The Dancing Master, Julie Klassen ~ A Review

I should post a photo of the book after I was done with it. I’d put it up there on the shelf with the ‘most tattered’ review books I have. It’s been through a lot the last couple of weeks.

I started with an electronic copy on my Kindle, but the download didn’t go well and Bethany sent me a physical book. I brought the book on our 11 day Surf Camp this month. With the difficulties on the Kindle, I confess I wasn’t too excited about the story at first. Starting over with the physical product changed my mind.

Set in 1816 in Devonshire, England, this historical mystery reads like a Jane Austin story. So much rich detail with the town and countryside. An abundant supply of rich characters keeps your mind full as you travel page to page. There are three main families, and you get to know their homes and family members well. You also get to know the folks in town that they interact with in detail. I really like that about a story. I don’t like the setting were it feels like the two main characters are the only people alive at that moment.

This is a Romantic Mystery – you can pretty much assume who will end up together from the start of the story – however, you have no idea how or why until the last page. Don’t make any assumptions about any of the characters until the last chapter.

I spent many nights with my flashlight flipping pages in my tent snuggled in my sleeping bag being transported to their world. Their struggle  of living in an area where much if not all of the income came directly from one family. What if your profession or values clashed with that one person? Would you stand for your passion no matter what adversary came your way? Would you cave to work in a manual labor job if that wasn’t your heart? Although it was the 1800’s, many of the cultural expectations cross over to every generation.

I also enjoyed the quotes at the beginning of each chapter from real sources. They would give you a teasing peek into the pages ahead. Which meant less midnight sleep for me.

There is a reader’s guide included as well. 

I am less inclined to read romantic fiction any more, it is not my first choice. I was worried that this book would be that alone. With the characters, town, history, profession, horses, families – the relationship between the two romantic characters took a back seat. For that, I was glad. You spend most of the book hoping that young Alec and his family get a fair shake, that the mystery be revealed, and that you’ll find out who is behind it, rather than spending all the pages wishing the two people will just realize they like each other and the book will end.

This was the perfect book to keep me entertained while on the Surf Camp!

 

About

Finding himself the man of the family, London dancing master Alec Valcourt moves his mother and sister to remote Devonshire, hoping to start over. But he is stunned to learn the village matriarch has prohibited all dancing, for reasons buried deep in her past.

Alec finds an unlikely ally in the matriarch's daughter. Though he's initially wary of Julia Midwinter's reckless flirtation, he comes to realize her bold exterior disguises a vulnerable soul--and hidden sorrows of her own.

Julia is quickly attracted to the handsome dancing master--a man her mother would never approve of--but she cannot imagine why Mr. Valcourt would leave London, or why he evades questions about his past. With Alec's help, can Julia uncover old secrets and restore life to her somber village...and to her mother's tattered heart?

Filled with mystery and romance, The Dancing Master brings to life the intriguing profession of those who taught essential social graces for ladies and gentlemen hoping to make a "good match" in Regency England.

The Dancing Master

I received a free physical copy of The Dancing Master in exchange for linking a review with Bethany House Publishers, A Division of Baker Publishing Group. All opinions are my own. About is given by the publisher.

Dandelions on the Wind, a Review

I enjoyed this historical fiction novel based in Saint Charles, Missouri.  Although this does have a “romantic” story line as the center, we also get to meet some wonderful characters in town and learn about what the women are doing in this time.  Many have come from the East Coast to build their lives in Missouri, and are now feeling the pull to join the trains of wagons headed further west.

The main character is deep and insightful. Loosing her eyesight is a secondary theme of the book. We get to hear about her close friends and the choices they have for pursuing their life passions.  This was a quick read for me. I usually dislike series style books as they just seem to drop the story on the last page. This one fills your heart with the time, the town, the characters – and gives a wonderful breaking point for the story. I long to read the second book, but the characters are safely tucked into a great stopping point in the story. I recommend this book for a great weekend read!

Maren Jensen, a rejected mail-order bride from Denmark, works as a domestic on Elsa Brantenberg's farm and helps care for Elsa's granddaughter. Maren's failing eyesight has made having a family of her own seem impossible. When Rutherford "Wooly" Wainwright returns to the farm, now a Civil War veteran, he discovers that Maren has become an important part of his mother-in-law's and daughter's lives. Maren soon realizes there isn't room for both she and Rutherford on the farm and takes a job at a store in town, making it possible for Rutherford to start fresh with his family, but her absence in the home affects them all. In the end, Maren realizes God has been lighting her path all along.
Story Locale: St. Charles, MO, 1866

"Like a warm breeze ripples across a lake, Dandelions in the Wind offers a gentle crossing in this first-in a-series novel. Mona Hodgson gives readers characters we care about, a bit of intrigue, love, and a satisfying ending that promises more in the second series book. Well done!"
-Jane Kirkpatrick, bestselling author of Where Lilacs Still Bloom.

