Thursday, May 29, 2014

All of my Belongings By Cynthia Ruchti


A new identity can’t protect Becca from a past that refuses to go away. Where do you turn when changing your name doesn’t give you the anonymity you want? When running hundreds of miles away isn’t far enough? When your search for a place to belong lands you right back where you began? One phone call destroys all the hope Becca Morrow has for a life beyond the shame of her past. Further discredited by the death of her elderly, ailing patient—the mother of the influential businessman, Isaac Hughes—Becca’s new life is shattered and her longing for love slips away. Working to clear her name, Becca must learn to see the beauty in the ugliness of dying, to accept the tenderness in forgiveness, and—at last—discover that where she belongs isn’t as much about her family history as it is about her faith in the One to whom she’ll always belong.

Pick up your copy here
 
 
Taking multi-tasking to new heights (or depths, depending on your perspective), Cynthia Ruchti is the author of recent releases "When the Morning Glory Blooms" (novel) and "Ragged Hope: Surviving the Fallout of Other People's Choices" (nonfiction). She makes potato corn chowder for her husband of 41 years, loves on her three kids and five grandchildren, recently retired from 33 years of writing and producing a daily radio broadcast called THE HEARTBEAT OF THE HOME, writes devotionals for TheChristianPulse.com, is past president of the 2,700-member American Christian Fiction Writers and now serves as ACFW's Professional Relations Liaison, all while working on more book projects in addition to the six already on the shelves. The year 2010 saw the release of her debut novel--"They Almost Always Come Home" by Abingdon Press (a Carol Award finalist)--and a Christmas collection novella, "The Heart's Harbor" in A Door County Christmas, a Family Fiction Reader's Choice, by Barbour Publishing. "His Grace is Sufficient...Decaf is Not," released Nov 1, 2011. Another novella collection--"Cedar Creek Seasons" (Barbour) released in spring of 2012. "When the Morning Glory Blooms" (April 2013) will be followed by "All My Belongings" (2014, also from Abingdon Press). She writes stories of Hope-that-glows-in-the-dark, but she gave up knitting, counted cross-stitch, sewing her own clothes, naps, and dusting baseboards a long time ago. You can find her at www.cynthiaruchti.com, at www.facebook.com/cynthiaruchtireaderpage, or in the kitchen, brewing herself another cup of tea.
 
 
Did I cry? Yes I sure did. And I enjoyed every minute of this book.
Ruchti has written another Binge book that I fell in love with.
Very emotional but so worth the read.
I loved Becca so much I never put the book down once I opened it up until I finished the last page.
The scripture that is mixed in this book is in all the right places it was fantastic.
Forgiveness is one word to describe this book.
I gave this book 5 stars and I recommend this book.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

A Season of Change By Lynette Sowell



Can a past filled with loss lead to a new season of life? Stranded at a Sarasota hospital at the bedside of his ailing daughter, Amish widower Jacob Miller is wary of his unfamiliar surroundings—including the strange curiosity of Englischer Natalie Bennett. Natalie, an aerial silks artist whose career in the circus ended before it began, has just uncovered a secret her mother kept hidden for years. Her mom—or rather, mamm—was once Amish. A hundred questions suddenly surface. Why did Natalie’s mother keep this secret for so long? Does Natalie still have Amish relatives? How can she learn more about her heritage? Can Jacob trust Natalie’s piqued interest in his family and their simple ways, or will their clashing cultures thwart their hopes for finding the love of a family?

