Sunday, March 31, 2019

Justice Delivered


Carly Smith came by her trust issues honestly. A victim of sex trafficking, she's been at the mercy of merciless men, ignored by law enforcement officers who should have helped her, and seemingly rejected by her family. She can't even trust herself to do the right thing. Though she escaped her captors and is working hard on building a new life, the past continues to haunt her when she discovers that the man she couldn't bring herself to report to police for fear of reliving her captivity is still out there, luring vulnerable girls under the guise of being a modeling agent.

When her own niece is kidnapped, Carly must overcome her fears and come forward with the information she has before it's too late. When that proves to be not enough, she'll have to go after the perpetrators herself.

Award-winning author Patricia Bradley keeps the suspense taut and the stakes high in this fast-paced story that will have readers turning pages long into the night.

My thoughts: This book was hard to put down! Well written and fast paced, I loved the story of Carly Smith as she sought to leave the fear from her past behind so she could help others not have to go down the same road. This book has some triggers, since Carly escapes sex trafficking at the beginning of the book, and the whole book has that shadow. That said, it is handled well and is a great reminder for young girls not to be so trusting. There is a lot of action and suspense with this story! This is an excellent mystery to pick up and enjoy!
I received this book from the publisher. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.

Purchase a copy:

The Edge of Over There


Before the Tree of Life, everything in Abra Miller's life had been predictable. But after the Tree and the lightning and the angels, everything felt tenuous, like holding a soap bubble in the palm of her hand. She spent years looking for signs of that other world, waiting for it to break through. When it didn't, her friendship with Sam Chambers grew cold and distant, and they both wondered how any of it could actually have happened.

Four years later, 16-year-old Abra's long-delayed quest to find the next manifestation of the Tree of Life is renewed when she sees a woman walking up the road--a woman who looks exactly like Sam's dead mother. The woman directs her to New Orleans where she will find the grave of Marie Laveau, one of seven gateways between this world and Over There. As Abra enters The Edge of Over There and begins her pursuit of the Tree once more, she doesn't know whom to fear or whom to trust. But she's starting to think that some doorways should never be opened.

My thoughts:
The writing on this story is solid and I found that there is a lot going on with it, but I had didn't care for some of the theology in the story line. Some of the elements of the story were almost to out there for me. I know that fans of Madeline L'Engle will appreciate this story though, since it is reminiscent of some of her books.
I received this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Purchase a copy:

This post contains affiliate links.

Driftwood Bay


After tragedy upends her world, Jeannette Mason retreats to the tiny Oregon seaside town of Hope Harbor to create a new life. Vowing to avoid emotional attachments, she focuses on running her lavender farm and tea-room--until a new neighbor with a destructive dog and a forlorn little girl invades her turf. But she needn't worry. Dr. Logan West is too busy coping with an unexpected family, a radical lifestyle change, and an unruly pup to have any interest in his aloof and disagreeable neighbor.

Yet when both Jeanette and Logan find themselves pulled into the life of a tattered Christian family fleeing persecution in war-torn Syria, might they discover that love sometimes comes calling when it's least expected?

Bestselling and award-winning author Irene Hannon invites readers back to the charming seaside town of Hope Harbor, where they are sure to find peace, healing, and a second chance at happiness.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this book and the chance to return to Hope Harbor. I loved getting to know Jeanette and Logan, as they both had their grief from going through difficult situations and losing loved ones. I also enjoyed that the characters from the pervious stories are in this one as well. I feel like, for that reason, it is best to read the whole series so you appreciate all the characters.
A bit more slow moving then the previous stories, Driftwood Bay is still a delightful story.
I received this book from Revell. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.


Purchase a copy:
This post contains affiliate links.

Saturday, March 30, 2019

Dead Letters Review and Giveaway!


For the first time, Madeline has permission to meddle.

Something's not adding up in the Wintherwood, Ohio bank, and Madeline's there to figure out why.

Sent by the Rockland Pinkerton’s office to investigate shady banking practices, Madeline finally has the opportunity to try out all her developing detective skills. From her new disguise to an assumed persona, complete with non-existent fiancĂ©, Madeline takes on embezzlement in Wintherwood, Ohio.

Now, to find the culprit and get back to Rockland before Amy arrives, before Mrs. Barnes gets any sicker, and before Russell writes her off as a hopeless, heartless girl.

As Madeline figures out what’s happening, even Mr. Flint begins to lose confidence in her. How will she prove who is taking the money and why–especially after her primary suspect ends up dead?

Dead Letter is the fourth book in the Meddlin’ Madeline series.

