Friday, November 10, 2017
Dangerous Illusions
Trish Bailey is on overload trying to deal with a demanding job, an ailing mother, and a healing heart. When a series of unsettling memory lapses leads to a tragic death--and puts Trish under police scrutiny--her world is once again thrown into turmoil.
Detective Colin Flynn isn't certain what to think of the facts he uncovers during his investigation. Did Trish simply make a terrible mistake or is there more to the case than meets the eye? As he searches for answers, disturbing information begins to emerge--and if the forces at work are as evil as he suspects, the situation isn't just dangerous . . . it's deadly.
Bestselling and award-winning author Irene Hannon captures readers with a mind-bending story that will have them doubling back to retrace their steps--and figure out what they missed!
My thoughts: This book was such a fun mystery! I loved getting to know the characters, as they sought to solve the mystery behind Trish's memory lapses. The twists and turns in the plot make the story all the more interesting and hard to put down! This book is the perfect one to curl up with this Fall.
I received this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.
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Wednesday, November 8, 2017
Haunting the Deep
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The Titanic meets the delicious horror of Ransom Riggs and the sass of Mean Girls in this follow-up to the #1 New York Times bestseller How to Hang a Witch, in which a contemporary teen finds herself a passenger on the famous “ship of dreams”—a story made all the more fascinating because the author’s own relatives survived the doomed voyage.
Samantha Mather knew her family’s connection to the infamous Salem Witch Trials might pose obstacles to an active social life. But having survived one curse, she never thought she’d find herself at the center of a new one.
This time, Sam is having recurring dreams about the Titanic . . . where she’s been walking the deck with first-class passengers, like her aunt and uncle. Meanwhile, in Sam’s waking life, strange missives from the Titanic have been finding their way to her, along with haunting visions of people who went down with the ship.
Ultimately, Sam and the Descendants, along with some help from heartthrob Elijah, must unravel who is behind the spell that is drawing her ever further into the dream ship . . . and closer to sharing the same grim fate as its ghostly passengers.
Praise for How to Hang a Witch:
“It’s like Mean Girls meets history class in the best possible way.” —Seventeen Magazine
“Mather shines a light on the lessons the Salem Witch Trials can teach us about modern-day bullying—and what we can do about it.” —Bustle.com
“Strikes a careful balance of creepy, fun, and thoughtful.” —NPR
“I am utterly addicted to Adriana Mather’s electric debut. It keeps you on the edge of your seat, twisting and turning with ghosts, witches, an ancient curse, and—sigh—romance. It’s beautiful. Haunting. The characters are vivid and real. I. Could. Not. Put. It. Down.” —Jennifer Niven, bestselling author of All the Bright Places
My thoughts: While I haven't read the first book in this series, I do look forward to going back and reading it, since I find the Salem Witch Trials interesting. I like the historical aspect of this series, and find the characters riveting. I look forward to reading more by this author!
I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.
The Titanic meets the delicious horror of Ransom Riggs and the sass of Mean Girls in this follow-up to the #1 New York Times bestseller How to Hang a Witch, in which a contemporary teen finds herself a passenger on the famous “ship of dreams”—a story made all the more fascinating because the author’s own relatives survived the doomed voyage.
Samantha Mather knew her family’s connection to the infamous Salem Witch Trials might pose obstacles to an active social life. But having survived one curse, she never thought she’d find herself at the center of a new one.
This time, Sam is having recurring dreams about the Titanic . . . where she’s been walking the deck with first-class passengers, like her aunt and uncle. Meanwhile, in Sam’s waking life, strange missives from the Titanic have been finding their way to her, along with haunting visions of people who went down with the ship.
Ultimately, Sam and the Descendants, along with some help from heartthrob Elijah, must unravel who is behind the spell that is drawing her ever further into the dream ship . . . and closer to sharing the same grim fate as its ghostly passengers.