"Dandelions on the Wind is a sweet tale about the merging of two hurting hearts. The characters drew me, and I can't wait to read more about their lives…and their love!"
-Tricia Goyer, best-selling author of 33 novels including The Memory Jar

I received this book on my Kindle for free in exchange for a review from Waterbrook Press.

Flowers for Fannie, a Review

I was contacted by the Director/Screenwriter Sharon Wilharm to review Flowers For Fannie.  I am always on the lookout for great Faith Based movies so I said yes!

However, when it came, the back of the DVD case was a grave and the front of the DVD case was the two characters above, but with a graveyard in the back instead of clouds. I really like the DVD case above a lot better. I held on the to movie for a couple of weeks until I had time to watch it by myself without the boys interrupting.

I must confess, I didn’t expect a lot out of the film. I was pleasantly surprised when, quite quickly, I was in love with Fannie and wanted a friend for her. The characters introduced as family, church members and people in town are all enchanting.

The settings are beautiful, an old time town with a square and old homes that are furnished beautifully. You really want to have an invite to Fannie’s house for lunch.

I was really pulled into this story. I laughed, and was choked up, and delighted. I worried for a too sad ending – and was again, delightfully surprised with how they topped it off.

Set to be in stores in October 2013, I recommend this movie as an excellent feel good family film, suitable for all ages.

Flowers for Fannie - Movie Website

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I received a free copy of the DVD from the Director in the hopes that I would review the movie after watching.

The Guardian, Beverly Lewis, A Review

The Guardian, Beverly Lewis

(A review of a free book from Bethany House.)

A wonderful book from Beverly Lewis, of course.  I like that the drama/intense moment was set in the first few pages of the book. We jump into each character quickly and fully. The story jumps from character to character until each are knitted into each other’s lives. I adore the little Sarah of the story, and her Angel as well. The use of the Englisher kept the ending a bit of a mystery.  We know that the two main Amish Characters will come together from the first page, but their journey through pain and healing and discovery is worth reading to find out. I enjoyed the “Wise Woman” and the use of family in this story to help their way. A simple weekend read, Beverly Lewis never disappoints. For those of my friends who tire of Amish Romance, the main focus of the book is between two amish characters for sure, but the other characters share center stage well.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of The Guardian from Bethany House in exchange for a review.

Home Run, Freedom is Possible–A Review and Giveaway

 

I quickly answered the request to review Home Run a novelization by Travis Thrasher based on the original movie. This movie follows after similar genres such as Fireproof and Courageous. As those movies were to Marriage and Fatherhood – Home Run is to Addictions and Celebrate Recovery. On the whole, the book is rather predictable, and knowing that “no one is beyond the healing of God” one is pretty sure that the main character Cory Brand will come to his senses.

As far as fiction books go – I really enjoyed this one. The story pulled me in quickly and it was a great weekend afternoon read. The story’s main  line runs through Cory Brand’s anger and recovery. At the beginning of each chapter you get a peek at his childhood and growing up years to see why he developed alcohol addictions and anger.

From a mom’s perspective – I’d question how much of this story would occur in the real world. Many women may read this book or watch the movie thinking it might be as powerful as the first two. However, I am not sure how much this over the top story will leave people identifying with the characters.

So I have to give it two opinions – One – As a Fictional Christian Based story-  it ROCKS. Second – Thinking this would really show me a lot about Celebrate Recovery and how people go through it – I’m not sure that this book will pull people in.

For a disclaimer – to the book and the movie – this guy’s life is really raw. Drinking. Girls. Stories of Incest and Rape. One nighters. Children who are physically and emotionally abused.  I can’t recommend this as a family film to watch with the 10 and under crowd.

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Author: Travis Thrasher
Book - Paperback Trade 
ISBN: 0781408385
ISBN-13: 9780781408387Item #: 125960

From the Publisher: Baseball star Cory Brand knows how to win. But off the field, he's spiraling out of control. Haunted by old wounds and regrets, his future seems as hopeless as his past.
Until one moment-one mistake-changes everything. To save his career, Cory must go back to the town where it all began. His plan is simple: coach the local baseball team, complete a recovery program, and get out as fast as possible. Instead, he runs headfirst into memories he can't escape ... and the love he left behind.
Faced with a second chance he never expected, Cory embarks on a journey of faith, transformation and redemption. And along the way, he discovers a powerful truth: no one is beyond the healing of God. A novel based on the major motion picture starring Vivica A. Fox and Scott Elrod, Home Run is an inspirational story of the hope and freedom God offers each of us.