Pick up your copy here



Lynette Sowell is the award-winning author of over one dozen titles for Barbour Publishing. In 2009, Lynette was voted one of the favorite new authors by Heartsong Presents book club readers. Her historical romance, All That Glitters, was a finalist in ACFW's 2010 Carol Awards. When Lynette's not writing, she divides her time between editing medical reports and chasing down news stories for the Copperas Cove Leader-Press. Lynette was born in Massachusetts, raised on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, but makes her home on the doorstep of the Texas hill country with her husband and a herd of cats who have them well-trained. She loves reading, cooking, watching movies, and is always up for a Texas road trip.
You can find Lynette at her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/lynettesowellauthor

 
I LOVED THIS BOOK!
What a fresh voice in the Amish fiction genre. Amish romance at it's best.
Two different worlds wove together like nothing I have every read before.
Sowell has written an Amish story like no other. I could not put this book once I  opened it and started reading.
I fell in love with Natalie and Jacob. I could not wait to see how their story would end.
Jacobs kids were so easy to love as well.
I can not wait for Sowell's next book in the Seasons of Pinecraft series.
I gave this book 5 stars. I highly recommend this book and this author.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

50 Things you need to know about Heaven By Dr. John Hart GIVEAWAY!


Answers to Your Questions About HeavenWe all want to know what happens after we die. Will we go to heaven? What will we do there? Will we see our loved ones? It turns out the Bible is filled with answers to your most important questions, explaining what heaven looks like, who will be there, and how to get there in the first place. In this book you will find clear explanations of these passages, giving you an honest and beautiful picture of our eternal home.Find comfort and peace in the truth about heaven.




Pick up your copy here



Dr. John Hart (ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary; ThD, Grace Theological Seminary) is Professor of Bible at Moody Bible Institute, and he is the author of Demonology and the Mission Field. Dr. Hart lives in Valparaiso, Indiana
 
This books has 50 questions and the author gives you Bible based answers and shares scripture in each chapter.
If you have questions about heaven then this book is a good one for you.
It is easy to read and follow along with your Bible.
I gave this book 4 stars.
I recommend this book.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Somebody Like You By Beth Vogt

Can a young widow find love again with her husband’s reflection?
Haley’s three-year marriage to Sam, an army medic, ends tragically when he’s killed in Afghanistan. Her attempts to create a new life for herself are ambushed when she arrives home one evening—and finds her husband waiting for her. Did the military make an unimaginable mistake when they told her Sam was killed?
Too late to make things right with his estranged twin brother, Stephen discovers Sam never told Haley about him. As Haley and Stephen navigate their fragile relation­ship, they are inexorably drawn to each other. How can they honor the memory of a man whose death brought them together—and whose ghost could drive them apart?
Somebody Like You is a beautifully rendered, affecting novel, reminding us that while we can’t change the past, we have the choice to change the future and start anew.

Pick up your copy here
 
 
Novelist Beth K. Vogt is a nonfiction author and editor who said she'd never write fiction. She's the wife of an Air Force physician (now in solo practice) who said she'd never marry a doctor -- or anyone in the military. She's a mom of four who said she'd never have kids. She's discovered that God's best often waits behind the doors marked "Never." Beth writes inspirational contemporary romance because she believes there's more to the happily ever after than the fairy tales tell us. She lives in Colorado with her husband and their 10-year-old "caboose kiddo." She and her husband enjoy any time their adult children come by for game nights, BBQs or just to hang out.
 
 
For an author who said she would never write fiction this is a fantastic book. We readers sure would have missed out had she not wrote her first fiction book.
Great characters, mirror twins what's not to love. The storyline was one you are sure not to forget for a long time.
Stephen was the best he would not take no for an answer even after having a gun pulled on him, oh yes you mast get a copy of this book and read all about that.
I could not put this book down I stayed up half the night reading it. It is a binge book for sure.
I gave this book 5 stars two times.
I highly recommend this book.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Monday, May 26, 2014

Rumspringa's Hope By Beth Shriver



Torn between the affections of two men, will Emma's time away from home help her choose?
Although promised to the widowed neighbor Zeb, Emma is considering leaving her Amish community to watch over her younger brother Mark when he leaves for Philadelphia to explore the outside world during his Rumspringa.   There, she reconnects with her former beau Caleb, who protects the Amish teens, introducing them to his life evangelizing and helping the homeless. Unbeknownst to Emma, Caleb is glad for the opportunity to spend time with her and hopes to win her back.   Struck by the power of evangelism and outreach, Emma begins to feel a draw to Caleb's way of life. When she doesn’t return home when she promised, Zeb goes to the city to find her, forcing Emma to choose in which of their two worlds she really belongs.

