To Kiss a Knight by Grace Hitchcock

 Vivienne Poppy's plans are working out quite well. She's run away from her family and the prospect of a horrid marriage of convenience and plans to spend her time writing under her pseudonym, Lady Larkby. Until she discovers the old Larkby title is not as dead as she thought.

Yeoman of the Guard and recently knighted Sir Sebastian Larkby is stunned to discover a Lady Larkby that he does not remember marrying. Suddenly Vivienne is left with a choice: relinquish her pen name, expose her true identity, and break Sebastian's dying grandmother’s heart—or feign marriage to Sebastian to keep the title and fulfill the old woman's wishes.

This witty novel from award-winning author Grace Hitchcock is filled with scandal, mishap, and just the right amount of romance.

Pick up your copy here...                                                                                                                                     To Kiss a Knight: A Novel of Best Laid Plans (2): Hitchcock, Grace: 9780825448102: Amazon.com: Books

Grace Hitchcock is the award-winning author of multiple historical novels and novellas. She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives in the New Orleans area with her husband, Dakota, sons, and daughter. Connect with her online at GraceHitchcock.com.

Heart Aweigh by Shannon Dunlap GIVEAWAY!

 Cheeky septuagenarian matchmakers, the "Shippers" are on a mission to secure a dreamy Mr. Right for Abby O'Brien, a sunny, optimistic childcare worker for Monarch Cruises. She loves her job looking after the children of vacationing parents, but harbors one unfulfilled desire: to be a wife and a mother.

With his shy five-year-old daughter in tow, divorced elitist lawyer Spencer Randolph Masterson has anything but romance in mind. His goal on the MS Buckingham is to persuade his mother, Daisy, to leave her ridiculous cruise ship lifestyle and return to New Orleans. But Daisy isn't interested in life on land. Besides, she and her matchmaking posse have a marriage to arrange.

When a secret from Daisy's past surfaces and threats of blackmail start flying, the Shippers must protect their own while attempting to convince Spencer's scarred heart to weigh anchor and boldly set sail for a future with Abby.

Pick up your copy here...                                                                                                                                     Hearts Aweigh: A Novel: Dunlap, Shannon Sue: 9780825448706: Amazon.com: Books

Shannon Sue Dunlap lives in hot and humid Houston, Texas where she writes stories with a dose of laughter and a spoonful of love. Shannon loves traveling, chocolate, Jane Austen, and Jesus. She's a big fan of happy endings and believes the heavenly Father has tailor-made one for each of us. You can find out more at www.shannonsuedunlap.com.

The hunted Heir by Jayna Breigh

 

After a tragic loss, private investigator Nona Taylor swore off romantic entanglements and distanced herself from the world. Once a year, on New Year's Eve, she attends church to beg God for forgiveness, haunted by the guilt of driving her twin sister to her death.

Attorney DeMarcus Johnson is determined to climb the ladder to partnership by winning high-profile cases at his Los Angeles law firm, harnessing his ADHD hyperfocus to excel. He's everything Nona knows to steer clear of--an overconfident ex-jock willing to do anything for success.

Their worlds collide when Nona's pastor receives a mysterious letter claiming he's the sole heir to a substantial estate. Desperate for answers, Nona infiltrates a lavish charity ball, only to be found out by a suspicious stranger--so she latches onto DeMarcus and concocts a fib about being his fiancée.

Now bound by a false engagement, the pair reluctantly join forces to discover the truth about the inheritance. But when an unseen enemy strikes, they realize the stakes are higher than they thought. Can Nona and DeMarcus overcome their differences to keep the pastor safe, secure DeMarcus's partnership, and preserve a future for themselves?

Pick up your copy here...

The Hunted Heir: A Novel: Breigh, Jayna: 9780825448867: Amazon.com: Books

Jayna is an award-winning writer of Romantic Legal Dramas - Suspenseful, Twist-Filled Mystery/Thrillers with Romance. She practiced “Big City Law” in Los Angeles for over a decade. Jayna loves funny, inspirational and painfully cute social media. The only real life drama allowed—British period pieces and games of Wordfeud.

The Tension of Tidy by Hilary Bernstein

 Are you feeling the pressure to keep your home looking picture-perfect amid the chaos of work and family life? Well, take a deep breath, because Hilary Bernstein has a message just for you. In The Tension of Tidy, she gently reminds you that your home doesn't need to mirror the flawless spaces seen on TV or social media. With a comforting biblical perspective, Hilary assures that God's grace extends to your homemaking journey.

