Painted Memories by A.M. Heath

 Quite a touching story of GOD'S love and that he is a waster of none.  Olivia and Grady had everything planned out.  But GOD had a different plan.  

I really liked Olivia and felt so terrible for her.  How do you let go of all the dreams you had?  How do you grieve?  No one can tell you how to do it.  Grieving is personal.  Olivia took tiny steps to healing.

Many lessons learned in reading this story.  I thought of thIs one while reading Painted Memories.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

I didn't expect the book to end like it did.  It was touching and brought a tear to my eye.  But it ended just like GOD intended it to be.  

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

About the Book

Book:  Painted Memories

Author: A.M. Heath

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: March 8, 2021

She moved on when the love of her life died in the war, but what will happen when she finds out he’s alive?

Olivia Jernigan never thought she’d get over Grady. But three years after his death, she’s on the verge of marrying Kenneth Wade when she receives a new painting by her deceased fiancé. Olivia flees home to learn what really happened to the man she thought died in the Korean War. The man she thought loved her enough to come home for her.

Grady Barnes woke up three years ago in a hospital room with no knowledge of his identity. The only memory to resurface is the image of a woman he can’t stop painting. When she suddenly shows up at his painting class, she may help him discover where he really belongs or she may disrupt the life he was building for himself.

Olivia and Grady have a history. But now, they wonder if they still have a future … or perhaps, their love is just a painted memory.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Besides being an Indie Author, I’m a wife, mother of four, children’s Sunday School teacher, sweet tea drinker, history fanatic, romantic, bubbly, lover of broccoli, and a retired cake decorator who has a soft spot for Christmas trees, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
What I’m not is a laundress (or at least not one who keeps up very well), a duster, tall, or patient in a doctor’s office.

 

More from A.M. Heath

The Blessing of Unexpected Research

 

With any novel, there’s always a measure of research involved. While historical novels are more in-depth, even contemporary novels need research when the characters are involved in a job or a setting the author isn’t familiar with. Research can feel so random at times. It’s almost comical the strange topics you end up spending an hour or longer digging into online.

 

As I sat down to write Painted Memories, I was already well into the first drafts of Dance With Me and Yesterday’s Christmas, so the 1950s setting wasn’t as foreign to me as it once had been. But there were newer aspects involved.

 

For example, I recently found myself researching long-distance calls during the 1950s. And I often look up commonly misspoken phrases/words.

 

One of the ways I love to research is to imagine myself in the character’s shoes. Sometimes I have opportunities to play pretend. Maybe a little red lipstick or a new hairstyle to help me get into character. Visiting a historical home to get a feel for the lifestyle from long ago. A walk in the rain might be an opportunity to imagine the weary march of a soldier. A bad case of strep was once inspiration for a character on their death bed.

 

But, by far, the most memorable research experience was given to me by surprise. It was one of those things that I didn’t ask for and I wasn’t thrilled with when it happened but, even at that moment, I couldn’t help noticing the timing of it all and the big way God would use it for good.

 

I forgot the PIN to my debit card.

 

We all forget things from time to time. But this was a PIN that I used multiple times a week for nearly twenty years.

 

YIKES!

 

I was standing at the register when “poof” the code disappeared from my brain. I remember standing there in panic because nothing came to mind. I punched in a couple of combinations but neither was correct.

 

I spent the next couple of weeks trying to remember it but I never did.

 

It was confusing and scary. I remember searching my brain but there was only empty darkness. Yet, I could feel it. I could practically sense it right on the edge of my mind, but I never could bring it any closer.

 

I was amazed at my sudden connection to Grady. When I wrote for him, I put myself in his shoes and imagined what it would feel like. But when a small piece of my memory suddenly disappeared, I had a new understanding. When I wrote his scenes where he talks about sensing a memory close by but never being able to bring it any closer, I wrote that from experience. That’s exactly how it felt for me.

 

I had started the first draft about 2 weeks before I forgot my PIN. So instead of being angry, I couldn’t help being grateful. I thanked God and put my experience to good use. It was all I could do.

 

Sometimes we’re not dealt with the easiest hand. But if we’re willing to let Him, God can still use it for our good and His glory. In the book, Grady and Olivia talk about how God redeemed the time they thought was lost. That time when they thought everything was ruined and nothing was going right, God was using in a subtle but remarkable way.

 

The Christian life is often like that. We tend to think that something has lost all purpose but God is redeeming it and making it into something beautiful.

 

I’d love to hear from you. Is there a moment in your life when it seemed that all was lost but looking back you can see how God was using it for good?

Blog Stops

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 9

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 10

Purposeful Learning, March 10

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 11

Texas Book-aholic, March 12

Blossoms and Blessings, March 12

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 13

Inklings and notions, March 14

Batya’s Bits, March 14

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 15

deb’s Book Review, March 16

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 16 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 17

For Him and My Family, March 18

Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 20

Mary Hake, March 20

Adventures Of A Travelers Wife, March 21

Connie’s History Classroom, March 22

Live. Love. Read. , March 22

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, A.M. is giving away the grand prize package of a Grace is Sufficient mug 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/108d6/painted-memories-celebration-tour-giveaway

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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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.

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.

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

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!

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.