Friday, March 31, 2017

Are My Kids on Track


Tools for Identifying and Developing Spiritual, Social, and Emotional Growth

From birth to adulthood, our children's physical and intellectual development is carefully tracked and charted. But what about their hearts? After all, how our children develop emotionally, socially, and spiritually will determine who they become as husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, friends and co-workers.
Are My Kids on Track? helps you identify and measure 12 key emotional, social, and spiritual milestones in your children's lives. Moreover, you will discover practical ways to guide your kids through any stumbling blocks they might encounter and help them reach the appropriate landmarks. Along the way the authors pinpoint the different ways boys and girls develop, so you can help your child flourish in his or her own way.
Filled with decades of experience from three practicing counselors, speakers, and writers, this book provides you with valuable, current research and user-friendly, hands-on practices to make supporting your kids' soul
development a seamless part of family life. Don't just raise smart kids--raise courageous, compassionate, resilient, empathetic, and smart kids.

My thoughts: This book should be on every parents shelf, since it is a wonderful guide for parents or guardians to evaluate if their child is on track emotionally. I enjoyed the information immensely and will certainly be referencing this book for years to come.
I like that the authors have so many years of experience between the three of them and that this is a easy to read and apply guide. I highly recommend this one!
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Sandpiper Cove


Hope Harbor police chief Lexie Graham has plenty on her plate raising her son alone and dealing with a sudden rash of petty theft and vandalism in her coastal Oregon hometown. As a result, she has zero time for extracurricular activities--including romance. Ex-con Adam Stone isn't looking for love either--but how ironic is it that the first woman to catch his eye is a police chief? Yet wishing for things that can never be is foolish.

Nevertheless, when Lexie enlists Adam's help to keep a young man from falling into a life of crime, sparks begin to fly. And as they work together, it soon becomes apparent that God may have a different--and better--future planned for them than either could imagine.

Lauded by Library Journal as "a master at character development," Irene Hannon welcomes readers back to this charming Oregon seaside village where hearts heal--and love blooms.

My thoughts: Readers are invited to once again visit Hope Harbor with this charming story of second chances. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and like how Irene has not only told a story at this point in their "lives" but has also taken the time to give both main characters depth with their background, showing the reader how they arrived at the point they are at in the story. It was interesting to get a glimpse of how difficult it is for Adam to adjust to life after prison, which includes not trusting the police and dealing with prejudices and vandalism. I love how Lexie's mom encourages her to see past Adam's labels early on. This is a wonderful story of grace and second chances!
I received this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Lost and Found


The “right” homeschooling philosophy. The “right” brand of theology. The “right” meal-planning, home-managing, keep-it-all-together parenting. Kendra Fletcher, homeschooling mom of eight, had it all “right,” until it all fell apart. In the course of eighteen months, Kendra found her baby in a coma, ran over her five-year-old, and nearly lost her eight-year-old to a septic ruptured appendix. Lost and Found is the story of how God used those events to transform her family’s self-righteous religion into freedom in Christ.

Fletcher’s debut book is the gripping true story of how God used suffering to save her family from empty religion. As wave after wave of crisis hit, the Fletchers discovered that getting religion “right” wasn’t a good substitute for a living relationship with a loving God. Through their suffering, they learned about misplaced identities and false hope, and they threw themselves wholly into the arms of Jesus—where they found the grace they needed.
Fletcher, a well-known writer and conference speaker in Christian homeschooling circles, addresses the quiet legalism that so easily infiltrates Christian communities and exposes the dangers of focusing our hopes on the “right” ways of worship, work, and family life. More than a memoir, Lost and Found invites all of us to give up the things that hold us in bondage and find our value, worth, significance, hope, and identity in Christ alone.

My thoughts: Wow! It was so interesting to read about the Fletchers and their journey through trials to a deeper relationship with the Lord. I can't believe just how much they went through in and 18 month period. As a mother, it confronted some of my worst fears, and yet I was so blessed by this book to see how God blessed them through the hard times and how their heartbreak was used for good. Having been homeschooled, I found the patriarchal group they were a part of interesting, since some of my friends were in groups like that growing up.
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

The One True Love of Alice Ann


Living in rural Georgia in 1941, sixteen-year-old Alice-Ann has her heart set on her brother's friend Mack; despite their five-year age gap, Alice-Ann knows she can make Mack see her for the woman she'll become. But when they receive news of the attack on Pearl Harbor and Mack decides to enlist, Alice-Ann realizes she must declare her love before he leaves. Though promising to write, Mack leaves without confirmation that her love is returned. But Alice-Ann is determined to wear the wedding dress her maiden aunt never had a chance to wear--having lost her fiance in the Great War. As their correspondence continues over the next three years, Mack and Alice-Ann are drawn closer together. But then Mack's letters cease altogether, leaving Alice-Ann to fear history repeating itself. Dreading the war will leave her with a beautiful dress and no happily ever after, Alice-Ann fills her days with work and caring for her best friend's war-torn brother, Carlton. As time passes and their friendship develops into something more, Alice-Ann wonders if she'll ever be prepared to say good-bye to her one true love and embrace the future God has in store with a newfound love. Or will a sudden call from overseas change everything?