Instead of encouraging the chase after elusive perfection, The Tension of Tidy invites you to pause and reflect on the Psalms, allowing God to reshape your outlook on homemaking and say goodbye to the constant pressure of keeping up with ever-changing trends and expectations. With these Scriptures, you'll discover that life can find a beautiful balance between productivity and rest, all fueled by God's unwavering grace.

Drawing from her experience as a women's ministry director, Hilary offers practical advice, relatable anecdotes, thought-provoking questions, and action steps to help you maintain a tidy home without losing your sanity. You can let go of the stress and embrace the grace-filled journey of homemaking.

Pick up your copy here...

The Tension of Tidy: Uncovering God's Perfect Grace for Your Imperfect Space: Bernstein, Hilary: 9780825448720: Amazon.com: Books

Hilary Bernstein is a Christ follower, wife, mom, author, and women's ministry director who helps women experience God's perfect peace even in the middle of messy, imperfect life.

70 North by Kimberley Woodhouse

 

The Cyber Solutions team has managed to stay one step ahead of the madman who has killed so many. From the original 26 Below cyberattack in Fairbanks to the 8 DOWN serial murders in Anchorage and beyond, they matched wits with the killer and stopped him from reaching his ultimate goals.
But final judgment is coming. And this time, there may be no defeating him.
David "Mac" McPherson has a personal stake in making sure this predator stays down for good. His family died in the cyberattack. Mac knows that God says "vengeance is mine”--but surely an exception can be made.
Surgeon Tracie Hunter is determined to stay sober and keep saving lives in Fairbanks, Alaska--even if it means being a little obsessive. After all, that same kind of determination is how she kept Mac alive after the murderer targeted him. And she won't let Mac run himself into the grave looking for payback; he's come to mean too much to her.

Then someone hacks into the system at Tracie's previous job as a medical examiner and frames her in a murder cover-up. There's no one else skilled enough to create a digital trail this incriminating--the killer is back in action, exploiting cybersecurity weaknesses to destroy lives. Can Mac stay focused and stop the next attack when his own vulnerability is exposed? Or will his need to make someone pay for his pain allow the maniac to pull ahead and win at last? 

Pick up your copy here...

70 North: Woodhouse, Kimberley: 9780825447747: Amazon.com: Books

Kimberley Woodhouse is the best-selling and award-winning author of more than two dozen books. She is a wife, mother, author, and musician with a quick wit and positive outlook despite difficult circumstances. A popular speaker, she's shared at more than 2,000 venues across the country. Kimberley and her family's story have garnered national media attention for many years including ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, The Montel Williams Show, Discovery Health channel's Mystery ER, The Hour of Power, The Harvest Show, and over 1,000 other TV appearances and radio interviews. She lives and writes in the Poconos with her husband of thirty years. kimberleywoodhouse.com

Sacred Refuge by Lynne Rienstra

 

Break free from worry and find refuge under his wings
In Sacred Refuge, Lynne Rienstra taps into the growing angst-turned-chronic-fear among women. Though fear puts women into hiding, God invites women to come out of hiding and into the unassailable shelter he has built for them in the gospel. In the pages of Sacred Refuge, readers will be challenged to consider where they’ve been finding shelter: in flimsy structures of their own making, or in the sacred refuge only Christ provides.
Through the ten modern women and ten biblical women they’ll meet in the pages of Sacred Refuge, readers will find sisters in the struggle. Whether their crises take the form of heartbreaking loss, debilitating debt, health problems, unresolved sin issues, loneliness, or fear for the future, they’ll find peace in a chaotic world.
Throughout history, women who sought shelter in Jesus have found solace for their souls. Readers are invited to join this historical sisterhood and discover that their crises can become portals through which they discover God’s deep love and compassion for them. There they will find a haven for their hearts and answers to the questions "Is God really good?" "Does he really see or care about me? "Can he protect me, heal me, provide for me?"

With biblical teaching, ten Transforming Truths, application questions, and a study guide, Sacred Refuge will encourage women not only to find refuge for themselves but also to invite others to spread light in a darkening world.

Preorder your copy here....

Sacred Refuge: Finding Unexpected Shelter in Your Crisis: Rienstra, Lynne: 9780825448713: Amazon.com: Books

Lynne Rienstra is a recovering Pharisee and spiritual orphan.

Through her mentoring, speaking (she's taught thousands of women for over two decades), and writing, she leads women out of hiding and into a place of discovering their identity as God’s Brave Beloved.

