messing it up.

Most of the characters are ones that could be found in earlier books by  Molly Jebber.  They are like family that I can't wait to see again. 

Trust is not easy after being hurt by someone you love.  It's easy to guard your heart after it has been broken.  GOD teaches us about forgiveness.  From experience, it would have made sense for me to remain single the rest of my life.  Fortunately, I made the choice to love again.  If I didn't take the chance, I wouldn't be so blessed now.  

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

About the Book

Book: Maryann’s Hope

Author: Molly Jebber

Genre: Amish Historical Romance

Release Date: January 26, 2021

The pleasing warmth of fresh-baked maple cookies…the sweet, buttery flakiness of a raspberry jam pastry. In 1913 Ohio, the Amish Charm Bakery is beloved by locals and visiting Englischer alike. And its understanding community always provides help, healing–and new chances for love…even for a widow faced with an impossible choice between her head and her heart.

Secrets devastated Maryanne Harding’s marriage to an Englischer–and took away her untrustworthy husband. Now the young Amish widow has found contentment cooking up treats at the bakery, raising her little girl, and comforting her ailing mother. And when Andrew Wittmer asks her to marry him, Maryanne is over the moon with happiness that she and the kind furniture maker will put down roots in her hometown…

Until Andrew’s uncle becomes ill, and Andrew must permanently take over his store in a town hours away. Though she would go anywhere to be Andrew’s fraa, Maryanne can’t abandon her mother–or the family that depends on her so much. And when she discovers Andrew harbors secrets of his own, Maryanne’s hard-won trust is shaken. Now, can she risk difficult choices and take a leap of faith into the loving, joyful future she longs for most?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Molly Jebber is a best-selling & award-winning Amish Historical Romance author whose books have made the Publisher’s Weekly Best Ten List, media worldwide, and in USA Today. She’s a national speaker for Women’s Christian Connection, and keynote and guest lecturer for many groups on writing, publishing, & marketing. She loves God, family, friends she is grateful for her readers.

 

More from Molly

Hi Readers!

You are the reason I write. Your inspiration and encouragement on social media posts brighten my mood and on those hard days of writing, keeps me going. Thank you!

I’ve been fortunate to have a close family. I hear so often, you can choose your friends but not your family. Maryann in MARYANN’S HOPE loves her mother, but finds her a challenge with her unpredictable moods. When she meets Andrew, they both must make difficult decisions throughout their courtship relating to family and seeking God’s will for their lives. Maryann’s toddler, Betsy, will make you laugh, as well as other children of her friends in the story. The bakery desserts will make your mouth water, and you’ll imagine the aroma of cinnamon, sugar, and warm bread.

The Amish Charm Bakery is where friends come to enjoy a break, share secrets, solve problems, and laugh and cry.

On a personal note, this year has been an exciting one for our family in spite of COVID-19. My daughter, Misty, is getting married, and we love our future son-in-law, Kevin. They are having a small wedding due to the virus, but it hasn’t dampened any of our enthusiasm for this special day. God has blessed all of us with making all the plans go smoothly, and they’ve enjoyed their marriage counseling with Pastor Roger.

Pastor Roger asked them to put their first name in the verses in Corinthians Chapter 13 of the Bible, as an example of how they should feel about each other. Such as Misty is patient, and Misty is kind. I thought about that in my marriage to Ed. He is all those wonderful things to me. But I need to be more patient! So I’m learning along with Misty and Kevin! LOL

I pray that MARYANN’S HOPE will bring you a fun escape into the small Amish town of Charm, Ohio during the period of 1913-1914!

Blog Stops

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 28

The Avid Reader, January 28

Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen, January 28

Bigreadersite, January 29

lalkesidelivingsite, January 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 30

Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 30

Texas Book-aholic, January 31

EmpowerMoms, January 31

Lighthouse Academy, February 1 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Artistic Nobody, February 1 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Inklings and notions, February 2

Reviewingbooksplusmore, February 2

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 3

Sara Jane Jacobs, February 3

Older & Smarter?, February 4

For Him and My Family, February 4

deb’s Book Review, February 5

Britt Reads Fiction, February 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 6

Batya’s Bits, February 6

She Lives To Read, February 7

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 7

Ashley’s Bookshelf, February 7

Connie’s History Classroom, February 8

Simple Harvest Reads, February 8 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 9

Pause for Tales, February 9

Splashes of Joy, February 10

Vicky Sluiter, February 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Molly is giving away the grand prize package of a $75 Amazon gift card and an Amish doll!!

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/1068a/maryann-s-hope-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Lady in Residence by Allison Pittman

 An interesting story that at times confused me.  By the end if the story, it all comes together.  I like the premise of taking up residence in a hotel.  It made me think of the story of an elderly woman who lived on a cruise ship as it was less expensive than a senior living home.

The book is a combination of a paranormal mystery and romance.  Who wouldn't be shook up seeing and hearing a ghost at your door? Mrs. Hedda Krause was positive that is what she experienced.  She is staying at Menger Hotel in 1915 after her husband died and she has no other place to go. It becomes her home. Her refuge.  

In 2017, Dini Blackstone was a woman with many talents and interests.  She couldn't help but being intrigued by Hedda Krause's story. So with research and some detective work, Dini is on the path of discovery.

I enjoyed the story reading about Hedda and Dini.  Both women questioned their purpose and destiny.  Both experienced joy and disappointment.  

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