My thoughts: Meddlin' Madeline is back, in this new adventure where she is encouraged to use her meddling to help those she cares for. Madeline is such a fun character and I enjoyed her as she donned her disguise and sought the answers to the mystery. This is a delightful series that has been a lot of fun to read. I highly recommend it for those who like historical fiction, a good mystery, and engaging characters.
I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.


Purchase a copy:

This post contains affiliate links.

About the Author:
Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her on the web and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

Guest post from Chautona:
3 Reasons You’ll Love the Book and Hate Me
“This is book four, right?”
I nodded.
He looked at me with those eyes that conjure up the idea of puppy dogs begging for treats. So deceptive. “You’re going to have to up the stakes then.”
“Well, this is the one where she goes into official active detective mode and decides if she even wants that kind of life.”
“Not enough.”
He was right and I knew it. Fortunately, I’d prepared for this moment. You see, I know him well. He’s a horror writer. He likes to torment in ways that make my worst meannesses seem petty (like the time I suggested killing off Chad in Past Forward—trust me. That was kind compared to his ideas).
So, I pulled out my bigger gun and plopped it on the table. I added ammunition. And grinned.
Look, you guys are going to hate me for it, but trust me. It needs to be done. You’ll forgive me… eventually. Maybe. I hope.
Then he did it. He gave me that look. No, not the, “Yeah, baby!” look you want to see when you’ve hit a hole in one. The, “Is that all you’ve got?” look.
The work began. He suggested one thing. I toned it back. He looked like that puppy again—except this time I’d kicked him. Bless his heart, he does love his horror.
Still, he whistled his way out the door a short while later, and I grinned. Compromise is beautiful. But what does that mean for YOU?
3 Reasons You’ll Love the Book and Hate Me
First—
Love the book: Madeline as Jane Sempleton is a hoot. She cracked me up from the beginning, and I’m still chuckling.
Hate me: Madeline’s faith and integrity are tested in this one—exponentially. Without giving away too much, her father even rebukes her!!!
Second—
Love the book: Mrs. Barnes is such a sweet mentor to Madeline
Hate me: Mrs. Barnes. That’s all I’m sayin’. Mrs. Barnes.
Third—
Love the book: Snippets of the heart get revealed.
Hate me: Russell. That’s all I’m sayin’. Russell.
So, there you have it. All the reasons you should read this book… and remember that the series isn’t over. Not by a long shot. It’s darkest before dawn. And um… a whole bunch of other clichĂ©s.

For a complete list of blog stops, go here.

Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away a grand prize of a paperback copy of Dead Letter, a Madeline-inspired book cozy, and a book-themed candle!! This one is a fun one.;) Enter here!

Friday, March 29, 2019

Put on Your PJ's, Piggies!


It's pj time at Bedtime Barn, but the piggies want to keep playing! Get your little ones ready for bed with Put on Your PJs, Piggies!, a giggle-inducing story that will convince even the most stubborn bedtime resisters to cuddle up for sleepy time. Children will love the sweet artwork, silly characters, and sparkly glitter on the barn-shaped cover.
The playful pigs in Bedtime Barn don't want to go to sleep! Will they ever put on their pjs and settle in?
"I want to play!" squeals the littlest pig.
"The sun's still shining bright!"
"Let’s have a chase!" one pig cries out.
"We'll never say good night!"
Put on your pjs, Piggies!
If your little ones insist they aren't sleepy, make bedtime more fun by curling up with this playful story. Once the playful pigs hit the hay, your sleepyheads will realize that bedtime isn't so bad after all.

My thoughts: This is such a fun bedtime story! My kids and I are enjoying it tremendously. Their only complaint is that it is kind of a touch and feel, but doesn't have touch and feel in the actual book, just some of the cover. We were expecting this one to be touch and feel. That said, it is still a new favorite bedtime story that is darling, with it's lyrical text and cute illustrations. This one is bound to delight the young readers/listners in your life!
I received this book from Booklook Bloggers. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.


This post contains affiliate links.

Thursday, March 28, 2019

Claire at Edisto and The Interlude

Take your Pick blog & review tour


Welcome to the Blog & Review Tour, plus Giveaway, for two books by Lin Stepp - The Interlude and Claire at Edisto, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!



With Spring Break upon us, author Lin Stepp wants to know: Where do you love to go on vacation - the mountains or the sea? Don't worry - she's got a book for you, no matter what you decide! Both books release on April 2, 2019, so pack your virtual bags and head to the destination of your choice. And the beauty of travel-by-novel is... you can easily visit both!