Lynne has been an English teacher, corporate insurance broker, women’s ministry leader, homeschooling mom, and development professional. Since 2013, she has served as a regional director for Samaritan’s Purse.

She holds a BA in English from Smith College and a Certificate in Spiritual Formation from the Transforming Center. Lynne has contributed to numerous books, magazines, and online devotionals.

Serving alongside her husband, a senior pastor, gives Lynne much joy, as do their adult children and grandchildren.

Where Trees Touch the Sky by Karen Barnett

 

Some secrets have shadows as long as the redwoods are tall.
In the early 1920s, the accelerating destruction of the California redwoods is more than nature-loving Marion Baker can bear. Throwing herself headlong into the work of the Save the Redwoods League, she is shocked to learn that Frank Duncan, a man she's grown to love, is the son of one of the area's worst timber barons. Though devastated by the betrayal, she realizes this could also be an opportunity--if only she can convince him to help preserve her favorite grove from his father's greedy grasp. Is her love strong enough to persuade him to save these precious trees? Or will Marion choose to sacrifice her beliefs to keep Frank by her side?
Nearly fifty years later, in 1972, polio survivor June Turner is deeply proud of the legacy her great aunt Marion has left as a redwood warrior. And despite her disability, June is determined to prove herself capable as a ranger at the recently established Redwood National Park, even if it means taking to the trails with her crutch in hand. What better way to carry on the family tradition of preserving God’s magnificent creation?
When aspiring film student Adam Garner approaches June to help make a documentary about Marion's life, she swiftly grabs the opportunity to spread her aunt's worthy reputation. That is, until they unearth a secret that might shatter the family legacy. In the scramble for answers, June may lose not only her family pride but also her own dreams.

Karen Barnett's beautifully crafted split-time novel, set against the majestic backdrop of a beloved national park, immerses the reader in history that feels as fresh as if it happened yesterday.

Pick up your copy here..

Where Trees Touch the Sky: A Redwood National Park Novel: Barnett, Karen: 9780825448522: Amazon.com: Books

KAREN BARNETT, the award-winning author of eight novels, writes historical romance that sweeps readers into the beauty and adventure of our national parks. A former park ranger and naturalist, she worked at Mount Rainier National Park, Oregon's Silver Falls State Park, and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, two kids, and three mischievous dachshunds. When not writing, Karen enjoys photography, hiking, public speaking, and decorating crazy birthday cakes. In 2016, she was named Writer of the Year by the prestigious Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. Oregon Christian Writers (OCW) honored her with the Writer of Promise Award in 2013 and a 2014 Cascade Award for her debut novel, Mistaken.

8 Down by Kimberley Woodhouse

 

bodies down.
8 more lives at stake.
Investigator Carrie Kintz is new blood with the Alaska Bureau of Investigation in Anchorage. But with a serial killer on the loose, there's no easing into the job. It's sink or swim. The only clues to help law enforcement stop this madman are the taunts he drops into crossword puzzles across the country--always in the same 8 DOWN position.
Carrie is desperate to prove her worth to the force and the community by catching the killer. But when she discovers signs that these deaths are just the tip of the iceberg in a frighteningly elaborate cyberattack, it's time to admit she needs help.
Calling in security specialist Scott Patteson for his expertise seems like the right move--until Carrie realizes that he may be a dangerous distraction for her heart. With her faith fading in the face of horror and uncertainty and her career in danger of ending, this is no time for flirtation.

But with a killer who is determined to prove that he's smarter than everyone else, it may be impossible to fight both the madman and their feelings for each other . . .

Pick up your copy here...

8 Down (Alaskan Cyber Hunters, 2): Woodhouse, Kimberley: 9780825447730: Amazon.com: Books

Kimberley Woodhouse is the best-selling and award-winning author of more than two dozen books. She is a wife, mother, author, and musician with a quick wit and positive outlook despite difficult circumstances. A popular speaker, she's shared at more than 2,000 venues across the country. Kimberley and her family's story have garnered national media attention for many years including ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, The Montel Williams Show, Discovery Health channel's Mystery ER, The Hour of Power, The Harvest Show, and over 1,000 other TV appearances and radio interviews. She lives and writes in the Poconos with her husband of thirty years. kimberleywoodhouse.com

