Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Crash the Chatterbox By Steven Furtick



Crashing the chatterbox = Overpowering lies of insecurity, fear, condemnation, and discouragement with the promises of God.
“I used to think that someone who struggled with the kinds of weaknesses I deal with daily was useless to God. I felt so often like I was drowning in internal dialogue I couldn’t control. It had been the soundtrack of my life for as long as I could remember.

Yet everything changed when I began to realize God has given us the ability to choose the dialogue we believe and respond to. And once we learn how, we can switch from lies to truth as deliberately as we can choose the Beatles over Miley Cyrus on satellite radio.

This is the key to pressing ahead and doing God’s will anyway, even as you are bombarded with thoughts, feelings, and even facts about why you can’t do it.

I’m now awakening to the reality that we can access the power of God’s promises to constantly crash the system of our broken beliefs. I’m learning how to overpower the shouts of the Enemy by bending my ear to the whisper of God’s supernatural truths about my identity in Him and His strength in me.”
-STEVEN FURTICK, from Crash the Chatterbox


Includes discussion questions for individuals or groups.
Inside your head and heart is a chatterbox. Its lies are keeping you from realizing your God-given potential. But what can you do about them?
 
The Voice You Listen to Will Determine the Future You Experience

In Crash the Chatterbox, Pastor Steven Furtick focuses on four key areas in which negative thoughts are most debilitating: insecurity, fear, condemnation, and discouragement. He asks, “What great deeds are in danger of remaining undone in your life because of lies that were planted in your past or fears that are looming in your future?”

With personal stories, inspiring examples, and practical strategies, Pastor Furtick will show you how to silence the lies and embrace the freeing affirmation of God.

Learn how to live out God’s truth no matter what is going on in your life or thoughts.

Learn how to crash the chatterbox…and hear God’s voice above all others.

Pick up your copy here

 
Steven Furtick is the founder and lead pastor of Elevation Church, a multi-site church based in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Pastor Steven has been privileged to minister to a global audience, speaking at conferences and churches around the world including Catalyst Conference, Hillsong Conference, and the Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit. He is the author of the New York Times® Best Selling book, "Greater", "Sun Stand Still", and his most recent release, "Crash the Chatterbox".

Pastor Steven holds the Master of Divinity degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife Holly live in the Charlotte area with their two sons, Elijah and Graham, and daughter, Abbey.

I was just not sure about this book after all of the negative posts about Steven and his shows that he puts on at his church.
I did start reading it and I watched very close for the false teaching that I have heard a whole lot about.
I read it while reading my Bible along with it and prayerfully seeking the truth.
I must say that the book itself for the most part is Biblically sound. There was some un biblical things in the book.
Steven gives a lot of  advice through out the book.
If you are looking for a feel good book then this might be the book for you.
I gave this book 3.5 stars.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Butterfly Palace By Colleen Coble GIVEAWAY!



Elegance and wealth. Privilege and politics. The extravagance of the Butterfly Palace overwhelmed Lily’s senses and nearly smothered her painful memories. She pushed away her misgivings . . . She was perfectly safe in this huge house.
Austin, Texas—1904: Abandoned by the love of her life and still mourning the loss of her mother, Lily Donaldson has turned her back on the pain and come to Austin for a fresh start, working for the Marshall family as a kitchen maid in their luxurious mansion, the Butterfly Palace. The tasks before her are legion, and her mistress less than pleasant, but at least Lily’s new life will be, if nothing else, distracting. 
But one night, while serving at a dinner party, Lily recognizes the man who abandoned her, Andy, her liaison from the livery stable, the blacksmith’s son . . . sitting among the distinguished guests. Though he recognizes her, Andy does not acknowledge her aloud, and Lily is left reeling, flabbergasted, and irate. 

But before she can get an explanation, the path of the Servant Girl Killer swerves very close to the Butterfly Palace, sowing terror among the maids. Having come to Austin to start anew, Lily suddenly feels trapped in a spider web. How can she know who to trust in a house where lies come dressed in fine suits and deceit in silk gowns the colors of butterfly wings?