ABOUT THE BOOKS
Claire at Edisto:
Standing in grief and shock at the grave of her young husband, Claire Avery wonders what she and her young daughters will do now. They live in the church parsonage they need to vacate. She hasn't worked since her marriage twelve years ago. Old issues and complications hinder relationships with her family. Struggling for answers, Claire accepts her brother-in-law's offer to stay at his beach house at Edisto to give her a season to heal and think. But even the peace and beauty of the coastal island bring new problems along with unexpected joys as Claire seeks to find her way.
Parker Avery always promised his brother Charles he would look after Claire if anything happened to him. Charles stood by him three years ago when his wife Ann died and Parker is determined now to be a help to Claire and the girls. As time passes, instead of feeling like a hero, he feels like a heel instead as he realizes he's developing feelings for his own brother's widow. To make things worse, he watches with pain and jealousy as Miles Lawrence waltzes into Claire's life. What can he expect though? It hardly seems right that Claire, even after a season of mourning, would ever fall in love with her own brother-in-law.

The Interlude:
Too much work, too much pressure, and too much heartache can lead even a strong young woman like Mallory Wingate to the edge of a nervous breakdown. Now her doctor and employer have insisted she take a space to heal and rest, so like it or not, she's heading to her grandparents' resort in the Smoky Mountains. Hoping to sleep and rest on the flight home, Mallory is entertained instead by and unexpectedly charismatic stranger, making her forget many of her problems and even making her feel deliciously female again.
Lucas James, flying home from a pro golfing event, hadn't expected to enjoy and interlude of flirting with a pretty stranger on the plane. A stranger he never expected to see again but turns out to be the granddaughter of his boss at the Millhouse Resort. Worse, he quickly learns she's passed through a recent history of emotional problems that remind him all too painfully of his past wife. The last thing Lucas wants is to get involved with anyone like Cecily again. Surely it won't be too hard to keep his distance while Mallory is at the resort.

My thoughts: Claire of Edisto was a beautiful story of a love lost, a beautiful island filled with history, and a love found. I enjoyed the characters and their journeys. I was glad to read that there will be more books in the series that will cover the stories of Claire's daughters, once they are grown. This is the first book I had read by Lin, and I was blown away by the depth of the story and the characters. I look forward to reading the others in the series!

The Interlude is a very different story, though no less beautiful. I enjoyed getting to know Mallory and Lucas, with their individual struggles and triumphs. There is also a fair bit of mystery with this story, which I always enjoy. The mysteries really kept the story moving forward! Lin is an excellent writer and I've enjoyed these two titles tremendously.
I received these books from Just Read tours. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.

Purchase a copy:



ABOUT THE AUTHOR



Lin Stepp is a native Tennessean, businesswoman and educator. A New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Amazon best-selling international author, Lin now has sixteen published books, including her twelve beloved Smoky Mountain novels set in different locations of the Tennessee and North Carolina mountains, as well as a Smoky Mountain novella in one of Kensington’s Christmas anthologies. In addition, Lin’s first novel in a new Edisto Trilogy recently released, set on the South Carolina coast. Lin and her husband also write regional guidebooks, including a Smoky Mountain hiking guide and a Tennessee state parks book. Stepp’s latest 2019 releases are The Interlude, set in the Greenbrier and Pittman Center of the Great Smoky Mountains and Claire at Edisto set at Edisto Beach, South Carolina. Lin enjoys keeping up with her readers on Facebook, Twitter, and through her monthly blog on her website at: www.linstepp.com
 



CONNECT WITH LIN: website | Facebook | Twitter




take your pick giveaway


TOUR GIVEAWAY



(1) winner will win:


  • your choice of The Interlude OR Claire at Edisto (print, US only)
  • $10 Amazon gift card
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight March 24, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm March 31, 2019. Void where prohibited by law. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.



Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.




Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

cropped-justread-logo.png

Which do you like best - the mountains or the sea?

The Sleuth's Dilemma Blitz!

The Sleuth's Dilemma blog blitz


Welcome to the Blog Blitz and Giveaway for The Sleuth's Dilemma by Kimberly Rose Johnson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!



ABOUT THE BOOK

the sleuth's dilemmaTitle: The Sleuth's Dilemma

Series: The Librarian Sleuth #2
 

Author: Kimberly Rose Johnson
 

Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink
 

Genre: Cozy Mystery
 

Release Date: February 1, 2019

 



Anna loves her job as a high school English teacher until everything goes sideways. The one bright spot in her life is Titus Gains, the school counselor, who is there for her at every turn.