Pick up your copy here
 
Beth Shriver is the author of over a dozen books, including Annie’s Truth, Healing Grace, and Grace Given. She received a degree in social work from the University of Nebraska and was a caseworker before starting a family. She followed her passion and now writes full-time.
 
 
Well you all already know what I am going to say about Beth's latest book, It was fantastic I could not put it down it was so good. It was not long enough for me I wanted more of Emma and Caleb's story.
This is the first time I have read an Amish book all about the running around the teens do. It was not your everyday Amish story that has been told over and over again. It is a fresh new story.
I loved the evangelism storyline it was fantastic.
I gave this book 5 stars two times and I HIGHLY recommend this book.
I was given a copy of this book by the author for my honest review.

Saturday, May 24, 2014

Gathering Shadows By Nancy Mehl



Wynter Evans is a promising young reporter for a television station in St. Louis, but even a bright future doesn't take away her pain over the disappearance of her brother nine years ago. So when she stumbles across a photograph of a boy with an eerie resemblance to him, she can't pass up the chance to track him down. With research for work as her cover, she sets out with one of the station's photogs for the place where the picture was taken: the town of Sanctuary.
Almost as soon as she arrives, she meets the town's handsome young mayor, Rueben King, and together they begin to uncover long held secrets that could tear the small town apart and change everything Wynter thought she knew about her life. As the truth of her family's past hides in the shadows, it's clear someone will stop at nothing to keep the answers she's searching for hidden forever--even if the cost is Wynter's very life.

Pick up your copy here
 
Nancy Mehl lives in Festus, Missouri, with her husband Norman, and her very active puggle, Watson. She's authored fifteen books and is currently at work on a new romantic suspense series for Bethany House Publishing.

All of Nancy's novels have an added touch - something for your spirit as well as your soul. "I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing," Nancy says. "It's a part of me and of everything I think or do. God is number one in my life. I wouldn't be writing at all if I didn't believe that this is what He's called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan especially for your life, and there is nothing you can't overcome with His help."

You can find out more about Nancy by visiting her Web site at: www.nancymehl.com or find her newsletter at: www.nancymehl.blogspot.com. She also is active on the Suspense Sisters: www.suspensesisters.blogspot.com and on FaceBook!
 
Oh no readers you can NOT miss this latest book by Nancy Mehl, maybe her best one yet.
I could not put it down. I was so in to the story I could not put it down until the last page was read.
Loveable characters, super plot, suspense, what is not to love about this book.
It is a book Binge book so be very careful it will consume your day.
I gave this book 5 stars and I highly recommend this book.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Friday, May 23, 2014

Arms Open Wide By Sherri Gragg

Come near. Stop striving. The Master of the banquet has raised His glass to welcome you as His dear child.
So often Christians view Christ as someone who’s far away and can’t be approached until they have their lives in order. In Arms Open Wide, author Sherri Gragg proves that Christ is a kinder, more tender, more loving Savior than many understand Him to be.
Sherri writes in fictional narrative form while mixing biblical history with scripture, creating a setting that transforms readers back in time and places them right in Jesus’ presence. For thirty-four days readers walk with the Savior to witness miraculous healings and events, and give fresh insight into His power by thinking and feeling with people whose lives became instantly transformed by His love and grace. Readers journey with Jesus and His disciples in the most important time in history.
Hearts will be stirred and lives will be changed as readers draw near and walk with the Savior as never before.  
Features & Benefits:
  • Helps readers experience the kindness and grace of Jesus
  • Instills a deep, lasting impression about the love and forgiveness our Savior offers
  • Will transform readers as they engage in a first-person experience of what it might have been like to walk with Jesus when He was on the earth
  • Brings to life biblical traditions and customs while helping readers experience Jesus’ life and the miracles He performed.