About the Author

Travis Thrasher is the author of more than a dozen works of fiction, including The Solitary Tales series, Isolation, and Ghostwriter. His writing is known for its honesty, depth, and surprising twists. Thrasher lives with his wife and daughters in Chicago.

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

 

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Twice a Bride, Mona Hodgson

From the Publisher: Packed with heart and faith, Twice a Bride will thrill and inspire historical romance readers who love to lose themselves in the untamed beauty of nineteenth-century Colorado.Willow Peterson is at a crossroads. Standing alone over her father's fresh grave, she ponders the question she's seen etched on everyone else's face. Will this loss send her over the edge too, as her husband's death did? She has come back once from the devastating effects of loss, started fresh in Cripple Creek, Colorado, and might find her second chance at love working as a portrait artist for photographer Trenton Van Der Veer. With help of the spirited Sinclair Sisters, can Willow embrace God's plan to overcome her past and provide a home for her?
From Pebblekeeper: I’m not sure that my review is quite fair – taken from the fact that I jumped into Book 4 without reading 1-3. I didn’t see that fact when I choose it.  One of the selling points for the book is that this story can stand alone, but I am not sure I agree.
The first parts of the story feels like being invited to dinner with a friend.  You arrive at the diner thinking that you will be able to really have a cozy chat, but find out that they invited 15 family members and a few townspeople with them.  You get the feeling that the food is going to be amazing, and you will have a bit of time with your friend, but you have to spend a few minutes getting to know the history of each person at the very large table.
On the plus side, I feel like I learned enough that I’d like to go back and read books 1-3, but if this wasn’t a review book, I don’t think I would have read it straight through without starting with book one.
I did enjoy Willow’s journey. I have read a few books about the first women photographers, so this was an interesting take on a woman portrait painter. I would call this story a historical romance, but not necessarily a Historical Fiction.  I don’t quite believe that these characters would have existed in that time. I like the historical fiction that makes me feel as if I’m looking through a journal of a woman who wrote daily entries. Really seeing how her life played out, and how she lived day by day.  I am finding within my own reading preference, that I no longer enjoy books where the whole starting and ending points are in discovering a single man in town and then marrying him. Isn’t there romance and life and leisure and adventure outside of flirting?
So, like I said above, I thought I’d be walking along side this Female Portrait Painter, but her whole family showed up and mostly, we hug out at a soda fountain eating pecan fudge and flirting on dates. You pretty much know from the first chapter where it is going – but I DID enjoy the ride.

Publication History: Trade Paperback Original

• Twice a Bride (paper original): A Novel by Mona Hodgson
• On Sale Date: October 2, 2012
• 9780307730329, 0307730328
• $13.99/$16.99 Can.
• Paperback / softback / Trade paperback (US)
• Fiction / Romance
• Paperback Original

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 "I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."

Over the Edge, Mary Connealy

Over the Edge by Mary Connealy
The Kincaid Brides #3

From the Publisher: Seth Kincaid survived a fire in a cave, but he hasn't been the same since. Then he fought in the Civil War and returned to Colorado crazier than ever.
Somewhere along the line, it appears Seth got married. Oh, he has a lot of excuses, but his wife isn't too happy to find out Seth doesn't remember her. Seth is willing to make amends. Callie is more interested in shooting him. Can they rekindle their love before one of them goes over the edge?

 

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From Pebblekeeper:

Mystery, Adventure, Family, Villains, Diamonds, Caves – Oh ya – I really enjoyed this story!  I had no idea it was a Book 3 until the final page when I looked for more books available from the author. It definitely stands alone.  I liked the idea that the two involved in the romance part – were already married.  It is fun to walk with these two fireballs as they figure out why they got married in the first place.  I really like Callie – she has a wonderful combination of courage and strength, and yet, traveled from Texas to Colorado to be with her married family.  There is a story line through their discoveries of the caves that I found fascinating.  Mentions of the flood and the wonderment of how the animal fossils came to be lodged in this area of the Rockies. You will not be disappointed with this book – I recommend Over the Edge!

I received this book for free from Bethany House in exchange for reading it and sharing with you!

