The House on Foster Hill

Kaine Prescott is no stranger to death. When her husband died two years ago, her pleas for further investigation into his suspicious death fell on deaf ears. In desperate need of a fresh start, Kaine purchases an old house sight unseen in her grandfather's Wisconsin hometown. But one look at the eerie, abandoned house immediately leaves her questioning her rash decision. And when the house's dark history comes back with a vengeance, Kaine is forced to face the terrifying realization she has nowhere left to hide.
A century earlier, the house on Foster Hill holds nothing but painful memories for Ivy Thorpe. When an unidentified woman is found dead on the property, Ivy is compelled to discover her identity. Ivy's search leads her into dangerous waters and, even as she works together with a man from her past, can she unravel the mystery before any other lives--
including her own--are lost?

My thoughts: I picked this book up on a whim, and was sucked into the story immediately! It was so hard to put down, since it was the perfect blend of suspense and mystery, with an interesting combination of past and present. While parts of it are creepy, since neither Ivy or Kaine know what they are up against at Foster Hill House.
This book has some great quotes, and I especially appreciated the thought provoking dialogs on where we put our hope and where it should be. I highly recommend this one!
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

An Inconvenient Beauty

The Duke of Riverton has chosen his future wife with the same logic he uses to make every decision. However, his perfect bride eludes his suit, while the beautiful Isabella Breckenridge seems to be everywhere. When the time comes, will Griffith and Isabella be able to set aside their pride and initial notions to embrace their very own happily-ever-after?

My thoughts: I didn't want to like this book, after I started it, since I found Isabella to be too perfect of a heroine. But, then I realized that I was a bit like the Duke of Riverton with being a bit prejudice against a "Diamond" of the season. This wound up being the perfect conclusion to one of my favorite series! This series has had a lot of depth to the characters and managed to be outside the box when it comes to regency fiction. I highly recommend this book and the whole series!
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Deadly Proof

Riveting New Series Offers Legal Suspense with a Romantic Twist

In the biggest case of her career, attorney Kate Sullivan is tapped as lead counsel to take on Mason Pharmaceutical because of a corporate cover-up related to its newest drug. After a whistleblower dies, Kate knows the stakes are much higher than her other lawsuits.

Former Army Ranger turned private investigator Landon James is still haunted by mistakes made while serving overseas. Trying to forget the past, he is hired by Kate to look into the whistleblower's allegation and soon suspects that the company may be engaging in a dangerous game for profit. He also soon finds himself falling for this passionate and earnest young lawyer.

Determined not to make the same mistakes, he's intent on keeping Kate safe, but as the case deepens, it appears someone is willing to risk everything--even murder--to keep the case from going to trial.

My thoughts: This is the first of Rachel's books I have read, though I have eyed some of her previous series! This one lost me a bit at times, with all the legalities of the story, though she does a good job of not letting the story get too carried away with details. It is an interesting mystery that involves big pharma and several different view points. I love that the reader gets to see both legal sides of the case! I look forward to reading more by this talented author!
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Egyp'ts Sister

Five decades before the birth of Christ, Chava, daughter of the royal tutor, grows up with Urbi, a princess in Alexandria's royal palace. When Urbi becomes Queen Cleopatra, Chava vows to be a faithful friend no matter what--but after she and Cleopatra have an argument, she finds herself imprisoned and sold into slavery.

Torn from her family, her community, and her elevated place in Alexandrian society, Chava finds herself cast off and alone in Rome. Forced to learn difficult lessons, she struggles to trust a promise HaShem has given her. After experiencing the best and worst of Roman society, Chava must choose between love and honor, between her own desires and God's will for her life.

My thoughts: While I have enjoyed a wide variety of Angela's novels, I have to say that her historical fiction is where her talent as an author shines. I'm not sure why I even picked up this book, since Cleopatra is one of my least favorite women in history. I'm so glad that I decided to read this story regardless though! It was a wonderful blend of history and fiction. I enjoyed getting to know the main character and liked that there was so much to her story. I highly recommend this one and look forward to reading the other books in the series, as it gives a unique look into what was going on in the world before the birth of Jesus Christ.
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

The Essential Guide to Prayer

Life-Changing Teaching on Prayer from One of the Topic's Leading Authors

Based on years of ministry and experience, international prayer leader and bestselling author Dutch Sheets presents a real-world, hands-on foundation for prayer. With wisdom and practical insight, he helps you develop the core of an effective prayer life: a stronger, lasting relationship with God as Father and friend. He also shows you how to:
· make prayer a vital part of your life
· pray alone and in groups
· persist in prayer until you see God's answers
· become a powerful intercessor for those you love
· and more!