Pick up your copy here
 
 
Sherri Gragg is a nationally published writer who was a winner in the 2012 Writer’s Digest Competition (inspiration).  She discovered the beautiful Jewish roots of her Christian faith during the course of a trip to Israel, and now passionately uses her gifts of writing and teaching to share the gospel of Christ through the Middle Eastern cultural lens.  She and her husband, Michael, have five children and live in Franklin, Tennessee.
 
A wonderful 34 day devotional with suggested scripture reading for each day and a prayer at the end as well.
It is a beautiful hard cover book. It would make a fantastic gift.
I loved the easy read and deep heartfelt devotionals for each morning to start my day off right. Very well written.
I gave this book 4.5 stars and I recommend this gift book.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my review. 

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Oath of the Brotherhood By C.E. Laureano

In a kingdom where the Old Ways hold fast and a man’s worth lies entirely in his skill with the sword, Conor Mac Nir is a scholar, a musician, and a follower of the forbidden Balian faith: problematic for any man, but disastrous for the son of the king.When Conor is sent as a hostage to a neighboring kingdom, he never expects to fall in love with the rival king’s sister, Aine. Nor does he suspect his gift with the harp (and Aine’s ability to heal) touches on the realm of magic. Then his clan begins a campaign to eliminate all Balians from the isle of Seare, putting his newfound home in peril and entangling him in a plot for control of the island that has been unfolding since long before his birth.Only by committing himself to an ancient warrior brotherhood can Conor discover the part he’s meant to play in Seare’s future. But is he willing to sacrifice everything—even the woman he loves—to follow the path his God has laid before him?




Pick up your copy here
 

C.E. Laureano's love of fantasy began with a trip through a magical wardrobe, and she has never looked back. She's happiest when her day involves martial arts, swords, and a well-choreographed fight scene, though when pressed, she'll admit to a love of theater and travel as well.

Appropriately, she's the wife to a martial arts master and mom to two boys who spend most of their time jumping off things and finding objects to turn into light sabers. They live in Denver, Colorado with a menagerie of small pets.
 
I am not a fan of the Fantasy genre so this review was different for me. Surprisingly I enjoyed it and I plan to pick up copies for the young adults in my life. 
The writing is fantastic, this is a young adult book I would love to pass on to some of the young adults at church.
It's a very interesting storyline, I am sure that fantasy lovers will really enjoy this book.
I gave the book 4 stars.
I was given a copy of this book by Wynn Wynn media for my honest review.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Apart at the Seams By Marie Bostwick



Twice in her life, college counsellor Gayla Oliver fell in love at first sight. The first time was with Brian - a lean, longhaired, British bass player. Marriage followed quickly, then twins, and gradually their bohemian lifestyle gave way to busy careers in New York. Gayla's second love affair is with New Bern, Connecticut. Like Brian, the laid back town is charming without trying too hard. It's the ideal place to buy a second home and reignite the spark in their twenty-six year marriage. Not that Gayla is worried. At least, not until she finds a discarded memo in which Brian admits to a past affair and suggests an amicable divorce. Devastated, Gayla flees to New Bern. Though Brian insists he's since recommitted to his family, Gayla's feelings of betrayal may go too deep for forgiveness. Besides, her solo sabbatical is a chance to explore the creative impulses she sidelined long ago - quilting, gardening, and striking up new friendships with the women of the Cobbled Court circle - particularly Ivy, a single mother confronting fresh starts and past hurts of her own. With all of their support, Gayla just might find the courage to look ahead, decide which fragments of her old life she wants to keep, which are beyond repair - and how to knot the fraying ends until a bold new design reveals itself...

Pick up your copy here





A while back, my publishing house asked me to update my biography. I wrote two versions. This is the one that DIDN'T make it onto the cover.

"Marie Bostwick was born and raised in the northwest, where, being an overweight and socially awkward child, she collected a whole closetful of imaginary friends that are with her to this day. She graduated from college in 1984 with a bachelors degree in Communications (because it was the only degree that didn't require a statistics course) and a double minor in self-loathing and procrastination. Marie married while she was young and extremely fertile, quickly giving birth to three sons, who are now grown up and don't call nearly as often as they should.