My thoughts: I adored this coming of age story! It was so refreshing to read a book where the main character had more substance to her, since Alice-Ann is delightful and *gasp* doesn't look like a model. Eva Marie does a fantastic job of breathing life into the story of a young woman from a small town in Georgia who grows up when her love goes to war. I highly recommend this one!

Monday, March 27, 2017

Her Secret


New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray begins a new series—The Amish of Hart County—with this suspenseful tale of a young Amish woman who is forced to move to a new town to escape a threatening stalker.

After a stalker went too far, Hannah Hilty and her family had no choice but to leave the bustling Amish community where she grew up. Now she’s getting a fresh start in Hart County, Kentucky…if only she wasn’t too scared to take it. Hannah has become afraid to trust anyone—even Isaac, the friendly Amish man who lives next door. She wonders if she'll ever return to the trusting, easy-going woman she once was.

For Isaac Troyer, the beautiful girl he teasingly called “The Recluse” confuses him like no other. When he learns of her past, he knows he's misjudged her. However, he also understands the importance of being grateful for God’s gifts, and wonders if they will ever have anything in common. But as Hannah and Isaac slowly grow closer, they realize that there’s always more to someone than meets the eye.

Just as Hannah is finally settling into her new life, and perhaps finding a new love, more secrets are revealed and tragedy strikes. Now Hannah must decide if she should run again or dare to fight for the future she has found in Hart County.

My thoughts: Amish fiction has kind of exploded in recent years, so it's easy to over look this one and think that it is just another story along the same lines. But it's not, since it deals with a young Amish woman who's family had to relocate due to a stalker going to far. The suspense and character development keeps the story going and makes one look forward to the next book in this series! The secrets and mysteries in this story make the reader long for the next book to already be out, as you finish the last page!
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Unchained


Christians are free in Christ, yet Christianity can feel like a prison.

Unchained helps Christians who don’t feel that grace has changed their lives.

Often when people follow Jesus, they feel more guilty instead of more free. A powerful book for the spiritually restless, Unchained shows readers how to have a robust faith that celebrates their freedom in Christ without compromising their holiness as God’s followers.

Unchained turns to the person and work of Jesus Christ as the source of freedom—not just his work 2,000 years ago but also what he is doing today. As readers dig into the meaning of the freedom that Jesus offers, they will understand, perhaps for the first time, what true freedom in Christ means.

My thoughts: This book is wonderful! As Christians, we talk a lot about how we have been made free from our sins through the cross, and yet a lot of us are not living like we are truly free. This is an excellent book for everyone to read! I really enjoyed the thought provoking discussion questions at the end of each chapter.
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

Friday, March 24, 2017

21 Days of Grace review and giveaway



 


Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Book




 



Book: 21 Days of Grace

 



Author: Compiled by Kathy Ide

  

Genre: Devotional

 



Release Date: March 24, 2015



Love fiction? Looking for a devotional? Check out 21 DAYS OF GRACE, book one in the Fiction Lover’s Devotional series (published by BroadStreet Publishing Group). Fictional stories followed by brief life applications written by best-selling Christian novelists and debut authors, including Angela Hunt, Cindy Woodsmall, and Deborah Raney. Great for individual or group study.




My thoughts: This is the first time I have had a devotional that is based on fictional writings, so it was a fun way to mix things up! I enjoyed all the authors, both those I was familiar with before picking the devotional up, and those I got to know through the devotional. This is a wonderful, easy devotional that I found nice, since it takes less than a month to get through it.
I received this book through Celebrate Lit in exchange for my honest review.
About the Author


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 Kathy Ide is the author of Proofreading Secrets of Best-Selling Authors and the editor/compiler of the Fiction Lover’s Devotional series. She’s a full-time freelance editor and writing mentor, working with Christian authors of all genres at all levels. She teaches at writers’ conferences across the country and is the director of the SoCal Christian Writers’ Conference and the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. She’s a co-owner of the Christian Editor Network LLC and founder of the four divisions that comprise the CEN: Christian Editor Connection, The Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, PENCON, and The PEN Institute. To find out more about Kathy, visit www.KathyIde.com

 


Guest Post from Kathy Ide


I’ve always loved Christian fiction, and I’ve seen the power of fiction to touch hearts and change lives, both firsthand and hearing about the experiences of others. But you know, in my quiet times with the Lord, reading a chapter from a novel just doesn’t seem quite appropriate. So a devotional with short fiction stories seemed like a great solution. And you can take these purse-sized devotionals wherever you go, to read when you have a few minutes of down time. It’s a great way to get “inspiration on the go.” And they make fantastic gifts for friends and loved ones.



