Follow the Dawn

Anna Emory grew up the invisible, shy younger sister, and she prefers it that way. But when her father attempts to arrange an unsavory marriage, Anna learns that courage is sometimes found in adversity. Then she meets a boy and his father struggling in their relationship, and they tip her quiet world upside down.

Captain Mathieu Tudder has run from responsibility, entrusting his young son’s care to another and devoting his Sea Beggar ship to the Dutch Revolution. After that cause fails, Tudder returns to England for the son he left behind. But his son seems to have given his heart to a unknown and quiet lady—a woman who reminds him of all he’s ever loved and lost.

Will these two hearts—the battle-scarred and the broken—ever find true freedom?

My thoughts: I didn't realize just how much I would fall in love with Anna and her story when I picked this book up! Anna has found it easier to spend most of her time outdoors and out of her harsh father's way. When an arranged marriage forces her to follow in her sister's footsteps and flee the only home she has ever known, Anna must find her voice and learn to stand up for herself.
This is an excellent story! I fell in love with the characters. Those who have read Rachelle's previous series will enjoy reading more about those characters, but this also works as a stand alone story. I can't recommend this book enough!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review.

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The Fifth Avenue Society

An invitation to join The Fifth Avenue Story Society gives five New York strangers a chance to rewrite their own stories.
Executive assistant Lexa is eager for a much-deserved promotion, but her boss is determined to keep her underemployed.
Literature professor Jett is dealing with a broken heart, as well as a nagging suspicion his literary idol, Gordon Phipps Roth, might be a fraud.
Uber driver Chuck just wants a second chance with his kids.
Aging widower Ed is eager to write the true story of his incredible marriage.
Coral, queen of the cosmetics industry, has broken her engagement and is on the verge of losing her great grandmother’s multimillion-dollar empire.
When all five New Yorkers receive an anonymous, mysterious invitation to the Fifth Avenue Story Society, they suspect they’re victims of a practical joke. No one knows who sent the invitations or why. No one has heard of the literary society. And no one is prepared to bear their deepest secrets to a roomful of strangers.
Yet curiosity and loneliness bring them back week after week to the old library. And it’s there they discover the stories of their hearts, and the kind of friendship and love that heals their souls.

My thoughts: Over all, I liked this story quite well! I enjoyed that it centers around the lives of five people who need a second chance at life, some of them needing a second chance at love. The synopsis left me a little confused at first, since two of the character aren't strangers, but do know one another (just pointed that out to clarify for others who read it). I loved the idea that the room in the library invites them in to become friends and share their hearts with one another. This story is hard to put down! There are quite a few twists and turns throughout, which makes it a fun read. It does deal with some difficult issues though, so be warned there are a couple of triggers. I don't want to spoil the story, so leave me a comment if you need to know more about those.
The message of redemption could of played a bigger part in the story, in my opinion, but otherwise it was a good book.
I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.

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About the Author:
Rachel Hauck is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY bestselling author of The Wedding Dress, which was also named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times and was a RITA finalist. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pet and writes from her ivory tower. Visit her online at RachelHauck.com; Facebook: RachelHauck; Twitter: @RachelHauck; Instagram: @rachelhauck.

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Waltz in the Wilderness

She's desperate to find her missing father. His conscience demands he risk all to help.
Eliza Brooks is haunted by her role in her mother's death, so she'll do anything to find her missing pa—even if it means sneaking aboard a southbound ship. When those meant to protect her abandon and betray her instead, a family friend's unexpected assistance is a blessing she can't refuse.
Daniel Clarke came to California to make his fortune, and a stable job as a San Francisco carpenter has earned him more than most have scraped from the local goldfields. But it's been four years since he left Massachusetts and his fiancée is impatient for his return. Bound for home at last, Daniel Clarke finds his heart and plans challenged by a tenacious young woman with haunted eyes. Though every word he utters seems to offend her, he is determined to see her safely returned to her father. Even if that means risking his fragile engagement.
When disaster befalls them in the remote wilderness of the Southern California mountains, true feelings are revealed, and both must face heart-rending decisions. But how to decide when every choice before them leads to someone getting hurt?

My thoughts: Eliza is a young woman who can't seem to make up her mind on how to behave as a young lady in the 1800's should. Having been raised by a single father after her mother passed away, then brought under the influence of her uncle and aunt to help turn her into a young lady, she seems unsure of which side she wants to embrace. After not hearing from her father for some time, she takes matters into her own hands and sets out to find them. I thought, over all, that the story was an interesting one. I liked the history and the social issues that it brought up. I also thought it was interesting to focus more on the travel by sea that some of the pioneers and gold diggers did instead of by covered wagon. This is a lovely historical read to pick up!
I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review.