Pick up your copy here


Best-selling author Colleen Coble's novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers' Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana. Visit her website at http://colleencoble.com.

I had a little trouble getting into Butterfly Palace but once I did I have to say it was a worth while read.
Any one who loves romance and mystery is sure to enjoy this book. Don't put it down it is hard to get into the start is not that great but give it some time!
Most of you blog readers know that I have a special thing for butterflies so this was a nice book to read about the hobby of collecting butterflies.
I gave this book 4 stars.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Friday, February 21, 2014

The A-Z of C.S.Lewis By Colin Duriez GIVEAWAY!



Published to coincide with the 50th anniversary of C. S. Lewis's death, this complete guide covers all of Lewis' works, from his literary criticism to Narnia
C. S. Lewis's work is widely known and regarded, but enthusiasts are often only aware of one part of his work—his children's stories and his popular theology; and yet he wrote so much more, including science fiction and literary criticism. This volume brings together all aspects of C S Lewis's life
and thought. Arranged in alphabetical order, it begins with The Abolition of Man—written in 1943 and described as "almost my favorite"—to Wormwood, a character in The Screwtape Letters. This book will delight anyone who is interested in C. S. Lewis and wants to learn more about him, his thought, his works, and his life.

Pick up your copy here


Colin Duriez is a widely respected authority on Tolkien and a regular speaker at Tolkien conferences. He is the author of The C. S. Lewis Encyclopedia, A Field Guide to Narnia, The Inklings Handbook, and Tolkien and C. S. Lewis: The Gift of Friendship, among others.

How can so much information be packed in to one little book.
Mr. Duriez really knows his Stuff.
This is a wonderful reference book and covers every bit of C.S. Lewis work.
This book will make you want to grab one of C.S. Lewis' books and read it.
What a wonderful gift this would be a  Lewis fan.
I gave this book 5 stars. Very well put together.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

When Courage Calls By Janette Oke GIVEAWAY!



Her courage and her heart will be tested in ways she never expected. . .
Beth Thatcher has spent her entire life in the safe, comfortable world of her family, her friends, and the social outings her father's wealth provides. But Beth is about to leave it all behind to accept a teaching position in the rugged foothills of western Canada. Inspired by her aunt Elizabeth, who went west to teach school several years ago, and gently encouraged by her father, Beth resolves to put her trust in God and bravely face any challenge that comes her way.

But the conditions in Coal Valley are even worse than she'd feared. A recent mining accident has left the town grieving and at the mercy of the mining company. The children have had very little prior education, and many of the locals don't even speak English. There isn't even a proper schoolhouse. In addition, Beth's heart is torn between two young men--both Mounties, one a lifelong friend and the other a kind, quiet man who comes to her aid more than once.

Pick up your copy here


Celebrated for her significant contribution to the Christian book industry, Janette Oke is the recipient of the 1992 ECPA President's Award, the 1999 CBA Life Impact Award, the Gold Medallion, and the Christy Award. Her novels have sold more than 30 million copies and are beloved by readers around the world. Janette lives with her husband, Edward, in Alberta, Canada.

Laurel Oke Logan, daughter of Edward and Janette Oke, is the author of Janette Oke: A Heart for the Prairie, as well as the novel Dana's Valley, which she co-wrote with her mom. Laurel and her husband have six children and two sons-in-law and live near Indianapolis, Indiana.

I really enjoy Mrs. Oke's books and I had missed them, I was very excited to read and review this book.
This was a wonderful mild romance and moving story.
I loved the strong characters and the plot  classic Oke style. I loved the character Beth. I was sad to see the book end.
If you are a fan of Oke's books then you are sure to love this one as well. 
Maybe there will be a second book and we will find out what Beth is going to do after her visit home in the summer.
I really love the mother daughter team writing. What a neat idea.
I gave this book 4 stars.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review. 

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

The Colors of Blue By Lance McCulloch GIVEAWAY!



The Colors of Blue is an intelligent and compelling mainstream romance whose characters peel away complex layers of deceit, grief, loss and discovery during a riveting journey that at last binds hearts together and renews the promise of true love.