Brush of Angel’s Wings, Ruth Reid

Publisher’s Book Description

Rachel and Jordan's feelings for each other are hostile at first, but angelic intervention helps the two discover peace . . . and perhaps love.

The youngest and last unmarried of four sisters, Rachel Hartlzer spends most of her time helping with barn chores. Her role abruptly changes when her father hires Jordan Engles, the son he always wanted.

As Jordan takes on brotherly roles around the house, like escorting Rachel to the youth singing, the enmity between the two grows. Besides, Jordan has one foot in the Englisch world and is determined not to get involved with an Amish girl.

Neither realizes that God has sent an angel, Nathaniel, to help mend their hearts. The angel’s intervention helps them find peace and healing in accepting God's will for their lives.

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Pebblekeeper’s Review:

This one is a hard review to write – The story of Jordan and Rachel is a good one. Good enough, that I did enjoy reading to the end of the book – and did want to see how their story turned out.

However, there is a huge “Angel” theme throughout the book, which I should have known from the title, but didn’t realize how far it would go. There is an evil angel and a good angel. They have full conversations. The evil angel is intent on the two not getting together and on making sure they are all in sour moods. The good angel keeps thoughts in their heads, flips pages of the bible and is waiting on cue for the characters to call on God so he can directly intervene.

I flipped through many passages of the angel babble.

So – Story wise – it is a pretty great Saturday afternoon read.

Theology wise – it rubbed me the wrong way.  I do believe, because I’ve seen my 11 year old boy get out of scrapes that he should have never come out of alive as if an Angel were holding him up, that there are angels  - but I do not know their direct role in our lives.  I do believe, because the bible makes it clear, that there are evil angels – that we do not fight against flesh and blood but against the rulers of this dark age.

What tripped me up – was the absence of the Holy Spirit or Christ throughout the entire book.  Call on His Name – Jesus Christ.  These characters do not seem to have a personal belief in God or Christ Jesus. Just a head knowledge that one should read the bible, and one should call out to God when trouble comes. 

Many books come across this way – especially Amish – but this one – well, It was just weird having so much angel interaction without any cries to Christ or the Holy Spirit. Seemed a bit to mystical weirdo to me. Like that for a discription?  However, as I said before, it wasn’t enough to make me stop reading the book – which was good.

See how this is hard to explain?

I received this for free from BookSneeze as an eBook in exchange for reading it and sharing it with you. Many of my friends enjoy Angel’s and feel very connected to them. If this is you – you will adore this book!

The Deposit Slip, Todd M. Johnson

Wow! What a ride! 

It has been a long time since I’ve read a legal thriller.  Am I GLAD that I took a chance on this book!  The Deposit Slip starts quickly as Erin looks through her father’s safety deposit box and finds a Deposit Slip for over 10 million dollars.  A small town farmer – where would this have come from.  The bank is refusing to acknowledge the receipt, and the more that Erin looks into the matter, the more harm comes to her farm. People in town are not talking – and blame her for even wanting to pull 10 million dollars from the town bank.  I’ll save the story for you to read, each page builds on it’s characters, broadens the story, piece by piece – I LOVED it! 

Although there is a part in the beginning where you might think there is a cross with a romance fiction – that is not the case. You do get to hear what the attorney thinks of his client and legal assistant, but that is never the focus of the story – once you know how he feels, the story moves on. I really enjoyed that part – just enough for us to know about the characters, but this story is all about the case – and not about romance.

Very Well Written, I already have it loaned out to the next person to read it – and it will be my ‘must read’ recommendation for the rest of the summer!

 

I received a free copy of The Deposit Slip from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

The Deposit Slip by Todd M. Johnson
Erin Larson is running out of options. In the wake of her father’s death, she found a deposit slip for an unbelievable ten million dollars. But the bank claims it has no record of the deposit and stonewalls her attempts to find out more. Her lawsuit only leads to intimidation and threats.
Lawyer Jared Neaton is her last chance. But when digging deeper unleashes something far more dangerous than threats, they will both have to decide how far they are willing to go to discover the truth.

Covenant Child–Terri Blackstock, a Review

 

Amanda’s heart broke as she watched them drive her beloved twins away. She resolved to hope . . . and to fight for them to her last breath.

Kara and Lizzie are heiresses to one of the largest fortunes in the country. But when their father dies suddenly, the toddlers are ripped from the arms of Amanda, their loving stepmother, and given to their maternal grandparents, who only want the children’s fortune for themselves.

While even the stipend their guardians get for supporting them is squandered, the children are left to raise themselves. Kara and Lizzie grow up believing they are worthless . . . until the day when they learn the truth.