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About the Author:
Kathleen Denly lives in sunny Southern California with her loving husband, four young children, and two cats. As a member of the adoption and foster community, children in need are a cause dear to her heart and she finds they make frequent appearances in her stories. When she isn’t writing, researching, or caring for children, Kathleen spends her time reading, visiting historical sites, hiking, and crafting.

More from Kathleen
As Valentine’s Day nears, stories of how couples met seem to be everywhere. Many of those stories share a common element: “The second I saw him/her, I just knew I would marry him/her.”
Every time I read or hear these stories, I chuckle. Not because I don’t believe them but because it reminds me of my own meet-cute.
“Not my type.”
These were the first words to enter my mind when I met the man who would later become my husband. In hindsight, they are hilarious because I know that God worked things out for our good. After more than eighteen years of marriage, I can honestly say that I am more in love with my husband than ever.
However, just a few months prior to meeting my husband, I’d suffered a terrible breakup with another man whom I thought had been considering proposing to me. I had no idea the breakup was coming and that left me devastated and confused. The truths we learn in hindsight don’t help much when we’re in the midst of such circumstances. When we think we know the future before us and something happens to upend those plans it can feel as though our world has turned upside down.
This is what happens to Eliza Brooks in the first chapter of my novel, Waltz in the Wilderness. Though not romantic in nature, a major shift occurs in her world that leaves her feeling betrayed and disoriented. She’s still struggling to right her world when Daniel Clarke enters her life in the worst way possible. Misunderstanding leads to a humiliating confrontation that sets these two at odds with one another before they have a chance to truly get to know each other. Fortunately for Eliza and Daniel, God works their foolishness for good just as He did in my own true love story.
This Valentine’s Day, whatever your romantic relationship status, remember that you are not alone. You are loved. And the God of all the universe loves you and has a plan for you—plans to prosper you and bring you hope.
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” ~ Proverbs 3:5-6

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Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Kathleen is giving away the grand prize package of a NEW Kindle Fire HD8, Proverbs 3:5 Paperback Lined Journal, Romans 8:28 Leather Bookmark, Proverbs 3:5 mug, and an Antique Silverplated Spoon made by 1847 Rogers Bros!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link here to enter.

More than We Remember

One night changes everything for three women. . . .

When Addison Killbourn's husband is involved in a car accident that leaves a woman dead, her perfectly constructed life crumbles apart. With her husband's memory of that night gone and the revelation of a potentially life-altering secret, Addison has to reevaluate all she thought she knew.

Emilia Cruz is a deputy bearing a heavy burden far beyond the weight of her job. Her husband is no longer the man she married, and Emilia's determined to prevent others from facing the same hardship. When she's called to the scene of an accident pointing to everything she's fighting against, she's determined to see justice for those wronged.

Brianne Demanno is hiding from reality. She was thriving as a counselor, but when tragedy struck a beloved client, she lost faith in herself and her purpose. When her neighbors, the Killbourns, are thrown into crisis, Brianne's solitary life is disrupted and she finds herself needed in a way she hasn't been in a while.

As the lives of these women intersect, they can no longer dwell in the memory of who they've been. Can they rise from the wreck of the worst moments of their lives to become who they were meant to be?

My thoughts: I loved the many layers of this story! Christina crafts a hard to put down story with More than We Remember. When Addison's husband is in an accident that points to his being a different person than she has known in their marriage, her world is turned upside down. I love how this story explores our memories and how they can be colored by our experiences. I know several of memories of mine came to mind as I was reading the story where I thought something was a certain way in childhood (much like Brianne and what she thinks her parents opinion was of her becoming a counselor were), only to find out that it wasn't what someone thought of me as I got older. I also appreciated the reminder that we need to treasure each moment as it comes, since things can change in the blink of an eye.
This story is hard to put down! I highly recommend it.
I received this book from Bethany House. This is my honest review.

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Claim Your Crown

Young women are deeply dissatisfied with society's standards (and double standards). They want more for themselves--but sometimes they don't quite know what that more should be. That's where Miss Black New Jersey 2018 and Teen Vogue "It Girl" turned fashion writer Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien comes in.

Through her insightful comments on media, pop culture, and pervading cultural myths about beauty, fashion, and womanhood, Tarah-Lynn dismantles the messages that feed into the insecurities, fears, doubts, and guilt that young women experience today. She introduces them to an understanding of God as a loving Father and the King of all kings, who bestows upon his daughters a crown of love, worth, and power. And she shows them how to not only claim the promises of God but also walk purposefully in them as independent women (no prince necessary!) who respond to adversity with righteousness and authority.