From the novel’s first page, Sara Field emerges as a woman of unique gifts whose soul resonates to a kaleidoscope of colors—a sixth sense that infuses her world with an understanding beyond the apparent. Yet somehow the colors fade in the glare of urban life and heartbreaking betrayal, and her struggle to retrieve those vibrant hues borders on the unbearable. Can she ever regain the innocence and wonder of that magical young womanhood? Perhaps—when she finds the spectacular beauty of the San Juan Mountains and the Tres Piedras River.
.
Half a country away, Rick Wheeler mourns the death of his extraordinary wife and feels himself crumbling under the burden of despair even as he builds a financial dynasty. Will nothing lift the gloom, relieve the cruel devastation of his loss and renew his heart? Ah, yes, there is one thing—fly-fishing on the Tres Piedras River. Time here is satisfying and soul-renewing. But he is still alone.

The rest, woven into a tapestry of adventure, intrigue, revelation, and even serendipity, invites each reader to participate in a life-affirming search for the colors and connections of love and the depth of meaning they give to the human spirit.

Pick up your copy here

A story of loss and love.
I very easy gentle and emotional read.
I did find the story lacked dialogue , I needed a little more.
Over all if you are looking for a romance to curl up with on a cold winters night this is your book.
The author put a lot of thought and emotion in to this book.
I gave the book 4 stars.
I was given a copy of this book by the author for my honest review.

Monday, February 17, 2014

How To be Rich By Andy Stanley




You probably don't feel rich. Rich is the other guy. Rich is having more than you currently have. But you can be rich and not feel it. And that's the problem. Andy Stanley is convinced that most of us are richer than we think. We just aren't very good at it. It's one thing to BE rich. Andy wants us to be GOOD at it!




Pick up your copy here


Andy Stanley is a pastor, communicator, author, and the founder of North Point Ministries (NPM). Since its inception in 1995, North Point Ministries has grown from one church to five in the Atlanta area and has developed a global network of more than 30 churches. Each Sunday, more than 33,000 people attend worship services at NPM's five Atlanta-area churches: Browns Bridge Community Church, Buckhead Church, Gwinnett Church, North Point Community Church, and Watermarke Church.

Andy's books include the recently released Deep & Wide, as well as Enemies of the Heart, The Grace of God, The Next Generation Leader, and How Good Is Good Enough? Andy and his wife, Sandra, live in Alpharetta, Georgia, and have three children.

For more information about Andy Stanley and North Point Ministries, visit
www.northpointministries.org.


When I first saw this book I thought you are kidding me Andy did not write a how to get Rich book. 1 Timothy 6:16-17
Well I was asked to review it and I was not real happy about it, you see I am a huge fan of Andy's I did not want to get a bad taste in my month with another unneeded self help book on how to get rich.
I was so wrong, this book is anything but another unneeded self help book about money.
Andy wants us all to know we are all rich and it's not what you have it's what you do with what you have.
He tells us that there are some things that money can't buy. You can't buy the priceless things in life.
He tells us there comes a time when we can't buy hope.
This is a must read book. It is not what you think it is. It's about time we see the whole picture.
Pick up a copy of this small but powerful book. Read the scripture in this book and get ready to change your thinking.
There is a small group DVD study that goes with this book that you need to get as well. It is very helpful as well.
I gave this book 5 stars. I highly recommend this book to anyone who thinks that they are not rich.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Minding Molly By Leslie Gould GIVEAWAY!



Molly Zook Has Everything Planned Just Right.
Or So She Thinks!

Molly Zook's always liked being in control, so she's struggling with her mother's wish that, to save the family farm, she marry Mervin Mosier. Especially after Molly meets Leon Fisher. He's from Montana but is now training horses at a nearby ranch. He's tall and muscular and confident--Molly has never met anyone like him and she's sure he feels the same about her.