I really enjoyed this book – I was pulled in by the other reviews – and then hooked on the first page. It is one of those books that I read while stirring pasta, at red lights, and put off laundry to get through. A very quick one day read.  I loved hearing the story  of Amanda meeting the girl’s father. Of their sweet short lived childhood, and of their separation. After falling in love with the characters, it was painful to read of their growing up years. Seeing the choices the girls made, and what they went through – how they would choose harm instead of safety. But as this is a story about covenant, I can see their path in my life so many times, when I’ve chosen the easy, what seemed easy to me, instead of what I thought was hard, just to find out my own perception was wrong, This is an inspiring story to the last page. It is raw. These girls go down some dark paths on their way to redemption and trust and forgiveness. It would depend on the teen  - and their path – if I would recommend it to an older teen. I think it will tug at any heart who has spent their young twenties running from the Lord – or running from a loving family – It’s a great story – all the way around. Well Done Terri!

The Secret Path of Destiny, M.B. Tosi

The Secret Path of Destiny

By M.B. Tosi
Published by WestBow Press

In The Secret Path of Destiny, a young, disabled, German-American girl, named Isolde, and her destitute mother reach out for a lifeline being offered by a widower in the German town of Fredericksburg, Texas. The year is 1865, and the two travel from New York City through the aftermath of the Civil War. But another war is brewing, this time with Native Americans, and Isolde and her mother are heading right into the heart of Comancheria, the homeland of the Comanche. It is not the Comanche Isolde fears, but her mother’s new employer, who becomes her stepfather. Isolde realizes he is a cunning man who is not who he pretends to be. As the situation worsens, Isolde is forced to make a life-changing decision to escape; desperate, she seeks refuge with a Comanche Indian, who befriends her at first, but later joins a warring band of Comanche. Her malevolent stepfather pursues her across Texas, turning her life upside down. Eventually, Isolde accepts the difficult circumstances of her life and realizes that a person’s destiny is often hidden from view because the path is sometimes rocky.

“Just about anyone can write a book, but only a good writer can write a good book. M. B. Tosi is a very good writer, and her books are truly worth reading.” —Jim Langford, author of The Spirit of Notre Dame andQuotable Notre Dame

From Pebblekeeper:

I was interested in this book because of the Fredericksburg / German / Native references.  My husband’s family still resides in that area, and were German Immigrants.  My Mother in Law is a Native American that married a German. I was interested in learning the German/ Native combination. I was not disappointed! However, at times, I did feel like I was reading two books side by side. The Historical Fiction part of the book is some of the best I’ve ever read. Informative, accurate, detailed – and completely spell binding.   Then we would switch to the story based in the 1860’s-80’s, and I didn’t feel like the same connection to historical truth. The vocabulary, the way they spoke to each other, some of the reactions of this young 16 year old girl, the detachment of the mother, left me scratching my head.  However, that said, this was a book I just could not put down. I read it at stop lights, at the grocery store parking lot, at an event, and then all night long. It was a less than 24 hour read.  Even though it has a romantic interest, they come together very quickly in the book – and story never really lets you know what the ending point will be – where will these characters go? You get to really be involved with all of the characters, rooting for the villains and the heroes. I can’t wait to check out the first book in the series.  I really enjoyed, especially the later part of the book – where she intertwined her faith, in God and Jesus, with the Great Spirit, and her desire that all men know forgiveness, grace and healing – and above all the Son of God. Well Done.

I received this book for for free in exchange for my review from BookSneeze.

“Stand by Me”, Neta Jackson

 

Sometimes the person you most need is the one least like you.

Kathryn Davies is a bright young woman from a prominent Phoenix family. But after making a leap of faith at a Christian music fest, dropping out of med school, and moving to inner city Chicago, her family has all but disowned her. Kat’s enthusiasm for her newfound faith tempers the sting of their rejection.

When Kat discovers SouledOut Community Church, she longs to become a part of the multi-cultural church family. But her tendency to say whatever she’s thinking and her eccentric ways step on the toes of nearly everyone she meets—especially Avis Douglass, a woman she admires but who seems distant.

Avis is known for her mature faith and her reliance on listening to God more than people. Married to a kind and successful businessman, she is the principal of one of Chicago’s highest performing elementary schools, and a founding and active member of SouledOut. But the country’s economic downturn has thrown both her and her husband’s jobs in question. And Avis hasn’t heard from her youngest daughter in months—an estrangement that gnaws at her every day. Where is God in all this?