Titus’ boss complicates his ordered world when she tasks him with running a meeting that changes everything. How had he not noticed Anna earlier? Someone is out to destroy her, and he can’t let that happen.



As the head of the English department, part of Luke Harms’ job is to make sure everything runs smoothly. Things went haywire when Anna was put in charge of the big writing contest. Entries are missing, Anna appears to be in danger, and her job is on the line. Luke is investigating and wants to make things right for this woman he’s starting to care about.



Can a trio of school officials along with Nancy Daley, the town sleuth, stop the saboteur before it’s too late? And will Anna choose the right man, or lose them both?

 



PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository




ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kimberly Rose Johnson


Award winning author Kimberly Rose Johnson married her college sweetheart and lives in the Pacific Northwest. From a young child Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She especially loves romance and writes contemporary romance and romantic mystery that warms the heart and feeds the soul.



Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.



You can sign up for Kimberly's newsletter via her website at: https://kimberlyrjohnson.com/

 



CONNECT WITH KIMBERLY: website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | BookBub




the sleuth's dilemma giveaway


TOUR GIVEAWAY



(1) winner will win:


  • $15 Amazon gift card
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight March 26, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm April 2, 2019. Open internationally as long as winner can accept gift card from US Amazon. Void where prohibited by law. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.



Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.




Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

cropped-justread-logo.png

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Her Colorado Cowboy

Banner_HerColoradoCowboy_BlogJR


Welcome to the Blog Tour and Giveaway for Her Colorado Cowboy by Mindy Obenhaus, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!



ABOUT THE BOOK

9781488042782(1)Title: Her Colorado Cowboy
 

Series: Rocky Mountain Heroes, Book 3
 

Author: Mindy Obenhaus
 

Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired
 

Genre: Contemporary Romance
 

Release Date: March 19, 2019

 



Lassoing the single mom’s heart…

A Rocky Mountain Heroes story



Socialite Lily Davis agrees to take her children riding…despite her fear of horses.



But now widowed cowboy Noah Stephens is determined to help her get comfortable in the saddle. And, at her children’s insistence, Lily finds herself promoting his rodeo school.



As Noah and Lily work together, will Noah continue to shield his heart…or can they discover a love that conquers both their fears?

My thoughts: This story was a heartwarming tale of two people working through heartache and meeting one another on the other side. I loved the characters, as they developed and got to know each other. I also enjoyed the children and the element that they add to this story. This series works well together or can stand alone, though I personally was left with wanting to know more about the Stephens family and reading each of their stories. This is a wonderful read!
I received this book from Just Read Tours. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.

 



LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository | Christian Book | iTunes




ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mindy-35




It took Mindy Obenhaus forty years to figure out what she wanted to do when she grew up, but once God called her to write, she never looked back. A three-time Carol Award finalist, Mindy is passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her grandchildren at her Texas ranch.

 



CONNECT: website | facebook | twitter | pinterest | goodreads | bookbub




her colorado cowboy blog giveaway


TOUR GIVEAWAY



(1) winner will win:


  • a signed copy of Her Colorado Cowboy
  • $15 Amazon gift card
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight March 25, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm April 1, 2019. US only. Void where prohibited by law. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.



Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.




Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
cropped-justread-logo.png

An Unpresentable Glory Review and Giveaway!


“Overflows with faith and an admirable message of redemption.”—Publishers Weekly
“A story our weary world desperately needs . . . An intense and personal exploration of one woman’s journey of faith and the struggle to follow God’s leading in this modern world of ours.”
Rachel L. Miller, co-author of the bestselling Windy Gap Wishes series