Marie is the published author of a bunch of books. No kidding, a bunch. Like ten. She continues to be amazed by this. So does her high-school English teacher.

When not writing, Marie spends way too much time on Facebook and window shopping for RV's on the internet. Marie loves to quilt. She really, really does. However, her enthusiasm for quilting outstrips her natural talent. This is at least partly because she has the attention span of a gnat and no math skills (see statistics course avoidance above). She is also pretty nearsighted which makes it hard to stitch a consistent quarter-inch seam. After sunset, it's darned near impossible.

Marie likes to garden but is too scattered to give her garden the attention it deserves. The same can be said of her other hobbies -- piano, knitting, guitar, punchneedle embroidery, cooking, and kayaking. (Marie doesn't actually own a kayak but she wants one.) Marie has killed every single houseplant that has ever had the misfortune of coming into her possession. She hasn't balanced her checkbook since the late 80's and can never find her purse, glasses, or car keys.

Fact is, the only thing thing Marie truly knows how to do well is write, so please buy this book, if only to keep her from becoming a burden to society."
 
Bostwick writes how real friendship can get you though hard times. She writes about real life and the struggles most of us have. This series is an inspiration and each book moves you in such away you can't wait for the next book in the series.
I will say this book was predictable. It was an easy read.
Looking for an entertaining read and a great book on friendship this is your book.
I gave this book 4 stars and recommend it.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Silenced By Dani Pettrey


Jake Knew Something Was Wrong. But He Never Guessed How Wrong.
A relaxing day of rock climbing takes a disturbing turn when Kayden McKenna's route brings her face-to-face with a dead climber. Is it a terrible accident or something darker? When the case is handed to overburdened sheriff Landon Grainger, he turns to Jake Westin for help. With Jake's past now revealed, he's ready to use his talent for investigation again--but he could never prepare for where the mystery will take him.
Kayden's climbing expertise soon leads her and Jake to the realization that the death was no accident. And worse, it seems the killer is onto them. When strange things begin happening in Yancey, Jake is terrified that once again his world may put someone he loves in danger. But the truth is far worse than he could ever imagine.

Pick up your copy here



Dani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom and author. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves-the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of one's faith and plenty of romance. She's a huge fan of dark chocolate, is always in search of the best iced mocha and her dream is to one day own a little cottage on a remote stretch of beach. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters. Visit her web site at www.DaniPettrey.com!

I have read the past three books in this series Alaskan Courage. Suspense is not my favorite genre, but I have enjoyed this series.
This was a fast moving book, with solid characters and very intriguing storyline. It will hold your attention until the end.
Silenced will keep you guessing, a nail biter for sure.
I can't wait to see what is next from Pettrey. 
I gave this book 4 stars and if you are a fan of romantic suspense then I recommend this book.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Monday, May 19, 2014

Fearless Hope By Serena Miller


When an Amish woman falls for the New York crime writer who buys her family farm, she must decide whether to follow the longings of her heart or the rules of her faith.
When Hope Yoder loses her husband, she is left trying to support her two small children—and one on the way—however she can. She ends up taking a job as a part-time housekeeper for the Englisch man who has bought the farm that once belonged to her family.
Logan Parker is a bestselling crime fiction writer from New York City who accompanies his fiancée on a trip to Holmes County, Ohio, but the trip takes a strange turn when he sees an Amish farmhouse for sale. Intrigued by a strong sense of familiarity, he enters the house and is overcome with a feeling of deep peace. He’s never been to Ohio before, but something in this house feels right, and he purchases the farm to use as a retreat. Something about the peacefulness of the house frees him from the crippling writer’s block that threatens to ruin his career, and something about the quiet Amish woman who comes to clean his home makes him less and less excited about returning to New York and the woman he is supposed to marry.
Slowly, Logan and Hope are drawn together, and when they discover that they share a strange past, they must decide how that affects their future. Will Hope overcome her fear of embracing love again?