Kat’s flamboyant zeal for living a “radical” Christian life is a stark contrast to Avis’s quiet crisis of faith. But in God’s own mysterious ways, the two women discover they need each other in ways neither of them expected.

From Angie -

I enjoyed the idea and start of the book – but had a hard time digging into it. If you have been a past reader of the Yada Yada Prayer Group – then this will be right up your alley.  I have not read those books, and am unfamiliar with the characters.  I received this book for free in exchange for a review from Booksneeze.  I am going to keep this on tucked into my Kindle, and pull it out again this summer and see if my opinion changes.  It just hasn’t hit a chord with me this winter.

The Scent of Cherry Blossoms, Book Review

From the Publisher: Annie Martin loves the Plain ways of her Old Order Mennonite people, like those revered by her beloved grandfather. Retreating from a contentious relationship with her mother, Annie goes to live with her Daadi Moses in Apple Ridge.

But as spring moves into Pennsylvania and Annie spends time amongst the cherry trees with the handsome Aden Zook, she wishes she could forget how deeply the lines between the Old Order Amish and Old Order Mennonite are drawn.

Can Annie and Aden find a place for their love to bloom in the midst of the brewing storm? To Read More Go Here>>

From Pebblekeeper:  This was a pretty quick read for me.  The book, a hard cover with a beautiful jacket came from Blogging for Books for free for my review. My first impression was how beautiful it was and how good it felt in the hand. This would make a beautiful gift this spring for Easter, Mother’s Day or a Summer Birthday for a friend. It is a quick Novella – one quickly meets the characters – and can jump into their lives. For me personally, I am a bit tired of the “forbidden” love stories, where one member has to turn on everything they’ve ever known, be separated from blood family – just to pursue a ‘true love’. I would pray that my boys will never have to choose between our family and a girl. I enjoy Cindy Woodsmall as a writer and encourager and do enjoy her stories. I look forward to the next one too!

Beauty for Ashes, Dorothy Love

Book Description

She’s a beautiful young widow. He’s a Southern gentleman with a thirst for adventure. Both need a place to call home.

After losing her husband in the Civil War, Carrie Daly is scared she will never have the family she longs for. Eligible bachelors are scarce in Hickory Ridge, Tennessee, but Carrie Daly has found love. Not the weak-in-the-knees kind, but something practical. Still, she isn't quite ready to set a wedding date with Nate Chastain.

Griff Rutledge is a former member of Charleston society, but has been estranged from his family for years. He’s determined to remain unattached, never settling in one place for too long. But when asked to train a Thoroughbred for an upcoming race in Hickory Ridge, he decides to stay awhile.

Despite objections from the townsfolk, and her fear that true happiness has eluded her, Carrie is drawn to Griff's kindness and charm. It will take a leap of faith for them to open their hearts and claim God's promise to trade beauty for ashes.

From Angie – I really enjoyed this book!  I read it on the iPod in 2 days, finding time between home duties. The book is so rich in characters. I felt that I met the whole entire town!  I understand that this is a Book 2 of her Ridge series, but I had not read the first one, and I had no idea until the end that this was a book 2.  I am at the edge of my seat to see what happens in Book 3. I enjoyed the weave of horses, farming, town life, the late 1800’s setting, without it being “Amish” or about religion. She does have her grandmothers quotes readily in her mind to urge her back to the Lord, it was a balanced mixture of family, friendships, hardships, and love.  I recommend this book.

I received this book for free from BookSneeze in exchange for reading it and sharing it with you!

Shadow in Serenity, Teri Blackstock

Summary:
At the age of 17, Carny Sullivan broke free from the traveling carnival and scamming visitors with her dad, and moved to the safe town of Serenity, Texas. Now with a house of her own, a young son and a new life with people who love her, Carny is very protective of her new hometown. But Carny still knows a con artist when she sees one, and when charming, slick Logan Brisco arrives to dupe her town, she is determined to reveal his greedy intentions to all. Carny may be Brisco's biggest match.

Never having had a real family, Brisco becomes comfortable in the quaint, welcoming town, and the lure of the townspeople love may be just what he needs to change his criminal ways. Despite Carny's anger towards Brisco and her attempts to expose his scam to the townspeople, Carny learns the truth about the man behind that suave smile. It would take a miracle to change him, but she's seen that kind of redemption firsthand.