Praise for How to Hang a Witch:
“It’s like Mean Girls meets history class in the best possible way.” —Seventeen Magazine
“Mather shines a light on the lessons the Salem Witch Trials can teach us about modern-day bullying—and what we can do about it.” —Bustle.com
“Strikes a careful balance of creepy, fun, and thoughtful.” —NPR
“I am utterly addicted to Adriana Mather’s electric debut. It keeps you on the edge of your seat, twisting and turning with ghosts, witches, an ancient curse, and—sigh—romance. It’s beautiful. Haunting. The characters are vivid and real. I. Could. Not. Put. It. Down.” —Jennifer Niven, bestselling author of All the Bright Places
My thoughts: While I haven't read the first book in this series, I do look forward to going back and reading it, since I find the Salem Witch Trials interesting. I like the historical aspect of this series, and find the characters riveting. I look forward to reading more by this author!
I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Rescued Hearts
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Children’s clothing designer Mary Wade Kimball’s soft spot for animals leads to a hostage situation when she spots a briar- entangled kitten in front of an abandoned house. Beaten, bound, and gagged by the two thugs inside, Mary Wade loses hope for escape when a third villain returns with supplies.
Discovering the kidnapped woman ratchets the complications for undercover agent Brett Davis. Weighing the difference of ruining his three months’ investigation against the woman’s safety, Brett forsakes his mission and helps her escape, the bent-on-revenge brutes following behind.
When Mary Wade’s safety is threatened once more, Brett rescues her again. This time, her personal safety isn’t the only thing in jeopardy. Her heart is endangered as well.
My thoughts: This story grabs you from the get go! I love that things set off at a fast pace quickly, and that there is more to the story than meets the eye. I loved the characters! Not only are the main characters wonderful and well portrayed, but Hope does a wonderful job of bringing to life the characters around them.
This is an excellent, suspenseful read!
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.
Children’s clothing designer Mary Wade Kimball’s soft spot for animals leads to a hostage situation when she spots a briar- entangled kitten in front of an abandoned house. Beaten, bound, and gagged by the two thugs inside, Mary Wade loses hope for escape when a third villain returns with supplies.
Discovering the kidnapped woman ratchets the complications for undercover agent Brett Davis. Weighing the difference of ruining his three months’ investigation against the woman’s safety, Brett forsakes his mission and helps her escape, the bent-on-revenge brutes following behind.
When Mary Wade’s safety is threatened once more, Brett rescues her again. This time, her personal safety isn’t the only thing in jeopardy. Her heart is endangered as well.
My thoughts: This story grabs you from the get go! I love that things set off at a fast pace quickly, and that there is more to the story than meets the eye. I loved the characters! Not only are the main characters wonderful and well portrayed, but Hope does a wonderful job of bringing to life the characters around them.
This is an excellent, suspenseful read!
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.
Ordinary Graces
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Everyone loves to receive a gift. And God has given us many, such as his grace--the gift we don't deserve and can never earn. Promises from the One who declares we are already loved, already accepted, already created in his image. The question becomes, will we truly receive that gift? Will the reality of it actually change the way we think and notice and reach out?
God's Word will stand forever, in any season of life. These truths prompt us to respond with compassion and courage.
Through inspiring devotions, Lucinda Secrest McDowell reveals biblical blessings that remind us that: God's promises give us strength, God's grace can be most evident at our weakest points, a proper response to our abundance of blessings is simply gratitude, and the "more" we are all looking for is the same abundant life that Jesus came to give us.
Would you like to receive these gifts of ordinary grace? Join Lucinda in focusing on one word a day through devotional readings and short benedictions for any and every season to explore the many facets of Grace, Strength, Gratitude, and Life.
My thoughts: This is an excellent book! I love Lucida's joy that shines through the pages as she shares personal stories about the different devotional thoughts for the day. This devotional is quite unique, as it covers words like Mercy, saying no, empty, and having compassion. This is one that I look forward to going through again! I so appreciate the love notes from God at the end of each of the entries.
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.
Everyone loves to receive a gift. And God has given us many, such as his grace--the gift we don't deserve and can never earn. Promises from the One who declares we are already loved, already accepted, already created in his image. The question becomes, will we truly receive that gift? Will the reality of it actually change the way we think and notice and reach out?
God's Word will stand forever, in any season of life. These truths prompt us to respond with compassion and courage.