Determined to let nothing get between them, Molly tries to coax Mervin into falling back in love with Molly's best friend, Hannah. A weekend camping trip in the Poconos could be just the place. . .but things quickly go awry, and it seems Leon and Hannah might be falling for each other instead! Will Molly keep struggling to control everyone and everything around her? Or will she learn to let God handle the twists and turns of her life?

Pick up your copy here


Leslie Gould, a former magazine editor, is the author of numerous novels, including Beyond the Blue and Garden of Dreams. She received her master of fine arts degree from Portland State University and lives in Oregon with her husband, Peter, and their four children.

A FANTASTIC 5 STAR MUST READ!
I LOVED this book. I read it in one sitting.
Gould really knows her Amish. She does not tell the same  old Amish story as most of the other Amish fiction authors do, you will get a fresh new story.
All three books in the Courtships of Lancaster County are must reads. I can not wait to read the final book in the series.
You will fall in love with  bossy Molly in this book. The characters are so real they seem like family. You will never guess who Molly ends up with in the end. You have to get a copy of Minding Molly and see for your self!
I gave this book 5 stars.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Bittersweet Texas By Sally Thompson GIVEAWAY!



How does one mend a broken heart? Sally is nearing 30 years old and working part time as a bartender and songstress at her family's restaurant in Port Mansfield-one of the best-kept secrets of the wealthy and indulgent sport fishermen of Texas. It's also a popular port off the Gulf of Mexico for the oil companies and commercial fishermen, attracting quite a variety of humanity. And it's here that Sally meets a mysterious oil supply boat captain named Andy. Bittersweet Texas is the story of a young woman learning to love again, and her unexpected and complex relationship with Andy will change both of their lives as they face an uncertain future. Set in the 1970s, this sweet, serendipitous novel features exciting twists, humor, and heartfelt emotion-the perfect book for the romantic at heart.

Pick up your copy here




Sally F. Thompson was born in Chicago and raised in the northern rural area of Illinois. As the middle child of seven, she grew up on a farm with horses in her blood. After graduating from high school, she went overseas to England to get her British Horse Society Certification. She has always been and still is to this day a horse trainer. However, her life has taken her all around the country, and she's had many adventures, many of which fuel her stories. Bittersweet Texas is her first novel and features one of the more important adventures she felt the need to share.
 
This book is a journal of sorts. But it is told by two people. Through out the book the story has two voices it was a little bit hard to take in.
It is a romance book for the romantic at heart. It is full of emotion but as I stated before very hard to follow sometimes.
I think love story fans will like the book.
I gave the book 4 stars.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Friday, February 14, 2014

Princess Ever After By Rachel Hauck


Regina Beswick was born to be a princess. But she's content to be a small-town girl, running a classic auto restoration shop, unaware a secret destiny awaits her. One that will leap from the pages of her grandmother's hand-painted book of fairytales. Tanner Burkhardt is the stoic Minister of Culture for the Grand Duchy of Hessenberg. When he is tasked to retrieve the long-lost princess, he must overcome his fear of failure in order to secure his nation's future---and his own. Yet lurking in the political shadows is a fierce opponent with sinister plans to abolish the throne forever. Overwhelmed with opposition, Regina must decide if she's destined to restore old cars or an ancient nation. Together---with a little divine intervention---Regina and Tanner discover the truth of her heritage and the healing power of true love.

Pick up your copy here....



Rachel Hauck is the author of the best selling and RITA finalist, The Wedding Dress, as well as the ACFW Book of the Year winner Sweet Caroline, and RITA Finalist Love Starts With Elle. Hauck penned the critically acclaimed Songbird Novels with multi-platinum country artist Sara Evans, .

Her current release, Once Upon A Prince, received a Starred Review from Publishers Weekly and Booklist.

She lives in sunny, though sometimes hurricane plagued, central Florida with her husband and their mini schnauzer, Miss Indpendent.

Rachel earned a degree in Journalism from Ohio State University and is a huge Buckeyes football fan.

She is the past President of American Christian Fiction Writers and now serves on the Executive Board. She was named ACFW Mentor of the Year in 2012.