He even includes questions at the end of each chapter to help you immediately implement what you're learning.

"This book is really for all prayer warriors, whether just beginning or advanced."--Cindy Jacobs

My thoughts: I feel like the first title for this book, The Beginner's Guide to Prayer was probably a bit more fitting, since the book goes over prayer by intercession, how to pray for others or for others to pray for you. The stories from his personal ministry and life were interesting, though some of them felt a bit like rabbit trails. Over all, it was an easy read and had some interesting points, but I wouldn't agree that it is the essential guide to prayer.
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Women Who Move Mountains

Infuse Your World--and Your Heart--with God's Life-Giving Power

Amid our packed schedules and life's curveballs, our hearts long for more. We want to live and love well; we want to be a source of joy and life. The good news is that you can--and the secret is found in the simple act of prayer.

Prayer was never meant to be a recitation of requests, but rather a drawing close to the heart of God. When you learn to exchange the obstacles of life for the promises of God, you will pray with passion and confidence rather than fear or insecurity. From this place of surrender and intimacy, you will discover what it means to become a powerful, effective woman of prayer--a woman whose life overflows with springs of living water that transform not only her own life, but the world around her.

With study questions and journaling exercises included, this is the perfect book to go deeper either on your own or with a group.

My thoughts: This was an excellent book for me to read on my own, but I can see it making an exceptional study group book! I enjoyed the depth that I found. I enjoyed how Sue talks about the different prayers and goes deeper into the differences. This is an excellent book to read on your own or with a group!
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

A Love So True

Jagears Delivers a Wonderfully Romantic Read with a Hero and Heroine to Cheer For

Evelyn Wisely has a heart for the orphans of Teaville and works at a local mansion that rescues children out of the town's red-light district and gives them a place to live. But her desire to help isn't limited to orphans. The owner of the mansion, Nicholas Lowe, is willing to help her try to get the women working in prostitution out of the district as well--if she can gain the cooperation and support of local businessmen to go against the rest of the community.
David Kingsman has recently arrived in Teaville from Kansas City to help with one of his father's companies in town. While he plans on staying only long enough to prove his business merit to his father, he's shown interest in Evelyn's work and is intrigued enough by her to lend his support to her cause.
They begin with the best of intentions, but soon the complications pile up and Evelyn and David's dreams look more unattainable every day. When the revelation of a long-held secret creates a seemingly insurmountable rift between them, can they trust God still has a good plan for them despite all that is stacked against them?

My thoughts: I have loved both books in this series! Both have done a marvelous job of bringing the time period to life, not to mention addressing social issues of the early 1900's. I loved getting to know Evelyn as she fought for to help others find a better life outside of the red light district of Teaville. At first, I wasn't so sure about her and her reaction to David, but things made sense as I read on and discovered more of her story.
This is a wonderful book that can be read as part of the series or as a stand along story. I highly recommend it!
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

King's Blood

Jill Williamson's Fantasy Saga Continues!
In the second volume of Jill Williamson's Kinsman Chronicles, a remnant has escaped the destruction of the Five Realms and now lives on several hundred ships adrift at sea. As a flock, they sail north into the unknown in hopes of finding land that might become their new home.
As the king's illness worsens, SAr Wilek takes authority over the expedition and struggles to rule the disjointed people, while assassination attempts, vicious serpents, and dark magic endanger his life.
One prophecy has come to pass, but another looms dauntingly in the future. Who is this Deliverer? And if the Magonians have him, what might that mean for the realm of Armania?

My thoughts: Be prepared to not get much accomplished once you start this book! Jill has a way of writing totally engrossing stories. I'm enjoying this series, since it is fast pace and is told from multiple characters viewpoints. While a little dark for young readers, I would highly recommend this series to high schoolers on up.
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

The Most Misused Stories in the Bible

Are You Sure You Know What Your Favorite Bible Stories Mean?

A surprising number of popular Bible stories are commonly misused or misunderstood, even by well-intentioned Christians. In this concise yet thorough book, Eric J. Bargerhuff helps you fully understand the meaning of David and Goliath, Jonah and the Big Fish, the Woman Caught in Adultery, and other well-known Bible stories.

Providing fascinating historical and scriptural insights, Bargerhuff helps you sort through modern-day distortions of fourteen well-known Bible stories and grasp their original meaning and purpose for us today.