Find Kim on twitter and facebook:

twitter.com/kimwoodhouse

author fan page Kimberley Woodhouse

Praying Personalities By Janet Mchenry

 Discover the particular way God designed you to connect with prayer

You should pray in the morning. You should write out your prayers. You should make prayer lists and pray through them every day. You should pray with others or out loud. We've all heard the "you shoulds" of prayer from pulpits, presenters, and well-meaning friends. But when none of these ways to pray feel natural, what's next?
Janet Holm McHenry has studied prayer extensively, and the one thing she knows for sure is that there's no one-size-fits-all way to pray. Instead, there are different styles of prayer--and by discovering the style most instinctive to each individual personality, staying in touch with God throughout the day becomes simple and all the more joyful.
In this book, the author helps readers determine their particular praying personality by examining the praying styles of biblical people, spiritual gifts, and various ideas about personality, including the classic temperaments, the Enneagram, and more. McHenry includes scores of bulleted suggestions for developing a praying lifestyle that works for individuals. She has also created a Praying Personality Quiz for readers (available in the book and online) to help narrow down the style that will most naturally fit into how they process a prayer life.

Whether a longtime Christian who has tried various prayer strategies but can't keep up or a new believer looking to learn about this spiritual discipline, every reader who dives into this book will come away with a renewed prayer life and a greater understanding of who God created them to be.

Pick up your copy here...

Praying Personalities: Finding Your Natural Prayer Style: McHenry, Janet Holm: 9780825448188: Amazon.com: Books

Janet Holm McHenry is a national speaker and the author of 24 books, including two bestsellers, PrayerWalk (WaterBrook/RandomHouse) and 50 Life Lessons for Grads (Worthy). A former high school English teacher, she and her rancher husband Craig raised four children in the Sierra Valley. The beautiful setting has inspired her to follow her passions--prayerwalking and writing. Find out more about Janet, her Looking Up! business, and her blogs at www.janetmchenry.com.

Science and Faith in Harmony by Sy Garte

 

Rather than discord between science and Christian faith, there is a harmony as grand as any choral masterpiece
The idea that Christianity and science are inextricably in conflict is a relatively recent conception. However, with each new scientific discovery and scriptural insight, it’s an idea that’s being proved to be insupportable.
Sy Garte has immersed himself in both science and faith and knows they work beautifully together to sing of the greatness of God. Now this respected scientist shares how God's world (nature and science) and God's word (made flesh in Christ) are bound together in loving harmony.
In Science and Faith in Harmony, Garte examines modern scientific concepts and what they can teach us about theological truths, such as the dual nature of Christ. He explores the ways in which the terminology and language of science and faith consistently match each other. Despite his deep dives into theology and science, Garte does not get overly technical in his writing. Instead, he is personal and passionate, speaking directly to readers with a tone of joy and wonder, inviting them to join the chorus of praise to the Lord.

Readers still wondering whether the truths of science and Christian faith are in conflict need this book. Following the path of Christ and holding a scientific worldview at the same time is not only possible but also leads to a fuller, richer life of harmony and truth.

Pick up your copy here...

Science and Faith in Harmony: Contemplations on a Distilled Doxology: Garte, Sy, McDowell, Sean: 9780825448157: Amazon.com: Books

Dr. Sy Garte is a biochemist and has been a professor at New York University, University of Pittsburgh, and Rutgers University. He has authored over two hundred scientific publications and four previous books, and has served as division director at the National Institutes of Health and Vice President for Research (acting) at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. He served on the Board of Advisors for the John Templeton Foundation.

Sy is the Editor-in-Chief of "God and Nature" magazine and vice president of the Washington, DC, chapter of the American Scientific Affiliation (ASA). He is a Fellow of the ASA and a lay leader and certified Lay Servant in the United Methodist Church.

Although retired from active employment, Sy keeps busy writing and evangelizing online and in the church. He also contributes to science and faith journals such as Perspectives in Science and Christian Faith, and keeps a blog "The Book of Works". His book "The Works of His Hands: A Scientist's Journey from Atheism to Faith" (Kregel Publications) is his first book on science and Christian faith, but probably not his last.

Trading Faces by John Beeson

 

A biblical and practical guide on how to replace false identities with the healthy truth

Seeking fulfilment, many Christians turn to identities that promise to give their lives meaning: profession, roles as spouse or parent, personality types, even sexuality--anything that can be held up to others as the empowering core of who they are. But when these new labels don’t give them any real foundation for hope, they end up feeling disappointed, directionless, and defeated. Those false identities turn out to be only sand.

John and Angel Beeson have seen this problem again and again in their respective roles as pastor and counselor. And they want searching Christians to know the truth: a fulfilling understanding of self can only be found by rooting one's identity in the unchangeable and nonnegotiable understanding of who we were created to be.