Well Author Hauck has done it again. This Royal Wedding series is fantastic.
The characters are fantastic and when you have read the very last page you are left wanting more.
This book was such encouragement to my faith.
Another one of those books once you start reading it you can't put it down until you have finished the last page.
I gave this book 5 stars. I can't wait to see what Hauck has in store for us next.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Tessa By Melissa Wiltrout GIVEAWAY!



Is there no way out?
Tessa loathes being forced to work in her father’s illegal drug business. Yet her ill-fated attempts at running away only deepen the abuse. Guilt and shame press in, pushing away her real friends and reinforcing her own criminal tendencies.

Tessa yearns for freedom – and something else. Then a neighbor introduces her to God and salvation through Christ. But will faith be enough? Can she overcome the forces that bind her before it’s too late?


Pick up your copy here
http://www.amazon.com/Tessa-From-Faith-Melissa-Wiltrout/dp/1622450876/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_pap?ie=UTF8&qid=1392304882&sr=8-1&keywords=tessa+by+Melissa+Wiltrout



Melissa Wiltrout lives in Wisconsin with her two dogs, a 15-year-old Sheltie named Chester and an energetic young terrier named Daisy. She began writing her first novel (it was a dud) at the age of eight. Now in her thirties, she keeps busy at the family nursery and landscaping business during the summer and spends her winters writing. Having experienced much struggle in her own life, it is her prayer that others will find hope and encouragement through her writing.

This is a really good book for young adults.
 Author Wlitrout has written a heartwarming,very touching story of hope.
I was very surprised that the story just flowed so well. The characters were very well developed.
This book shows that God is for us. Gods love pours from the pages.
A book that young adults will surely be touched by, and won't forget for a long time.
I gave this book 4 stars.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

The Sinner's Garden By William Sirls


Andy Kemp’s young life has been as ravaged as his scarred face. Disfigured by an abusive father, the teenager hides behind his books and an impenetrable wall of cynicism and anger.
As Andy’s mother struggles to reconnect with him, his Uncle Rip returns transformed from a stint in prison and wants to be a mentor to the reclusive boy, doing everything he can to help end Andy’s pain. When Andy begins hearing strange music through his iPod and making near-prophetic announcements, Rip is convinced that what Andy is hearing is the voice of God.
Elsewhere, police officer Heather Gerisch responds to a late-night breaking and entering in one of the poorest homes in town. She soon realizes that the masked prowler has left thousands of dollars in gift cards from a local grocery store.
As the bizarre break-ins continue and Heather pursues the elusive “Summer Santa,” Andy and Rip discover an enormous and well-kept garden of wildflowers that seems to have grown overnight at an abandoned steel mill.
Soon, they realize who the gardener is, and a spree of miracles transfigures this small town from a place of hopelessness into a place of healing and beauty.


Pick up your copy here


Over the course of his life, William Sirls has experienced both great highs and tremendous lows--some born of chance, some born of choice. Once a senior vice president at a major investment firm, he was incarcerated in 2007 for wire fraud and money laundering, where he learned a great deal more than he ever bargained for. Life lessons involving faith, grace, patience, and forgiveness are evident in his writing. He is the father of two and makes his home in southern Michigan. Visit his site at: www.williamsirls.com

I am not really sure how to write this review.
I must say that this book is a 5 star two times book. And that is not enough.
It was awesome and I could not put it down. Outstanding must read book!
To say this book is about Grace is just not enough. It is about forgiveness and love pours from every page. I hated to see this book come to an end.
I loved Rip, Judi and Heather. The characters in the book were fantastic to say the least. the storyline is one that you not soon forget.
I Highly recommend this book.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Monday, February 10, 2014

Friend Me By John Faubion GIVEAWAY!



“You’re afraid you are becoming unfaithful, aren’t you?”
Scott and Rachel’s marriage is on the brink of disaster. Scott, a businessman with a high-pressure job, just wants Rachel to understand him and accept his flaws. Rachel is a lonely housewife, desperate for attention and friendship. So she decides to create a virtual friend online, unaware that Scott is doing the exact same thing. But neither realizes that there’s a much larger problem looming. . . .