Through inspiring devotions, Lucinda Secrest McDowell reveals biblical blessings that remind us that: God's promises give us strength, God's grace can be most evident at our weakest points, a proper response to our abundance of blessings is simply gratitude, and the "more" we are all looking for is the same abundant life that Jesus came to give us.
Would you like to receive these gifts of ordinary grace? Join Lucinda in focusing on one word a day through devotional readings and short benedictions for any and every season to explore the many facets of Grace, Strength, Gratitude, and Life.
My thoughts: This is an excellent book! I love Lucida's joy that shines through the pages as she shares personal stories about the different devotional thoughts for the day. This devotional is quite unique, as it covers words like Mercy, saying no, empty, and having compassion. This is one that I look forward to going through again! I so appreciate the love notes from God at the end of each of the entries.
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.
Murder in Disguise
This post contains affiliate links.
Official verdict: Suicide.
But why would that vigorous department chairman kill himself? To avoid disgrace? Those rumored ventures on the dark side? Some other secret life? Visiting professor Preston Barclay wonders. But his questions bring no answers, only anonymous threats. He has enough problems already, proving himself on a strange campus while radical faculty do all they can to undermine him. Worse yet, that sexy siren assigned as his assistant complicates his courtship of the beautiful Mara Thorn.
While Press keeps asking questions, Mara’s research reveals a cancer of criminal activity that permeates the community and even the campus itself. The more Press questions, the more dangerous the threats against him become, and the more determined he grows to clear his friend’s name.
But can Press and Mara’s stumbling efforts prevail against the entrenched forces of the police, the campus radicals, and an unseen but powerful criminal organization that increasingly puts their lives in danger…?
My thoughts: I love this mystery series! It's is a fun blend of mystery, music, and college life (from the professors view point). I also find the religious aspect of it, with Mara having been a part of Wicca. If you enjoy mysteries, then I highly recommend this series, since it is highly addictive.
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.
Official verdict: Suicide.
But why would that vigorous department chairman kill himself? To avoid disgrace? Those rumored ventures on the dark side? Some other secret life? Visiting professor Preston Barclay wonders. But his questions bring no answers, only anonymous threats. He has enough problems already, proving himself on a strange campus while radical faculty do all they can to undermine him. Worse yet, that sexy siren assigned as his assistant complicates his courtship of the beautiful Mara Thorn.
While Press keeps asking questions, Mara’s research reveals a cancer of criminal activity that permeates the community and even the campus itself. The more Press questions, the more dangerous the threats against him become, and the more determined he grows to clear his friend’s name.
But can Press and Mara’s stumbling efforts prevail against the entrenched forces of the police, the campus radicals, and an unseen but powerful criminal organization that increasingly puts their lives in danger…?
My thoughts: I love this mystery series! It's is a fun blend of mystery, music, and college life (from the professors view point). I also find the religious aspect of it, with Mara having been a part of Wicca. If you enjoy mysteries, then I highly recommend this series, since it is highly addictive.
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.
The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck
This post contains affiliate links.
Becoming a Christian is the best and worst thing that has ever happened to Sarah Hollenbeck. Best because, well, that's obvious. Worst because, up to this point, she's made her very comfortable living as a well-known, bestselling author of steamy romance novels that would leave the members of her new church blushing. Now Sarah is trying to reconcile her past with the future she's chosen. She's still under contract with her publisher and on the hook with her enormous fan base for the kind of book she's not sure she can write anymore. She's beginning to think that the church might frown on her tithing on royalties from a "scandalous" book. And the fact that she's falling in love with her pastor doesn't make things any easier.
With a powerful voice, penetrating insight, and plenty of wit, Bethany Turner explodes onto the scene with a debut that isn't afraid to deal with the thorny realities of living the Christian life.
My thoughts: I thought that this was an interesting story, since it was quite different from the normal Christian romance fare, and I mean that in a good way. Not that I don't enjoy some of the other, but this one was refreshingly honest. I liked that Sarah struggled to find out how to mesh her old life with being a new Christian, and owned up to her struggles. While there were a few things I would of changed or added, I thought that this was a fun, humorous read. I look forward to reading more by Bethany!
I received this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.