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From Angie:

I have enjoyed Terri Blackstocks’s writing for many years.  What I didn’t know, is that she wrote under a different name before she came to be a follower of Christ. She shares that this is a re-write of one of her previous books, not set with redemption, and cleaned up for Christian Fiction readers.  I liked the book in the fact that it was a very different story line, the characters had a very unique set of circumstances, and even though I had a hard time relating to the characters or identifying with them, I still read the book to the last page to see what Logan Brisco was going to end up doing. I really wasn’t sure throughout the whole book which way it was going to go. Which, to me, is a good read. Because the story line did not hook my enjoyment, I would have a hard time highly recommending this to my Historical Fiction loving friends, but if you are looking for different – this is a good one. I highly recommend looking into Terri Blackstocks’s other books if you have not read her work before.

Vitals:
Publisher: Zondervan
ISBN-13: 9780310332312
Page count: 352 Pages
USD: $14.99
On Sale Date: September 27, 2011
Genre: FICTION/Christian/Suspense

 

About the author:
Terri Blackstock has sold six million books worldwide and is a ”New York Times” bestselling author. With over 25 years of success as a novelist, Blackstock's most recent novel, “Vicious Cycle,” debuted on the ”New York Times” bestseller list. The first book in the Intervention Series, “Intervention” is a “New York Times” bestseller and a 2010 Carol Award Winner. Other Blackstock favorites include ”Predator” and “Double Minds,” as well as the Restoration Series, the Newpointe 911 Series, the Cape Refuge Series and the SunCoast Chronicles series. For more information, please visitwww.terriblackstock.com.

I received this book for free through Zondervan and NetGalley in exchange for mentioning it on my blog.

Wrapped in Rain, Charles Martin, Book Review

"Life is a battle, but you can't fight it with your fists. You got to fight it with your heart."

An internationally famous photographer, Tucker has traveled the world and seen both the serious and the strange. But when his brother escapes from a mental hospital and an old girlfriend appears with her son and a black eye, he is forced to return home and face the agony of his own tragic past. Back in rural Alabama, Tucker comes to terms with the ghosts he left behind. Miss Ella Rain once loved Tuck and his brother like they were her very own. Hiring her to take care of Waverly Hall and to keep them out of sight was the only good thing their father ever did. And though Miss Ella has been gone for many years, Tuck can still hear her voice. And she keeps telling him, encouraging him, that by reaching out to this young boy he can redeem his father's tarnished legacy and pass on the good she brought into his life.

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A very different writing style. Gripping. Descriptive. Starts at a run right in the middle. So much so – that I couldn’t keep up. We’d be neck deep in a place, a person,  - and then flip. Even in the diving in of a beginning – he was slow to pull out the full story. I was intrigued but almost put the book down. He made me want to know. I wanted to meet Miss Ella Rain. I wanted to protect Mutt and Tuck. I wanted to swoop up the little girl and dress her in wings. He captured my heart with this one. With a husband that suffered child abuse – without reason – I was drawn in. Oh if everyone had a Miss Ella.  My hubby did. He had a Mimi.  If you need a book that will capture your attention, and demand to be read- one that you are a passenger – without knowing where it will go – you won’t know or see any romantic theme – you won’t know what Mutt will do – you won’t know where Tuck’s heart will go – you’ll just ride. I definitely want to check out the other titles by Charles Martin – I am grateful to his amazingly clear writing voice!

I received an free download to my iPod to read in exchange for mentioning the book on my blog and writing a review on a book publisher site. I am allowed to give my free truthful opinion.

The Harvest of Grace–Cindy Woodsmall

I love Cindy Woodsmall's family gathering at Ada's House. The Harvest of Grace intertwines so many of her characters - if she would have added some holiday themes or a wedding, it would have felt like a family gathering! I read the book in a day - enjoying catching up with everyone and meeting a few new folks. It makes a great stand alone novel - but you'll get so much more out of it if you have read her other books!
Here is a chance to win a copy of the book!

Sweet Sanctuary–Book Review

"Without the storm, how would we know the sweetness of shelter?" -Ruth

Out of the clear blue, Wren’s Grandma Ruth arrives on her doorstep, dreaming of a grand party to celebrate her 95th birthday. Wren and her young son Charlie love the idea, but it quickly gets complicated: Ruth wants Wren’s estranged siblings to attend and she wants Wren to sing her all-time favorite song: “His Eye Is On The Sparrow.” It’s the very song Wren sang one fateful day during her childhood . . . and Wren hasn’t sung a note since.

Though she’s glad to have Grandma back in her life, Wren’s sleeping on the couch in her own house now . . . and worried about the expenses piling up. After all, her job at the community library is in jeopardy after budget cuts, and the fancy music program she wants for her son is getting farther and farther out of reach. What’s more, Paul—the guy she's drawn to yet avoids—ends up being a major part of an important library project.