Behind both of their online creations is Melissa, a woman who is brilliant— and totally insane. Masquerading as both friend and lover, Melissa programmed a search parameter into the Virtual Friend Me software to find her perfect man, but along the way she forgot to specify his marriage status. And Scott is her ideal match. Now Melissa is determined to have it all—Scott, his family, and Rachel’s life.

Pick up your copy here


I am a former thirty-year foreign missionary, now working as Senior Software Engineer for a large electronics and appliance retailer.
In 1966, as a new Christian and an American soldier in Vietnam, I was deeply moved at my first exposure to idolatry.
In 1974, after completing Bible college and missionary deputation, our family of four moved to South Vietnam to begin formal missionary work, where we remained until the war was lost and Americans had to leave.
In 1976, with another missionary, we started Harvest Baptist Church and Christian School on Guam.
We returned to the field in 1977 going to Taiwan, where we began our Chinese ministry. The Lord allowed us to start the Ping Lin Baptist Church in Taichung at that time.
From 1981 until 1988 I did the software development for Baptist International Missions in Chattanooga, Tennessee. We then returned to the mission field of mainland China. In 1989 my first wife went to be with the Lord, and the Lord gave me my wife Beth in 1990.
We remained in Beijing and Hong Kong until 1999.
I'm still a Mandarin Chinese speaker. I have five children, the youngest sixteen years old.



This was such a hard book to get into for me.
I did not care for the premise and the whole thing was just to much for me.
I am not a big thriller fan so that may have something to do with me not caring so much for this book.
if you like reading about unfaithfulness and betrayal then this may a book for you.
Internet stalkers, this almost sounds like a lifetime movie.
However that being said, the author is a very good writer and thriller fans will really get into this book.
I gave this book 3.5 stars.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Friday, February 7, 2014

Hopeful By Shelley Shepard Gray



In the Amish town of Sugarcreek, love comes in many forms. But will it come at all for Miriam?
Miriam Zehr has worked at the Sugarcreek Inn longer than she cares to admit. The restaurant is a favorite of town residents as well as the many tourists who come to taste the famous Amish fare. Though she always tries to have a smile for every customer, deep down Miriam knows something's missing: a family of her own.
Miriam has never felt particularly beautiful, especially because she's always been a bit heavier than other girls her age. When Junior, the man she's pined for all her life, suddenly seeks her out, she's thrilled to be noticed . . . until she realizes he's only asking her to help get the attention of Mary Kathryn Hershberger, her pretty friend.
If Miriam helps Junior court Mary Kathryn, she'll get to spend a lot of time with him, but she might lose him in the process. Are these few stolen moments worth a lifetime of sacrifice? Is Miriam right to even hope for the life she dreams of?

Pick up your copy here



Shelley Shepard Gray lives in southern Ohio and writes full time. A busy wife and mother of two, she spends her days writing and keeping track of her two teenagers. Her two dogs keep her company when she writes in her basement.

Shelley enjoys writing about the Amish and visits Amish communities in Adams and Holmes counties several times a year. When not spending time with her family or writing, she serves on several committees in her church.

She also bakes a lot, loves coconut cream pie, and will hardly ever pull weeds, mow the yard, or drive in the snow.

Shelley also spends a lot of time on line! Please visit her website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com to find out her latest news...or become her friend on FaceBook.

This is the first book in Shelley Shepard Gray's new series Return to Sugarcreek, and it was fantastic. It is not a book to be missed. It touches on loss and adoption and the romance is great in this book.
God is always on time and you will see that all over this book.
I really enjoyed Miriam and Junior and how their story turned out.
You are sure to fall in love with the characters in this book as well.
I gave this book 5 stars and I recommend it.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review. 