“I trusted you, and some day, you may know just how much you hold in your hands.”
Linda Jensen leads a relatively quiet life in Westchester County, New York, as the owner of a highly-acclaimed garden. Inherited from her parents, the garden is her pride and joy. What is not so joyful is finding a strange man sprawled near her delphiniums! The mysterious man is sick, unable to do anything more than drink water—and beg for secrecy. Ignoring all alarm bells, Linda sees to his needs, but her caring act takes on unexpected significance, an unpresentable glory.
Seeds of trust, and perhaps love, are planted in Linda’s garden haven. But as secrets are revealed and scandal hits the headlines, the act of caring for this man threatens to tarnish both of their reputations.
Like weeds in Linda’s garden, circumstances threaten to choke out their fledgling relationship, and small moments prove to be the biggest influencers—on a national scale.
Endorsements
“An Unpresentable Glory is a spiritual pilgrimage, a fairy tale, and a mystery all in one, but most of all it is a story about the unexpected miracles that come when you give of yourself for someone else. Eleanor Gustafson writes with humor and heart.”
Sara Goff, author of I Always Cry at Weddings
“Gustafson’s literary treatment of a theme of redemption and restoration is set in a literal garden of delights. It is both a parable and a provocative contemporary story, crafted by a writer who is skilled, precise, and imaginative in her use of words.”
Latayne C. Scott, award-winning author of A Conspiracy of Breath and Latter-day Cipher
“What an awesome and lyrical tale! Unexpected love and new life after loss, the power of forgiveness and sacrifice—Eleanor Gustafson’s beautiful new story will have you pondering the
nature of God’s love and service long after you close the book.”
Amy Deardon, author of A Lever Long Enough
“Ms. Gustafson keeps the reader moving at a steady clip with deeply drawn characters and situations rich in detail, bursting with heart and life. The book is a near tour de force, and should add a well-deserved feather to this author’s cap! Highly recommended.”
Linore Rose Burkard, author of historical romance and YA suspense
“An Unpresentable Glory is an unusual and compelling story. I quickly became engrossed in the storylines following the lives of the two main characters. Not only did I wonder—and sometimes fret—about what would happen to them next, I couldn’t keep from guessing how—or whether—things would ever work out right. To my delight, not only was the ending extremely satisfying, it was filled with surprises galore.
“Ellie Gustafson handles the Christian elements lovingly, biblically, and realistically. And the strong presence of Native American and Latino characters and the extremely knowledgeable references to flowers and gardening help to make An Unpresentable Glory a potentially award-winning novel.”
Roger E. Bruner, author of Rosa No-Name, three quirky romantic novels, and the young adult Altered Hearts series

My thoughts: This story started off with a bit of mystery at the beginning, which sucked me in. I enjoyed getting to know the characters as they grew in their stories and closer to one another. This has a lot going for it and a lot going on, making it hard to put down. I thought that the author did a great job of keeping the story moving forward.
I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.

Purchase a copy:

This post contains affiliate links.

About the Author:
Ellie grew up in Branchville NJ, in a county with more cows than people. She attended Wheaton College in Illinois as a music major, then married a pastor/college professor/tree farmer/organist and writer. Together, they have three children and eight grandchildren.
Music was Ellie’s first love until she tried on the cloak of writing and found it a comfortable fit. However, early writing attempts saw friends—and even her mother—advising her to stick to music as a career. She pushed manfully along, though, and An Unpresentable Glory is her sixth novel.
“God first touched me through story,” Ellie says, “and made the bigger Story come alive. I love Him passionately!”

Guest post from the Ellie:
What’s An Unpresentable Glory about? Here’s Linda’s point of view: Linda Jensen, a noted gardener, finds a stranger sprawled near her delphiniums, obviously ill. She gets him into her house and puts him to bed, deciding that water is the only safe thing to give him. Water in, however, must come out. He is helpless; she must serve him; but in doing this unpresentable task, she feels the presence of angels. [See the book Preface for my personal experience with this.]

Jay’s point of view: Jay finds himself ill and helpless on the lawn of a wealthy but caring gardener. He can’t even reveal his real name. When he leaves at week’s end, he sees the relationship as hopeless because of who he is and enormous repercussions if the hidden week comes to light. Tragedy and disaster haunt him, but a dual set of mentors leads him through churning waters. Will he ever get back to the garden?
* * *
Linda’s sun tea was “mostly Darjeeling with lemon and a sprig of mint.” After reading her description, I tried it and found it tasty, indeed!

For a complete list of the blog stops, please go here.

Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Ellie is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Butpee Flower gift card!! A perfect companion to Spring and this book! Go here to enter.

Monday, March 25, 2019

Take Ten: Audio books I have enjoyed or am interested in

Per usual, if you are interested in learning more about the book, click on the photo to go to Amazon. This post contains affiliate links, so thank you for supporting my hobby.;)

1. Seeking Allah Finding Jesus

This one is amazing! It challenges the reader to think about their beliefs, whatever their walk of life may be.

2. The Giver

I missed this book when I was growing up, so I listened to it recently. I was a bit surprised at some of the mature themes.

3. The Zookeeper's Wife

Has anyone read this book? I thought it looked interesting, so it's one that I have on my hold list.

4. The Read Aloud Family

This is another one that I have on my hold list.

5. Educated

Another one I keep hearing about.;)

6. It's Not Supposed to Be this Way


7. Uninvited


8. Gathering Blue

What do you all think of the other books in the Giver series?

9. Boundaries


10. Parenting Your Powerful Child


Apparently I need more fiction on my list.;) What audio books would you recommend?