Blog Stops


March 24: autism mom
March 28: A Greater Yes
March 30: Pause for Tales
March 30: The Scribbler
March 31: Carpe Diem
April 5: God is Love

Giveaway


[Insert Giveaway Picture Here]

To celebrate her tour, Kathy is giving away:

1st – 4th place winners: A set of all four devotionals in the series. 
5th & 6th place winners: An autographed copy of 21 Days of Grace with a novel written by one of the contributing authors!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

Unraveling


What happens when happily ever after starts to unravel?

Eliyana Ember doesn’t believe in true love. Not anymore. After capturing the Void and saving the Second Reflection, El only trusts what’s right in front of her. The tangible. The real. Not some unexplained Kiss of Infinity she once shared with the ghost of a boy she’s trying to forget. She has more important things to worry about—like becoming queen of the Second Reflection, a role she is so not prepared to fill.

With the Verity intertwined with her soul and Joshua finally by her side, El is ready to learn more about her mysterious birth land, the land she now rules. So why does she feel like something—or someone—is missing?

When the thresholds begin to drain and the Callings, those powerful magical gifts, begin to fail, El wonders if her connection with Ky Rhyen may have something to do with it. For light and darkness cannot coexist. She needs answers before the Callings disappear altogether. Can El find a way to sever her connection to Ky and save the Reflections—and keep herself from falling for him in the process?

My thoughts: While I really enjoyed the first book in this series, I felt like this one was a bit of a disappointment. I liked Eliyana in the first story, but I got tired of being in her head with this book. And, it seemed like there wasn't quite as much going on, nor as many surprises as with the first book. I will still read the final book to see what happens, but it will be with the hope that the story will have more going on like the first book did.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for my review.

Lola


An astonishing debut crime thriller about an unforgettable woman who combines the genius and ferocity of Lisbeth Salander with the ruthless ambition of Walter White

The Crenshaw Six are a small but up-and-coming gang in South Central LA who have recently been drawn into an escalating war between rival drug cartels. To outsiders, the Crenshaw Six appear to be led by a man named Garcia . . . but what no one has figured out is that the gang's real leader (and secret weapon) is Garcia's girlfriend, a brilliant young woman named Lola. Lola has mastered playing the role of submissive girlfriend, and in the man's world she inhabits she is consistently underestimated. But in truth she is much, much smarter--and in many ways tougher and more ruthless--than any of the men around her, and as the gang is increasingly sucked into a world of high-stakes betrayal and brutal violence, her skills and leadership become their only hope of survival.

Lola marks the debut of a hugely exciting new thriller writer, and of a singular, magnificent character unlike anyone else in fiction.

My thoughts: This wound up being a bit more than I could take, since it is a sad story of a young woman growing up in a rough neighborhood who has been through some horrible things and is trying to save a young girl from having to go down a similar path. A lot of the story is in the ghetto and shows Lola going up against drug lords and the like. If you like gritty stories, then you might like this one. I would only give it a 2 out of 5 stars.
I received this book from Blogging for books in exchange for my honest review.

Thursday, March 23, 2017

How to become a Pirate Hunter


Not everyone is special. Or at least that's what Eric believes. But when the new girl Charlotte tells him he's a natural at hunting pirates, and offers to prove it, Eric can't resist the adventure. Thrown in the middle of the Spanish Main, Eric must quickly accept his skills, or else succumb to the horrors of the dreaded Willard Pirate Twins.

My thoughts: As Eric starts to think about going to college and where he sees his life going, he realizes that he doesn't seem to have any talents to help guide him to a career path. When the new girl shows up at his school, she turns his life upside down by revealing that he has an unusual gift, one that helps him hunt pirates. This is a fun story for pre-teens and teens! It's full of adventure and fun twists in the plot.
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

Saturday, March 18, 2017

Unexpected Love


Heather Chapman, Mandi Ellsworth, Paula Kremser, Ashtyn Newbold and Cedar Fort Publishing & Media are pleased to announce the “Unexpected Love” blog tour, which will run from March 14-31, 2017.

If you’re interested in participating in this blog tour, please email us or leave a comment below.