My thoughts: This book was an interesting read. I like how Eric takes some of the most common stories of the Bible and shows how they have been translated wrong in our day and age, and how their correct reading is more applicable to us today. I found the book insightful as it pointed out why we shouldn't have a lack of faith like Gideon with putting out the fleece or the warning to check where our heart is, as Cain should of done. This book is a thought provoking one.
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Hope for the Same-Sex Attracted

Helping the Same-Sex Attracted Faithfully Follow Jesus

As Christians seek to be biblically faithful on the issue of homosexuality, two fundamental questions come to mind: How can a person with same-sex attraction faithfully follow Jesus in his or her sexuality? And how can we support and encourage them in this?

With compassion and wisdom--on a topic rife with misunderstanding and hurt--author and pastor Ron Citlau will help you think deeply and clearly about every option the Bible offers, and what it clearly does not. Having personally dealt with same-sex attraction, walked with others still struggling, and pastored those with gay loved ones, he thoroughly examines all of the available options--heterosexual marriage, singleness, celibacy, and more--and considers them in light of the Scriptures.
With clarity and grace, he helps you discover the remarkable gifts God provides to the Christian who struggles with same-sex attraction and desires to faithfully follow Jesus. Here is a message of hope and practical, loving guidance for those who are same-sex attracted--and those who love them.

My thoughts: This is a great book for those in ministry or those who struggle with same-sex attraction. Ron shares his struggles with same-sex attraction and how he changed after becoming a christian. I thought that he did a wonderful job of offering hope for those who struggle or those who have a loved one who is struggling. I appreciate Ron's honesty.
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

An Uncommon Courtship

When her mother's ill-conceived marriage trap goes awry, Lady Adelaide Bell unwittingly finds herself bound to a stranger who ignores her. Lord Trent Hawthorne, who had grand plans to marry for love, is even less pleased with the match. Can they set aside their first impressions before any chance of love is lost?

My thoughts: While I enjoyed the previous two books in this series, I had a harder time getting into this story, since it was just so vague at the beginning. And, it felt like there wasn't much to the heroine. But, then more of the story came out and the reader starts to get why Lady Adelaide is the way that she is. I love that this story wound up being a different spin on the tale of a marriage of convenience. I also love that Kristi has captured the Regency way of verbal sparing, how to polietly get your point across, something I love about Jane Austen's stories.
If you enjoy Regency stories, I highly recommend this one! I would caution that it is for a little older audience. I was quite an advanced reader at a young age, and would not of wanted to pick this one up until at last high school.;) (though, things are handled with tact)
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

The Innkeeperof Ivy Hill

The lifeblood of the Wiltshire village of Ivy Hill is its coaching inn, The Bell. But when the innkeeper dies suddenly, his genteel wife, Jane Bell, becomes the reluctant owner. Jane has no notion of how to run a business. However, with the town's livelihood at stake and a large loan due, she must find a way to bring new life to the inn.

Despite their strained relationship, Jane turns to her resentful mother-in-law, Thora, for help. Formerly mistress of The Bell, Thora is struggling to find her place in the world. As she and Jane work together, they form a measure of trust, and Thora's wounded heart begins to heal. When she encounters two men from her past, she sees them--and her future--in a different light.

With pressure mounting from the bank, Jane employs innovative methods to turn the inn around, and puzzles over the intentions of several men who seem to have a vested interest in the place. Will her efforts be enough to save The Bell? And will Thora embrace the possibility of a second chance at love?

My thoughts: I have enjoyed many of Julie's books in the past, but all of her other books have been stand alone titles. With this book, she is taking on writing a series. I love how this book is set in a small town and tells the story of several different women, two widows and two single ladies, along with bringing out the stories of several of the secondary characters. I love how quaint this series is, and I mean that in the best way possible! You feel like you have been invited to stay at a lovely small town in Regency England and allowed the chance to get to know a vast array of characters. Since it is a series, there were a few things resolved at the end of the story, but a lot left hanging, so I am eagerly awaiting the next book! The bad news? It doesn't come out until the end of the year...:)
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

The Shattered Vigil

Victory over the dark forces during the feast of Bas-solas should have guaranteed safety for the continent. Instead, Willet and the rest of the Vigil discover they've been outsmarted by those seeking to unleash the evil that inhabits the Darkwater. Jorgen, the member of the Vigil assigned to Frayel, has gone missing, and new attacks have struck at the six kingdoms' ability to defend themselves.

Just when the Vigil thought they had quenched the menace from their enemy in Collum, a new threat emerges: assassins hunting the Vigil, men and women who cannot be seen until it's too late. The orders of the church and the rulers of the kingdoms, fearing the loss of the Vigil's members altogether, have decided to take them into protective custody to safeguard their gift. On Pellin's orders, the Vigil scatters, leaving Willet to be taken prisoner by the church in Bunard.
In the midst of this, Willet learns of the murder of an obscure nobleman's daughter by one of the unseen assassins. Now he must escape his imprisonment and brave the wrath of the church to find the killer in order to turn back this latest threat to the northern continent.