My thoughts: Tarah-Lynn has such a readable style of writing that makes what she writes about relatable. I enjoyed picking this book up and reading her thoughts on a lot of the issues that plague young women today. I love how she shares her own journey through finding her voice and how God lead her to where she is at today. This is an excellent book to gift the young women in your life! (or, to pick up for yourself!)
I received a complimentary copy from Revell. This is my honest review.

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Yes Sisters

A single "no" from someone close to us can crush our dreams. You can't . . . You'll never . . . You're kidding yourself . . . In contrast, a single "yes" can sustain our dreams despite the setbacks we're sure to encounter. Yes, you can! Yes, I'm here for you!

With passion and contagious enthusiasm, Angelia White shows you how to surround yourself with Yes Sisters--women who will remind you that you are worthy, that God loves you completely, and that you can accomplish even your wildest dreams. Her engaging personal stories, as well as those from other prominent women, will show you how to

- find and cultivate Yes Sister relationships
- leverage their power
- and be a Yes Sister for someone else

She also helps you understand, forgive, and sometimes distance yourself from negative people who dampen your joy and strip you of your motivation.

You don't have to go it alone, and you don't have to drag the naysayers along behind you. Start finding your Yes Sisters today!

My thoughts: Brene Brown has highlighted something each of us desire-honest and open relationships where we can be vulnerable and loved for who we are. I loved reading this book, since Angelia shares from the heart about some of the difficult situations she has gone through (trigger warning) and how her faith and the relationship with her Yes Sisters has helped her through. I have been blessed to have several friendships evolve into Yes Sisters in the last few years, so I totally got where she was coming from! I love how she has a story about a Yes Sister in between each of the chapters. This is such a beautiful book!
I received this book from Revell. This is my honest review.

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A Girl's Guide to the Outback

How far will a girl go to win back a guy she can’t stand? This funny, sweet, and romantic story proves that opposites do attract—and that God has a sense of humor.
Samuel Payton is a passionate youth pastor in Virginia, but below the surface, he’s still recovering from the blow of a failed business and insecurities he can’t shake. His coworker, start-up expert Kimberly Foster, is brilliant, fearless, and capable, but years of personal rejection have left her defensive and longing for a family. Two people have never been more at odds—or more attracted to one another. And every day at work, the sparks sure do fly.
When Kimberly’s ambitious plans for Sam’s ministry butt up against his risk-averse nature, Sam decides that obligations to family trump his work for the church. He quits the ministry and heads home to Australia to help his sister, Jules, save her struggling farm. As Kimberly’s grand plans flounder, she is forced to face the truth: that no one can replace Sam. Together they strike up a deal: If Kimberly comes to work on Jules’s dairy farm and lends her business brains to their endeavor, then maybe—just maybe—Sam will reconsider his future with the church.
As Kimberly tries her hand at Australian farm life, she learns more about herself than she could’ve ever expected. Meanwhile Sam is forced to re-evaluate this spunky woman he thought he already knew. As foes slowly morph into friends, they wonder if they might be something even more. But when disaster strikes the farm, will Sam find it within himself to take a risk that could lead to love? And will Kimberly trust God with her future?

My thoughts: Having been to Australia before, I loved "returning" with this story! (though, I was more on the coast than in the Outback, so it was fun to read about the differences!) Sam and Kimberly were in Love and Other Mistakes, so I was looking forward to seeing how their story played out. Two very different people who tend not to work the best together, due to their past experiences causing them to look at life and Sam's ministry from totally opposite view points. When life throws them together in the Outback, they must learn to work together to try and save the farm.
I loved the story, the humor, and the side story of Sam's sister finding love. I liked this story even better than Love and Other Mistakes! It's an excellent rom-com with a beautiful message about learning to trust God and opening your heart to change.
I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review.

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About the Author:
Australian author Jessica Kate writes inspirational romances with wit, sass, and grit. Jessica is a screenwriting groupie, cohost of the StoryNerds vlog and podcasts, and her favorite place to be—apart from Mum and Dad’s back deck—is a theme park. She has traveled North America and Australia, and samples her favorite pasta wherever she goes—but the best (so far) is still the place around the corner from her corporate day job as a training developer. She loves watching sitcoms with her housemates and being a leader in a new church plant. Visit her online at jessicakatewriting.com; Instagram: jessicakatewriting; Facebook: jessicakatewriting; Twitter: @JessicaKate05.

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