About the book:

Around the turn of the century, matches were made for all sorts of reasons–whether to keep a family together or simply to make ends meet. But love has a way of turning up in the most unexpected places! With four historical romance stories in one, this fun anthology will sweep you from the dance floors of aristocracy to the hearths of country living, leading to love through the most unusual circumstances.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this collection of stories about Marriages of convenience immensely! It was fun getting to know each of the couples as they strove to get to know one another. The different settings for the stories are fun, and I like that they are all quite different. I have read stories by Paula and Heather 9and enjoyed them), but this is the first time I have read anything by Mandi or Ashtyn. I look forward to reading more of their stories!
If you are looking for a delightful way to spend a couple of evenings, this book is a wonderful choice!
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Jesus' Terrible Financial Advice: Flipping the Tables on Peace, Prosperity, and the Pursuit of Happiness


“Jesus’ advice ruined what I planned to write.”

It was the recipe for a great book. John and his wife—both financial experts—had cut their income by 80% to pursue more meaningful lives. Within six years they had two kids, were debt-free, went on several vacations, and doubled their net worth. John was ready to share the biblical principles that made this possible.

But he couldn’t. After reviewing Scripture’s teaching on money—over 1,300 verses—he realized he had missed something big.

Jesus’ Terrible Financial Advice turns even conventional Christian wisdom on its head. While it answers many of the practical questions we have—like does Jesus want me to be rich or poor? Should I give to everybody who asks? Is it wrong to save?—it goes beyond these concerns. It asks bigger questions, gives bolder answers, and offers a more comprehensive view of stewardship. Follow Jesus’ “terrible” (shocking, otherworldly) financial advice, and you’ll have what money can’t buy: purpose.

My thoughts: I would venture to guess that most, if not all of us, have heard the gospel of prosperity or how people claim you just need to name it to claim it. But what does the Bible say about those theologies? This book is an interesting one to pick up, I think I especially appreciated it since the author was so honest about how the Bible has challenged his view of money and it's place in his life. One of my favorite quotes from the book was towards the end: "Wealth is a blessing, but it becomes a curse for us when we set our hearts on it instead of Him.". This book does a fabulous job of highlighting what scripture has to say about money.
I received this book from Moody in exchange for my honest review.

A Twist of Faith


Will a wager against her future steal her chance at true love?

Dr. Adelina Roseland has worked ten years in research as an accent reduction specialist to attain her dream job. But a secret wager to transform Appalachian cattle farmer Reese Mitchell into corporate material challenges Adelina in ways she never expected, threatening her new position.

For one, Adelina didn't plan for the faith and friction of Reese, or the unexpected influence of his chaotic family. Now, drawn into a culture she'd tried to forget, Adelina finds the warmth of family, the hope of faith, and the joy of love melting away the deep wounds of her past.

But when Reese discovers that he's a pawn in her climb up the academic ladder, will he forgive Adelina's deceit or will their miscommunication end in two broken lives?

A modern re-telling of My Fair Lady, this is a delightful story of faith, love, and discovering the true meaning of home. I enjoyed the characters immensely!

The Dating Experiment


After losing her job, her house, and her guy, the last thing Gabby wants to do is be in a dating experiment—especially with her ex. Her only chance of making it through is with help from her best friend, Ian. But as the study and all its hilariously awkward dates goes on, Gabby finds herself wondering what exactly this experiment is all about.

My thoughts: Isn't the cover on this one just darling? The story wound up being every bit as cute as the cover is! I enjoyed getting to know Gabby, a smart gal who feels like her life is constantly taking detours she didn't expect. When her lack of a good job makes her desperate enough to take part in a dating experiment, life gets even more zany. This book is just adorable! it's a fun, easy read that I enjoyed tremendously!
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Murder for the Time Being and giveaway!


About the Book

Click to purchase your copy

Book: Murder for the Time Being

Author: Joanie Bruce

Genre: Christian Suspense/Romance

Release Date: November 29, 2016

“You’ll pay for this. I’ll get you both.”

Computer expert Lexi Wynn is frightened. Someone is after her, but she doesn’t know why. Is it because of her past or because she was thrust into a deadly bank robbery and might identify the ones responsible? Escaping a failed kidnapping attempt and not sure who to trust, she hopes her specialized skills with computers might flush out the name of the killer. When a tall, dark, and handsome stranger rams into her truck with the hearse he’s driving and puts his life in danger to save hers, can she ignore the attraction she feels for him to concentrate on the killers? Or is God the only one who can save her now?

Drew Sheffield is irritated when a cute lady stops abruptly in front of him and he plows into the back of her pickup. After their initial confrontation, flashbacks of honeysuckle and sassy green eyes linger in his thoughts. When Lexi is threatened, he steps in to help the feisty young woman, in spite of agonizing over a past relationship.

Can Lexi and Drew forget the tragedies of the past and embrace the feelings between them or will ghostly memories snub out the promise of a future together?

My thoughts: This mystery wound up being a lot of fun to read! I hadn't read anything by Joanie before, so I was excited to try this book out. I will be sure to pick up some of her other stories now, since this book is well written and I liked that there is a lot going on with the mystery and story. Two thumbs up!
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit in exchange for my honest review.