My thoughts: It took me a bit to get around to this one, since it's quite a thick book and I knew I would want to just sit and read it.;) It's a shame that I need to sleep at night. lol.
While this book was wonderful and an interesting continuation to the Darkwater Saga, I was a bit disappointed with some of the adult themes in the book. It would make me hesitant to give the book to younger readers, even though it wasn't explicit.
Overall though, the book is interesting and I enjoyed the pace of the story. I look forward to seeing where the next book takes the Vigil!
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Answering the Toughest Questions about God and the Bible

Bestselling Authors Tackle Difficult Issues for Believers and Doubters
When it comes to the big questions about God--Is he real? Why are Christians so unlike Jesus? Does he really care about me?--Bruce Bickel and Stan Jantz don't pretend to have all the answers. But they do know how to wrestle with doubt. They welcome questions, and in these pages they ask some of the most important ones you have about God and the Bible. With candor, insight, and a disarming touch of humor, they provide some answers to these critical questions, yet they leave enough space--and grace--for you to keep wrestling, asking, and seeking Truth.
There is no shame in asking--after all, even some of the greatest men and women in the Bible had doubts. Don't let your questions go unanswered. What you find might just change your life.

My thoughts: This book is wonderful! It tackles some of the hard questions that we have about God and the Bible, giving sound, scriptural information to help answer the questions presented. I like the format that the book is set up in and that there are questions set up for reflection and discussion to help the reader dive deeper into the questions then a book can provide. I appreciate how this book leans heavily on scripture to answer questions about God. It makes it a great book for all ages! I think it would be an excellent gift for a high school or college student.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Waves of Mercy

Austin Returns with a Multi-Generational Historical Novel

Geesje de Jonge crossed the ocean at age seventeen with her parents and a small group of immigrants from the Netherlands to settle in the Michigan wilderness. Fifty years later, in 1897, she's asked to write a memoir of her early experiences as the town celebrates its anniversary. Reluctant at first, she soon uncovers memories and emotions hidden all these years, including the story of her one true love.

At the nearby Hotel Ottawa Resort on the shore of Lake Michigan, twenty-three-year-old Anna Nicholson is trying to ease the pain of a broken engagement to a wealthy Chicago banker. But her time of introspection is disturbed after a violent storm aboard a steamship stirs up memories of a childhood nightmare. As more memories and dreams surface, Anna begins to question who she is and whether she wants to return to her wealthy life in Chicago. When she befriends a young seminary student who is working at the hotel for the summer, she finds herself asking him all the questions that have been troubling her.

Neither Geesje nor Anna, who are different in every possible way, can foresee the life-altering surprises awaiting them before the summer ends.

My thoughts: I love the way that these two heroines and their stories were woven together in this novel! Austen does a fantastic job of drawing the reader in when we meet Geesje and Anna. I love how Geesje is writing her story as one looking back, while Anna has come to a cross road in her life where she can discover who she is and what she wants to pursue. I feel like the end of the story was really the beginning of a new one for the characters and hope that there will be more to their story! The characters are enjoyable and I like stories like this one where there is a past and present story going on.
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Discipline that connects with your child's heart

A Powerful Approach to Bringing God's Grace to Kids
Did you know that the way we deal (or don't deal) with our kids' misbehavior shapes their beliefs about themselves, the world, and God? Therefore it's vital to connect with their hearts--not just their minds--amid the daily behavior battles.
With warmth and grace, Jim and Lynne Jackson, founders of Connected Families, offer four tried-and-true keys to handling any behavioral issues with love, truth, and authority. You will learn practical ways to communicate messages of grace and truth, how to discipline in a way that motivates your child, and how to keep your relationship strong, not antagonistic. Discipline is more than just a short-term attempt to modify your child's actions--it's a long-term investment to help them build faith, wisdom, and character for life. When you discover a better path to discipline, you'll find a more well-behaved--and well-believed--kid

My thoughts: This book is an excellent one for busy parents to pick up, since it is chocked full of wonderful advise paired with real life stories to show how the advise is applicable. The four main principles of the book are to give your children a foundation that says they are safe with you, connect so they know they are loved no matter what, coach because they are called and capable, and correct by showing them they are responsible for their actions. While this book doesn't have all the answers, I learned a lot from it. I especially appreciated the chapters that dealt with showing your child unconditional love and understanding why a child misbehaves. This is an excellent book for parents of children from birth on up!
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Jesus Talked to Me Today

A Heartwarming Story Collection of Children's Encounters with God, Angels, and Miracles

Children have a special place in Jesus' heart. He said they are the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, and their angels continually see the face of God. Perhaps that's why children seem to be more receptive to supernatural experiences than adults.
This new collection reveals how God works in the lives of these precious little ones. It contains the touching true stories of children who have heard Jesus speak, encountered angels, and experienced miracles. We could all use more childlike faith, and these stories "from the mouths of babes" will encourage readers to be open to hear from the Lord in a fresh, sweet, and pure way.