Becoming a Christian is the best and worst thing that has ever happened to Sarah Hollenbeck. Best because, well, that's obvious. Worst because, up to this point, she's made her very comfortable living as a well-known, bestselling author of steamy romance novels that would leave the members of her new church blushing. Now Sarah is trying to reconcile her past with the future she's chosen. She's still under contract with her publisher and on the hook with her enormous fan base for the kind of book she's not sure she can write anymore. She's beginning to think that the church might frown on her tithing on royalties from a "scandalous" book. And the fact that she's falling in love with her pastor doesn't make things any easier.
With a powerful voice, penetrating insight, and plenty of wit, Bethany Turner explodes onto the scene with a debut that isn't afraid to deal with the thorny realities of living the Christian life.
My thoughts: I thought that this was an interesting story, since it was quite different from the normal Christian romance fare, and I mean that in a good way. Not that I don't enjoy some of the other, but this one was refreshingly honest. I liked that Sarah struggled to find out how to mesh her old life with being a new Christian, and owned up to her struggles. While there were a few things I would of changed or added, I thought that this was a fun, humorous read. I look forward to reading more by Bethany!
I received this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.
Monday, November 6, 2017
Museum of the Bible books and giveaway!
This post has affiliate links.
Children of the World Storyboook Bible
We have several kid Bibles, but this one might be one of my favorites, since all the artwork is done by children! I love that it connects with kids on another level with the artwork. The Bible stories are a nice length for short attention spans, without being too short for those of us who are older. The recommended age for this is 5-8, but I think it works well for my 4 year old as well.
Wild and Wacky things in the Bible
This book is a great one for kids ages 6-9. It makes the Bible fun, since it shows some of the fun facts in the Bible. My daughter and I are enjoying learning more about talking donkeys, the Egyptian plagues, and all the other fun things that make the Bible so unique. This is a great book to stimulate conversations!
That's So Weird
This one has been a great one to keep in my purse to entertain the kids on trips or a recent recital we had to attend! The pictures are fun, since there are a lot of animals and just interesting stories to go along with facts like what Moses' basket was made out of or who had the shortest reign out of the kings in the Bible. This one if for ages 5-8, but is also great for kids a little younger too, since the facts are short and to the point, so you can tailor things to a younger age.
What's the Bible All About?
I was pleasantly surprised with this little board book! It is a fun way to talk to your children about what the Bible is all about. I love that it has facts about how the Bible was written, who some of the writers were, and what the Old and New Testaments are. This is a wonderful book for young kids!
I received all four of these books from Worthy publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Now on to the giveaway! Which one would you choose, if you win? Worthy publisher will send the book of your choice to you, if you win! Be sure to leave a comment and have a way for me to get in contact with you. I will leave the giveaway open until next Monday, November 13th.
Children of the World Storyboook Bible
We have several kid Bibles, but this one might be one of my favorites, since all the artwork is done by children! I love that it connects with kids on another level with the artwork. The Bible stories are a nice length for short attention spans, without being too short for those of us who are older. The recommended age for this is 5-8, but I think it works well for my 4 year old as well.
Wild and Wacky things in the Bible
This book is a great one for kids ages 6-9. It makes the Bible fun, since it shows some of the fun facts in the Bible. My daughter and I are enjoying learning more about talking donkeys, the Egyptian plagues, and all the other fun things that make the Bible so unique. This is a great book to stimulate conversations!
That's So Weird
This one has been a great one to keep in my purse to entertain the kids on trips or a recent recital we had to attend! The pictures are fun, since there are a lot of animals and just interesting stories to go along with facts like what Moses' basket was made out of or who had the shortest reign out of the kings in the Bible. This one if for ages 5-8, but is also great for kids a little younger too, since the facts are short and to the point, so you can tailor things to a younger age.
What's the Bible All About?
I was pleasantly surprised with this little board book! It is a fun way to talk to your children about what the Bible is all about. I love that it has facts about how the Bible was written, who some of the writers were, and what the Old and New Testaments are. This is a wonderful book for young kids!
I received all four of these books from Worthy publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Now on to the giveaway! Which one would you choose, if you win? Worthy publisher will send the book of your choice to you, if you win! Be sure to leave a comment and have a way for me to get in contact with you. I will leave the giveaway open until next Monday, November 13th.
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