About the Author



Joanie has a strong passion for reading, and her love for books with nail-biting suspense, inspires her to write contemporary suspense books. Thankful that God has given her the ability to write from her home in the country, she strives to use that opportunity to honor Him in all of her writing. Joanie and her husband, Ben, live in a country home near Madison, Georgia, right in the middle of a pasture full of beef cows. There they raised and homeschooled their three children. She enjoys cooking, taking long walks, painting oil portraits, and caring for their home in the country.


Guest Post from Joanie Bruce

Have you ever been devastated by a certain event in your life, and later it turned out to the best thing that ever happened to you? That’s what happened to Lexi Wyn in this book, “Murder for the Time Being.” Something unthinkable happened to her family, but in the end, it changes Lexi’s life forever and introduces her to the love of her life.

In this story, both Lexi and Drew have things in their past that discourage them from seeking a lasting relationship. However, God has a plan for them both, and through His Divine engineering, they are thrown together in circumstances that nurture a growing appreciation and affection for each other.

This book was fun to write because I anchored the story in my sweet little town of Madison, Georgia. I wasn’t raised in Madison, but I’ve called it home for much longer than any other place I’ve ever lived. While growing up in the big city of Memphis, Tennessee, I had definite plans for my future. All I ever wanted was to “marry a country boy and live in the country.” The Lord heard the desires of my heart and gave me what I wanted … a country boy, born and raised here in Morgan County on a dairy farm.

After we married, I adopted Madison as my home, and I love it so much that I wanted to feature some of the fun spots in Madison as the backdrops for the scenes in my books. I hope when you read through the pages of my book, you will get an idea of what a sweet little town Madison is and enjoy reading about Lexi and Drew and how they let God guide them in discovering that murder CAN be “for the Time Being.”


Blog Stops


March 15: autism mom
March 17: A Greater Yes
March 18: Radiant Light
March 24: Pause for Tales
March 26: Carpe Diem

Giveaway


[Insert Giveaway Picture Here]

To celebrate her tour, Joanie is giving away a Kindle Fire!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

Eleanor

1985. The death of Eleanor's twin sister tears her family apart. Her father blames her mother for the accident. When Eleanor's mother looks at her, she sees only the daughter she lost. Their wounded family crumbles under the weight of their shared grief.

1993. Eleanor is fourteen years old when it happens for the first time... when she walks through an ordinary door at school and finds herself in another world. It happens again and again, but it's only a curiosity until that day at the cliffs. The day when Eleanor dives... and something rips her out of time itself.

And on the other side, someone is waiting for her.


My thoughts: This is an interesting story about grief and depression! While it is labeled as a YA title, some of the topics are pretty heavy and perhaps geared towards a more mature audience.
I like how this book starts out telling the story of two young women, one who battles with depression and feels the ocean calling to her, and the other (a couple of generations later) who loses her twin sister. Some of the trips down the rabbit hole were hard to wrap my mind around, but it all comes together in the end! This is an interesting book, and I look forward to reading more by Jason Gurley!
I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Thursday, March 9, 2017

Buried Secrets review and giveaway!


 


Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Book





Book: Buried Secrets

 



Author: Rachel J. Good

 



Genre: Amish Romance

 



Release Date: March 7, 2017

 



Overcome the past and any other obstacles that stand in the way of the future God has planned for you.



Three years after the accident that almost claimed her life, Emma Esh has recovered physically but has no memory of the year before the accident. When she moves to a new community to help her sister Lydia and brother-in-law, Caleb, prepare for the birth of twins, she falls for their neighbor Samuel.



But the twins’ premature birth, a visit from the Englischer Emma once dated, and the sudden return of her memory threaten Emma’s romance. After the secrets of her past are revealed, will love be able to overcome all obstacles?

My review: This book is hard to put down! I enjoyed the suspense right away, since Emma can't remember what happened around an accident. I love when Amish fiction has some mystery to it, since it adds a lot. This book is excellent!
I received this book from Celebrate Lit in exchange for my honest review.

About the Author




 



Inspirational author Rachel J. Good writes life-changing, heart-tugging novels of faith, hope, and forgiveness. She is the author of several Amish series in print or forthcoming – Sisters & Friends series, Love & Promises series, and two books in the Hearts of Amish Country series – as well as the Amish Quilts Coloring Books and the contemporary novella, Angels Unaware, part of the Hope Chapel series. Rachel also juggles freelance editing and illustration careers. She loves reading (of course!), traveling, and spending time with her five children and three grandchildren. Visit her at her website, Facebook, author page, Twitter, Pinterest, and Goodreads. You also can sign up for her quarterly newsletter here.