With family arriving and old wounds resurfacing, Wren’s about to fly when she discovers something special—a gift of grace beyond her wildest dreams.

I enjoyed this book!  After downloading it to my iPod and starting my iBooks App – I found that I was drawn to the story.  I did tire of the characters constantly “thinking” about all that has gone on and what will happen – for Wren – in the end – it really was the point of the book.  Grace – Peace – Trust.  I really enjoyed the way the story turned out – Sheila Walsh leaves a great big twist – to pull it all together – that you will not be expecting. Well. Ya will now – but I’m not going to tell what the twist is!  A perfect rainy day, rest day, read.

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” BookSneeze.com gave me an ebook Reviewer Copy for the purpose of this review.

A Vision of Lucy

 

As a female photographer, I really enjoyed reading this tale of a young female working to get her photographs in print, working as a professional taking the photographs of the local townsmen. Sprinkled throughout the book are quotes of Miss Gertrude Hasslebrink, 1878 from The Trials and Travails of a Woman Photographer. These captivating quotes led the storyline for each chapter set in 1882 in Rocky Creek, Texas.  Her opening scene captures ones attention as she dangles from a tree to capture the perfect shot – which launches the storyline that will capture your interest until the last page.  I loved the newspaper’s defense – Pictures are not for newspapers, they are a lazy mans way of reading.  If you are passionate about photography, in need of a cozy afternoon’s read, this book should make you happy in deed!

From the Publisher -

Book Description

Trouble may follow Lucy wherever she goes, but with the help of God and the rugged, reclusive David Wolf, she'll never face adversity alone.

Lucy Fairbanks dreams of working as a photographer at the Rocky Creek newspaper. If she can earn money making photographs, then maybe her father will see that what she does is worthy, more than just a distraction. And her deepest hope is that he’ll see her as an artist, the way he thought of her deceased mother, a painter. But trouble follows Lucy on every photo shoot: a mess of petticoats and ribbons, an accidental shooting, even a fire.

When Lucy meets David Wolf, a quiet, rustic man who lives on the outskirts of town, she thinks she can catch the attention of the town with his photograph. She doesn't count on her feelings stirring whenever she's near him.

Two things happen next that forever change the course of her life: Lucy meets someone who sees her as no one else has—as the compassionate, creative young woman that God made in His image. And Lucy helps David uncover a secret that forces him to change his perspective on an event that left him deeply-scarred.

God’s arms are around this unlikely couple as they discover the truth about long-held assumptions and the importance of forgiveness.

 

I was given, for free,  A Vision of Lucy, a Rocky Creek Romance by Margaret Brownley in the expectation that I write a review on my blog and an internet site like Amazon.com.  I will always give my honest opinion of the book and only submit /request books that I think my readers will enjoy.

An Unlikely Suitor, Nancy Moser

This book will draw you in, and hold your interest, until the last page. A historical fiction – with a bit of romance towards the end of the book – but unlike most Historical Fiction writers, Nancy made sure that you would feel like you were walking the streets – going to work with our characters, walking around their small apartment. She made sure you would want to protect the characters from the villains and heave a heavy sigh when rescues came. She gave the heroines wisdom, intelligence and a voice. The shy shamed heroin that has no idea what to do with her life until the gentleman shows up and rescues here will not be found in these pages. There is mystery – love – and detailed accounts of being in a dress shop in the gilded age.  A wonderful read for sure!

From the Publisher – Bethany House -

Spend a season in glamorous 1895 Newport in this compelling tale of friendship, devotion, and sacrificial love.

New York dressmaker Lucy Scarpelli befriends socialite Rowena Langdon as she's designing her 1895 summer wardrobe. Grateful for Lucy's skill in creating fashions that hide her physical injury, Rowena invites Lucy to the family mansion in Newport, Rhode Island, encouraging the unusual friendship.

One day Lucy encounters an intriguing man on the Cliff Walk, and love begins to blossom. Yet Lucy resists, for what Newport man would want to marry an Italian dressmaker working to support her family?

Rowena faces an arranged marriage to a wealthy heir she doesn't love, but dare a crippled girl hope for anything better?

And Lucy's teenage sister, Sofia, falls for a man well above her social class--but is he willing to give up everything to marry a woman below his station?

As the lives of three young woman--and their unlikely suitors--become entangled in a web of secrets and sacrifice, will the season end with any of them finding true happiness?

I received An Unlikely Suitor by Nancy Moser from the Bethany House for free in exchange for writing an honest review upon completion of reading the book.