This husband-and-wife team considers ten identities that masquerade as truth and challenge readers to trade those labels for the ones Christ offers. They explain why true identity matters, how our masks can suffocate us, and how substitute identities can become idolatry. They share real struggles from real people. And they offer hope in a comprehensive index of our identities in Christ, both individual and the collective identity of the church.

Pick up your copy here...

Trading Faces: Removing the Masks that Hide Your God-Given Identity: Beeson, John, Beeson, Angel: 9780825447846: Amazon.com: Books

A servant of Jesus Christ, and a native to Tucson, Arizona. I am married to John who serves as Co-Lead Pastor at New Life Bible Fellowship. We have two beautiful adult kids, Camille and Soren whom we love to spend time with. I received my Masters in Biblical Counseling from Westminster Theological Seminary. I am founder of Whole Hope Christian Counseling and it is my joy to walk alongside others as they navigate their identity, purpose, and journey.

God Made Us Just Right By Allia Nolan

 No need to compare--God has a reason for creating everyone just the way they are!

How come puppies get to bark, but kittens can't? Why do elephants have such long trunks when other animals don't risk tripping over their noses? What's the point of all these differences?

Through playful illustrations of animals and warmhearted words in rhyme, young children will see God as their loving creator. God Made Us Just Right helps them realize that God has a reason for creating us just the way we are.

Kids who are always asking, "Why, Mom?" and "How come, Dad?" will easily relate to the back-and-forth question-and-answer format. It's a book the whole family will enjoy. 

Pick up your copy here...

God Made Us Just Right: Zobel Nolan, Allia, Hudson, Katy: 9780825446634: Amazon.com: Books

My Thoughts...

This is so cute and just perfect for 3-5 year old's. Its easy to understand and the illustrations are done very well. 

It is a sturdy  board book so it will last forever no matter what this littles throw at it.

Tis would make a wonderful gift, it has a wonderful message.

I gave this children's book 4 stars.

The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

The White Rose Resists By Amanda Barratt

Inspired by the incredible true story of a group of ordinary men and women who dared to stand against evil

The ideal of a new Germany swept up Sophie Scholl in a maelstrom of patriotic fervor--that is, until she realized the truth behind Hitler's machinations for the fatherland. Now she and other students in Munich, the cradle of the Nazi government, have banded together to form a group to fight for the truth: the White Rose. Risking everything to print and distribute leaflets calling for Germans to rise up against the evil permeating their country, the White Rose treads a knife's edge of discovery by the Gestapo.

Annalise Brandt came to the University of Munich to study art, not get involved with conspiracy. The daughter of an SS officer, she's been brought up to believe in the Führer's divinely appointed leadership. But the more she comes to know Sophie and her friends, the more she questions the Nazi propaganda.

Soon Annalise joins their double life--students by day, resisters by night. And as the stakes increase, they're all forced to confront the deadly consequences meted out to any who dare to oppose the Reich.

A gripping testament to courage, The White Rose Resists illuminates the sacrifice and conviction of an unlikely group of revolutionaries who refused to remain silent-no matter the cost.

Pick up your copy here...

https://www.amazon.com/White-Rose-Resists-German-Students/dp/0825446481/ref=sr_1_1?crid=FIMOLDAGUL3V&dchild=1&keywords=the+white+rose+resists+by+amanda+barratt&qid=1591374710&sprefix=The+White+Rose%2Caps%2C158&sr=8-1

ECPA best-selling author Amanda Barratt fell in love with writing in grade school when she wrote her first story—a spin-off of Jane Eyre. Now, Amanda writes romantic, historical fiction, penning stories of beauty and brokenness set against the backdrop of bygone eras not so very different from our own. She's the author of over a dozen novels and novellas including The White Rose Resists: A Novel of the German Students Who Defied Hitler and My Dearest Dietrich: A Novel of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Lost Love.

Amanda lives in the woods of Michigan with her family, where she can be found reading way too many books, plotting her next novel, and jotting down imaginary travel itineraries for her dream vacation to Europe.

Connect with her on Facebook and visit her online at amandabarratt.net.

My Thoughts...

Wow. What I can say. There are no words. This is a must read book. Barratt has  shared her heart on the pages of this book and I just don't know how to put words to what I read. The story telling was like no other.

I don't want to  say this but if you don't read any other book this year, please read this book. I gave this book 4.5 stars.

The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.