Guest Post from Rachel J. Good


Readers who have read Change of Heart, the first book in the Sisters & Friends series, will remember Emma as the wild teen who defied her family. Her older sister, Lydia, tried to prevent Emma from making mistakes during Rumschpringe, the Amish running-around time. Throughout most of the story, Lydia and Emma were at odds with each other, but in the end, the family needed to forgive Emma and show her God’s love.



In Book 2, Buried Secrets, Emma has no memory of her rebellion, so she’s devastated when she finally does remember. Then she must confront her past, learn to forgive herself, and also ask for and accept God’s forgiveness. Sometimes when we’ve done things we’re ashamed of, we struggle to believe that God can forgive what we’ve done. But God’s mercy has no limits. Emma needs to open her heart to that truth. As she does, she discovers an important lesson: Some mistakes in the past can never be undone, but God can forgive anything.



Authors often write about themes that are close to their hearts, and I’m no exception. Many times, after I write a novel, I look back and see how God directed me to tell a story containing lessons I needed to learn. In Change of Heart, Lydia discovers that judging other people or suggesting ways they can improve their lives can be a form of self-righteousness. God used my young daughter to point that out to me, but it’s a lesson that bears repeating. And as I finished the novel, I clearly saw it as a reminder not only to Lydia, but also to me.



Emma’s story also blessed me by reminding me how deep and wide God’s love is for each of us. No matter how we’ve failed, He never stops loving us, and His forgiveness is only a prayer away.



I also hope to remind readers that “all things work together for good for those that love God.” So often we expect hardship when we do God’s will, but He has promised to give us the desires of our hearts. Lydia learned in Change of Heart that God’s will was so much better than anything she could have planned, and Emma, too, comes to realize that, by trusting God to direct her life, she is blessed many times over.



Has God ever given you a desire of your heart? To enter the giveaway, share one of God’s blessings in your life. And let’s rejoice together at the many wonderful things He has done for each of us.



Book Excerpt



Emma concentrated on the plants beside her. Gardening soothed her, made her feel whole again. The spring sunshine warmed the ground and sent comforting rays through her cloak as she bent over the soft, moist earth. She lifted a seedling from its pot and inhaled the savory tomato-y aroma. Then she pinched off the lower leaves, set it in the hole, and gently bent the stem before covering it with soil.

 



Whoosh. A heavy weight slammed her backwards, smashing her head against the ground. Gasping, desperate to suck some air into her crushed lungs, Emma opened her eyes to find a furry face inches from her own. A huge mouth opened, revealing pointy white teeth. Then a wet pink tongue scraped across her cheek.



“Bolt,” a deep male voice commanded. “Off.”



A handsome stranger, black bangs hanging in front of his eyes, bent over her, his hand outstretched. “Ach, I’m so sorry. She slipped out the door again.” He clamped his other hand on the Irish setter’s collar and pulled the dog off Emma, leaving muddy paw prints across her skirt.



Still dazed, Emma lay where she’d fallen, gazing up at him, unsure whether the rapid pattering of her pulse was from her recent fright or from looking into the greenest eyes she’d ever seen.



“Are you all right?” Worry crinkled his brow.



 “I–I’ll be fine.” Ignoring the hand he’d extended, she tried to sit.



The stranger dropped to one knee beside her. “Don’t get up if you’re hurt. Is there someone I can fetch?”



“I don’t need help.” Heat flooded Emma’s cheeks when her words came out sharply. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “Please forgive me.” Then pinching her lips together, she steeled herself to sit without assistance.



“There’s nothing to forgive. I’m the one who let my dog escape.” The words were barely out of his mouth when the Irish setter twisted free and bounded off, crushing the rows of seedlings Emma had just planted.



“Oh, no!” The stranger dashed off after the dog, swerving to avoid the tomato plants the setter had crushed. Gasping for air, he made a desperate tackle, landing a few feet beyond the garden, the dog wriggling under him. With a firm grip on the Irish setter’s collar, he stood, the front of his shirt, galluses, and black pants splattered with dog hair and dirt.



Emma suppressed the urge to giggle at his sheepish expression, the clod of mud clinging to his forehead, and the panting dog struggling to jerk free of his hold.



He pinched his lips together as he studied the mess. “I’m so sorry. Let me put Bolt in the house. Then I’ll help clean up.”



“Bolt?” Had he called the dog that earlier? Emma had been too distracted to pay attention. Now she couldn’t hold in her mirth.



Rather than taking offense, the stranger glanced down with a rueful expression, then joined in her laughter. “Jah,” he said between hearty chuckles. “Short for Lightning Bolt. She zigs and zags so fast I can’t catch her sometimes.” He waved a hand toward the disaster in the garden. “Like she did here. And now look at me.”



Emma did, and her laughter ended in a sharp intake of breath. And then his eyes met hers, and she stopped breathing altogether.