My thoughts: This book is heartwarming, just like the synopsis says!:) I enjoyed reading the variety of miracles having to do with children, as well as the variety of encounters they have had with angels. Some of them are a wee bit heartbreaking, but it is amazing to read what God does with the faith of a little child.
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

A Heart Most Certain

A Fresh Voice in Historical Romance!
Lydia King knows what it's like to be in need, so when she joins the Teaville Moral Society, she genuinely hopes to help the town's poor. But with her father's debts increasing by the day and her mother growing sicker by the week, she wonders how long it will be until she ends up in the poor house herself. Her best chance at a financially secure future is to impress the politician courting her, and it certainly doesn't hurt that the moral society's president is her suitor's mother. Her first task as a moral society member—to obtain a donation from Nicholas Lowe, the wealthiest man in town—should be easy . . . except he flat-out refuses.
Despite appearances, Nicholas wants to help others but prefers to do it his own way, keeping his charity private. When Lydia proves persistent, they agree to a bargain, though Nicholas has a few surprises up his sleeve. Neither foresee the harrowing complications that will arise from working together. When town secrets are brought to light, this unlikely pair must decide where their beliefs—and hearts—truly align.

My thoughts: I was blown away by this story! I picked it up on a whim, since I don't know that I have really read Melissa's books. I am so glad that I did! The story was amazing, having some surprising depth and a lot going on. I loved the main characters, especially Lydia, since she reminds me of Emma from Jane Austen's story. While not what I would call spoiled, she learns to be a better person when she makes a bargain with Nicholas Lowe, a man who seems like a miser from the outside.
I love the issues that this story deals with and how the characters develop over the course of the story. This book is a new favorite!
I received this book from Bethany in exchange for my honest review.

Courageous

: Where Adventure and Romance Meet

Inspired by the vision of the Young Lady Sapphira, Rosalind of Ipsworth joins a group of men, women, and children as a defender of the cross, seeking to free captives from prisons near Tripoli. She gladly gives herself to the cause, as she's haunted by a tragic mistake and no longer deserves such joys as marriage and family might bring.

Sir Randel Penigree was reared to serve in the church, but dreams of protecting the innocent as a knight. Joining a crusade to escape humiliation at home, he finds himself drawn to Rosalind as they partner to train and protect a group of young adolescents. When they face political machinations, danger, and an unknown enemy bent on their destruction, they are forced to reconsider their priorities and the very nature of the God they serve.

My thoughts: This book was excellent! I loved the story and the history behind it, since it is a type of children's crusade that is brought together by Lady Sapphira. Fans of the series will enjoy reading more about Rosalind, who was introduced in Chivalrous. I love that Dina tackles difficult subjects with her series and handles them perfectly. While some of the subjects are for a little older audience (high school age), I think she handles sensitive subjects well.
I received this book from Bethany in exchange for my honest review.

An Elegant Facade

Lady Georgina Hawthorne has worked tirelessly to seal her place as the Incomparable for her debut season. At her first London ball, she hopes to snag the attention of an earl.
With money and business connections, but without impeccable bloodlines, Colin McCrae is invited everywhere but accepted nowhere. When he first encounters the fashionable Lady Georgina, he's irritated by his attraction to a woman who concerns herself only with status and appearance.
What Colin doesn't know is that Georgina's desperate social aspirations are driven by the shameful secret she harbors. Association with Colin McCrae is not part of Georgina's plan, but as their paths continue to cross, they both must decide if the realization of their dreams is worth the sacrifices they must make.

My thoughts: I loved this story! While I admit that it took me a bit to get into it, since there is quite a bit of overlap from the first book (though, told through different characters, which was fun, but I felt like it went on a bit too long). That said, I enjoyed getting to know some of the characters better who were introduced in the first book, but didn't have huge roles until this story. Kristi does a fabulous job of making the snobby Lady Georgina someone who the reader actually starts to sympathize with and like. The battle of wits is fun, and I love the attitude that Georgina's conscience takes on.;)
I found this book delightful and highly recommend the series!
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.