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Smitten Book Club By Denise Hunter, Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck and Diann Hunt





The century-old Gentlewoman’s Guide to Love and Courtship is no ordinary book club choice. But for the little book club in Smitten, Vermont, it might be their best pick yet!
The thick, leathery tome Heather pulled out of the dusty cardboard box was definitely coming home with her. Not only was The Gentlewoman’s Guide to Love and Courtship an appealing curiosity by virtue of its title; it was also written by Smitten, Vermont native Pearl Chambers, a local gentlewoman from three generations back.
Little did Heather know the repercussions this little curiosity would have on her and her friends’ romantic exploits.
When Heather and her fellow book club members begin passing the book around, their respective interpretations are unleashed on their respective love lives . . . for better or for worse. Is it a mystery? An idealist fantasy? An intimation of Jane Austen? As romantic love finds its way to each woman, the Guide proves itself both surprisingly prescient and hilariously irrelevant.
What’s more, a handwritten inscription indicates that the arcane book might hold the only extant clues leading to buried gold—exactly what one of the members needs to keep her house. How could they not go treasure hunting?
In this remarkable collaborative novel, besties Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Denise Hunter, and Diann Hunt tackle the tale of the Gentlewoman’s Guide by writing for one book club member apiece. Smitten Book Club is a hopeful, hilarious story of friendship and healing, written by friends for friends.

Pick up your copy here


Run don't walk and pick up your copy!
This by far was the best book in the Smitten series. I could not put it down until the very last page. It is out of this world great!
This book is part mystery part romance. And the friendships in this book are the best.
The four authors were in sic in this book and the four novellas flowed so well.
I can't say which one of the four was my favorite because they all four were super reads.
I must say if you have not read any of the Smitten books you will be missing out by not picking up a copy of this one.
I am still thinking about this book a week after reading it.
Four very talented authors all in one book not every day do you get a book like this one.
I gave this book 5 stars.
I highly recommend this book.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Monday, February 3, 2014

Gabriel's Bride By Amy Lillard GIVEAWAY!


Rachel Yoder has two choices: marry Gabriel Fisher or move to Ohio. As an orphan, Rachel doesn’t have much to offer; any match she can make will be a good one. She just didn’t plan on Gabriel with his big hands and permanent frown.
As a widower Gabriel needs help caring for the farm and his six children. But he never thought he’d marry a slip of a girl who barely reaches his chin.
Yet as time passes, Gabriel finds himself thinking about a real marriage. They have spoken vows to God and each other, but can he risk his heart with Rachel?

Pick up your copy here you will not be sorry I promise ...



I'm a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess.

I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I've retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I'm from Texas. (?) Rob and I have been married for over twenty years and have a son-a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!

I love homemade tacos, shoes, and romance novels-not necessarily in that order. I'm a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I'm shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.

I believe that God is love. I guess that's why I adore romances.

I have always been intrigued with the Amish culture, their gentle ways and slower-paced lifestyle. (And I love, love, love the fact that they stay married for their lifetime.) But until recently I never thought to blend this interest with my penchant for romance. Okay, okay, I'm a bit old-fashioned and even enjoy the gender roles that are present in this culture. I love to cook and take care of my family. Yes, that's me June Cleaver with a laptop.

I dislike people trying to convince me to read the Twlight series (I'll get to it or I won't, either way I'm good with it), gratuitous violence, and strawberry ice cream. (I know I'm alone on this last one, and again, I'm good with it.)

Favorite movies-(besides HP) French Kiss, Maid of Honor, A Lot Like Love, Just Married, and Sweet Home Alabama. Oh, and Miss Congeniality, Sabrina (both versions) and a 1940′s movie called Dear Ruth. If you haven't seen it, you should! A-dorable. Anything with Doris Day and most all of Marilyn's and Audrey's.

I am a huge fan of Amy Lillard's  she can sure pen a fantastic, entertaining read.
I could not put this book down until the last page and what a great ending to a great series.
I loved Rachel and I came to love Gabriel by the end of the book.
Amy writes such warm caring characters in her books. Amy is one storyteller that you don't want to miss.
She does not write the same old Amish fiction that most of the Amish authors are writing now days, She write fresh new stories to keep you turning the pages.
I HIGHLY recommend this book. You do not want to miss any of the books in the Clover Ridge series.
I gave this book 5 stars two times.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.