I hope you’ll enjoy reading Buried Secrets as much as I enjoyed writing it!



Rachel



Blog Stops


March 9: autism mom
March 13: Bigreadersite
March 15: Carpe Diem
March 16: Splashes of Joy
March 20: A Greater Yes

Giveaway


[Insert Giveaway Picture Here]

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away a full box of Whoopie Pies freshly baked for you from a bakery in Amish country, along with copies of Angels Unaware, the brand new Amish Words and Proverbs Coloring Book and Amish Quilts Coloring Book #1 (Large Print Edition), an autographed copy of Change of Heart, and an Amish cookbook!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

Home to Paradise


Rose Anna Zook has watched her two older sisters marry two Stoltzfus men and has always thought she and John, the third Stoltzfus brother, would marry, make a home together, and have children. But John has other ideas. He's enjoying his Rumschpringe in the Englisch world a little too much and isn't interested in returning to the Amish community--especially to marry.
Rose Anna is determined to bring her man back into the Amish fold. John is equally determined to live his life free and unencumbered. Who will win this battle of wills? Will love prevail?

My thoughts: I need to go back and read the first two books in order to enjoy this one more fully! It is a delightful story of the last Zook sister waiting for her beloved to come back to their Amish world, so they can marry. But, John doesn't feel like he has enough to offer. This is a lovely story.
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Open When


Happiness expert Karen Salmansohn presents a unique interactive book that invites readers to literally open letters of encouragement, wit, and wisdom whenever they need a boost.

Inspired by the trend of "open when" letters sweeping the nation, Instant Happy author Karen Salmansohn has created a bound collection of 12 notes for readers to flip open whenever they need a pep talk. With categories like "Open when you need a laugh," "Open when you're feeling stressed out," and "Open when you need courage," these little happiness-boosters are based on Salmansohn's viral posters that combine witty sayings with colorful graphics.

My thoughts: I was thrilled to receive this book in the mail, since I love all things letter related: fun stationery, cards, handwritten notes, cheery drawings, etc. So, a book with letters to open when you are feeling a certain emotion sounds like just the thing I need when I am down! This book is delightful and would make a wonderful gift to someone who needs cheering up. I love how different it is. The messages are a lot of fun too.;) I had to read them all at once, but it would be fun to save them as a surprise for when one is feeling down, so you can be surprised by happiness.;)
I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Home at Last


Why did their differences matter so much?

Link Whitman has settled into the role of bachelor without ever intending to. Now he’s stuck in a dead-end job and, as the next Whitman wedding fast approaches, he is the last one standing. The pressure from his sisters’ efforts to play matchmaker is getting hard to bear as Link pulls extra shifts at work, and helps his parents at the Chicory Inn.

All her life, Shayla Michaels has felt as if she straddled two worlds. Her mother’s white family labeled her African American father with names Shayla didn’t repeat in polite–well, in any company. Her father’s family disapproved as well, though they eventually embraced Shayla as their own. After the death of her mother, and her brother Jerry’s incarceration, life has left Shayla’s father bitter, her niece, Portia, an orphan, and Shayla responsible for them all. She knows God loves them all, but why couldn’t people accept each other for what was on the inside? For their hearts?

Everything changes one icy morning when a child runs into the street and Link nearly hits her with his pickup. Soon he is falling in love with the little girl’s aunt, Shayla, the beautiful woman who runs Coffee’s On, the bakery in Langhorne. Can Shayla and Link overcome society’s view of their differences and find true love? Is there hope of changing the sometimes-ugly world around them into something better for them all?

My thoughts: It was with a bit of sadness that I started this book, since I knew it would be the last story about the Whitman family and their Chicory Inn. I have to say though, while I enjoyed the previous stories, I think the best two were the last two! (though, that could be due to my having just read them! They are all excellent) I appreciate that, with each story, there are issues tackled and victories won. I like that this one tackled interracial relationships and how events of the past few years have affected them. This is a beautiful story that I highly recommend!
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

Murder on the Moor review and Giveaway


 


Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Book




 



Book: Murder on the MOOR, A Drew Farthering Mystery

 



Author: Julianna Deering

 



Genre: Historical Mystery

 



Release Date: February 2017



At the urgent request of an old school friend, Drew and Madeline Farthering come to Bloodworth Park Lodge in the midst of the Yorkshire moors, a place as moody and mysterious as a Brontë hero. There have been several worrisome incidents around those lonesome rolling hills–property desecrated, fires started, sheep and cattle scattered. Worst of all, the vicar has been found dead on the steps of the church, a crime for which Drew can discern no motive at all.