Pick up your copy here



SERENA B. MILLER is a published writer and former court reporter. She works with her husband in full-time ministry and frequently speaks at local women’s events. The Millers have three grown sons and make their home in southern Ohio.



I am a fan of Miller's past books and I have enjoyed each one but I have to say this one is by far her best one to date.
Anymore most Amish authors are all writing basically the same books over and over. Not Miller this is one  Amish book you have not read before. It was fantastic. The storyline has never been written before and you fall right into this book from page one. I could not put the book down. It is a Book Binge book.
I don't want to give anything away but you will not want to miss this book.
Logan and Hope are the main characters in this book and you have just got to hear Logan's story.
I can not wait for Miller's next book.
I gave this book 5 stars and I highly recommend this book!
I was given a copy of this book by Wynn Wynn Media for my honest review.

Friday, May 16, 2014

I've Never Been to Vagas but My Luggage Has By Mandy Hale



Wrong turns, humiliating flops, painful heartbreaks—and happiness? Yes, believe it or not, they can go hand in hand.
Blogger and author Mandy Hale, affectionately known as “The Single Woman” to her half-million social-media followers, is living an adventurous life that proves even our lowest lows and messiest mess-ups can point us toward our joy-filled destiny as single women.

In I’ve Never Been To Vegas, But My Luggage Has, Mandy delivers heart-to-heart, often hilarious stories from a life filled with love and loss, glamour and goose bumps, faith and friendship, big dreams and battle scars. She shares the bittersweet euphoria of her high-school romance, the panic-stricken cluelessness of her first day on a stressful job, and the foot-in-mouth horror of her red-carpet interview with a music legend.
Along the way, Mandy dollops personal anecdotes with encouraging insights. From thrilling first kisses to crushing break-ups, from soaring career milestones to promising flights that never quite got off the ground, she unfolds in often uproarious detail the zigzags along the path toward a pinnacle moment: sharing a table and a pinch-me-I’m-dreaming conversation with her lifelong hero.
In the end, Mandy turns Sin City’s infamous marketing slogan on its head: What happens in her life doesn’t stay in her life. She shares even her darkest moments in witty, winsome ways that make us not only feel her pain, but also laugh with her and apply her hard-won nuggets of inspiration to our own lives.
“Happily Ever After” might not look or feel quite like what we expect, but as Mandy is discovering—and as we can discover along with her—it is well within our reach.

Pick up your copy here


Blogger turned hit author, Mandy Hale is affectionately known around the world as "The Single Woman." With a heart to inspire single women to live their best lives and to never, ever settle, Mandy cuts to the heart of the matter with her inspirational, straight-talking, witty, and often wildly humorous take on the life of a modern single woman.

Mandy's Twitter page, @TheSingleWoman, was recently named #9 on the list of the "Top Ten Twitter Handles in the City of Nashville" by the Nashville Business Journal. Invited by Oprah to cover her "Lifeclass: the Tour" events in St. Louis and New York City as part of OWN's "VIP Press Corps" in 2012, Mandy has also been named a "Twitter Powerhouse" by the Huffington Post, a "Woman of Influence" by the Nashville Business Journal, and a "Single in the City" by Nashville Lifestyles magazine. She has been featured on the Women of Faith tour, The 700 Club, Talk of the Town, WHOA Women, and more; and in Forbes magazine, Cosmopolitan magazine, the Christian Post, and the Huffington Post, just to name a few. She has also been a featured guest blogger for Glamour.com, The Conversation, Christian Mingle, and the Huffington Post. With millions of readers from all over the world, Mandy has made a name for herself as the voice of empowerment and sassiness for single women across the globe.

This is sure a life changing book. Written with such humor and so heartfelt. Very insightful read.
Hale shares with us so much in one little book. A very inspirational read.
It is a life changing book. It sure changed mine for the better.
I call this the heart of the matter book.
This book is great for young adult girls as well as older women. There is something in it for all of us.
This would make the perfect gift for the female in your life.
I can't wait to see what is next from Hale.
I gave this book 5 stars.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.