Few in the town of Bunting’s Nest seem like suspects, and Drew can’t keep his suspicions from falling on his friend’s new bride. Do her affections lie more with her husband’s money and estate, while her romantic interests stray to their fiery Welsh gamekeeper? As the danger grows ever closer, it’s up to Drew to look past his own prejudices, determine what’s really going on, and find the killer before it’s too late.

My thoughts: I enjoy this series immensely, since it is a fun set of mysteries that is just enjoyable! I really like the time period it is set in, England in the 1920-1930's. The characters are interesting, as they develop over the course of the series. I liked the themes in this one and the chance to visit the Moors through it.;) I would love to go in person someday!
After I started this one, I realized that I missed the 4th one, which I will have to remedy.
I highly recommend this delightful mystery!
I received this book through Celebrate Lit in exchange for my honest review.


About the Author






Julianna Deering is the creator of the acclaimed Drew Farthering Mystery series. She has always loved British history and is a particular fan of the writings of Dorothy Sayers and Agatha Christie. She graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a degree in business administration and spent several years as a Certified Public Accountant. She lives outside Dallas, Texas. For more information visit www.juliannadeering.com.



Blog Stops


March 11: Book by Book
March 12: Radiant Light
March 12: Bigreadersite
March 13: Carpe Diem
March 14: Pause for Tales
March 15: Baker Kella

Giveaway


[Insert Giveaway Picture Here]

To celebrate her tour, Julianna is giving away a set of the A Drew Farthering Mystery (5 Book Series)!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4664b0499

The Elusive Miss Ellison


Pride, prejudice and forgiveness...
Hampton Hall's new owner has the villagers of St. Hampton Heath all aflutter--all except Lavinia Ellison. The reverend's daughter cares for those who are poor and sick, and the seventh Earl of Hawkesbury definitely does not meet that criteria. His refusal to take his responsibilities seriously, or even darken the door of the church, leave her convinced he is as arrogant and reckless as his brother--his brother who stole the most important person in Lavinia's world.

Nicholas Stamford is shadowed by guilt: his own, his brother's, the legacy of war. A perfunctory visit to this dreary part of Gloucestershire wasn't supposed to engage his heart, or his mind. Challenged by Miss Ellison's fascinating blend of Bluestocking opinions, hoydenish behavior, and angelic voice, he finds the impossible becoming possible--he begins to care. But Lavinia's aloof manner, society's opposition and his ancestral obligations prove most frustrating, until scandal forces them to get along.

Can Lavinia and Nicholas look beyond painful pasts and present prejudice to see their future? And what will happen when Lavinia learns a family secret that alters everything she's ever known?

My thoughts: It seems like I pick up Regency style novels with nervous excitement. Will this be a delightful read? Or will it be another author trying (and failing, since they aren't the real McCoy) to one up Austen? I was excited to receive this book in the mail for those reasons.
Thankfully, this book wound up being delightful. I enjoyed the characters and their verbal sparing. I love that Lavinia is a not an insipid character.;) I also delighted in the surprises of the story. I highly recommend this one!
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Tightropes and Teeter-totters


Do you wonder if you will ever find balance?

Lisa Pennington knows how to get up after losing her balance, even with a full house, a not-so-full bank account, and never enough energy. In her latest book, she offers readers:

—Strategies for finding balance in marriage, motherhood, and bad moods
—Playful yet biblically based tips for turning hard days around
—Inspiration for shaping obstacles into opportunities
—Ways to respond to irritations with gratitude
—Enthusiastic encouragement for living out God’s purpose.

For every woman who wonders if her satisfaction in life will ever match her dreams, Pennington has real-life answers full of hope and humor.

My thoughts: I very much enjoyed this book! The other does a wonderful job of making the reader feel like this is a chat between friends. She is hilarious as she shares about discovering balance in your life. I love that she is in the same journey as well, which makes it even easier to relate to her and enjoy this book. Whether you are looking to balance your life in the area of finances, being a wife or mom, or friendships, along with a myriad of other topics, this book is an excellent one to pick up.
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my review.

Murder on the Moor Spotlight


Mystery Awaits on the Mysterious Yorkshire Moors
At the urgent request of an old school friend, Drew and Madeline Farthering come to Bloodworth Park Lodge in the midst of the Yorkshire moors, a place as moody and mysterious as a BrontE hero. There have been several worrisome incidents out on the moor--property destroyed, fires started, sheep and cattle scattered--and worst of all, the vicar has been found dead on the steps of the church.
Drew's friend is obviously smitten with his bride of eight months, though it's hard to imagine what she sees in the awkward man. Drew can't help wondering if her affections lie more with the man's money and estate, while her romantic interests focus on their fiery Welsh gamekeeper. As the danger grows ever closer, it's up to Drew to look past his own prejudices, determine what is really going on, and find the killer before it's too late.

I'm set to review this book for Celebrate Lit, so be sure to watch for a review and giveaway!