Monday, March 31, 2014

Murder Simply Brewed By Vannetta Chapman



When the coffee shop manager is murdered in Middlebury's Amish Artisan Village, two women from different walks of life must join together to solve the mystery. Spring has arrived in Middlebury, Indiana, and Amber Wright is optimistic about the growing profit from her collection of Amish shops---until she receives a call that Ethan Gray is dead. Hurrying over to A Simple Blend, she finds a solitary hole in the front window and the store manager lying next to the espresso machine, dead from an apparent heart attack. All the money is still in his register. When Amber hires a young Amish woman, Hannah Troyer, to take over the shop's duties, the two women become fast friends---as well as amateur sleuths. The police believe Gray's death is a by-product of vandalism, but Amber and Hannah aren't convinced. Clues that don't add up, a neighbor who is pulled into the midst of the investigation, a town with secrets to hide, and a blossoming romance---all will combine to push Amber and Hannah into unfamiliar roles in order to reveal answers to the mysteries around them.

Pick up your copy here


Vannetta Chapman writes fiction full of GRACE. She has published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, receiving more than two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather's birthplace of Albion, Pennsylvania. Her first novel, A Simple Amish Christmas, quickly became a bestseller. Chapman lives in the Texas hill country with her husband.

This was a unique book. Much different them other Amish Fiction books. But then I love Amish and Suspense.
Chapman has come up with a fresh story with likeable characters. You will like Amber and Hannah. I love it when Amish and englishers become friends.
I liked the story from being to end.  You can read this book in an afternoon.
If you have not had a chance to read Chapman's books yet this one be the one to start with.
I was given a copy of this book by the publishers for my honest review.

Friday, March 28, 2014

Girl at the End of the World By Elizabeth Esther GIVEAWAY!




I was raised in a homegrown, fundamentalist Christian group—which is just a shorthand way of saying I’m classically trained in apocalyptic stockpiling, street preaching, and the King James Version of the Bible. I know hundreds of obscure nineteenth-century hymns by heart and have such razor sharp “modesty vision” that I can spot a miniskirt a mile away.

Verily, verily I say unto thee, none of these highly specialized skills ever got me a job, but at least I’m all set for the end of the world. Selah.


A story of mind control, the Apocalypse, and modest attire.
Elizabeth Esther grew up in love with Jesus but in fear of daily spankings (to “break her will”). Trained in her family-run church to confess sins real and imagined, she knew her parents loved her and God probably hated her. Not until she was grown and married did she find the courage to attempt the unthinkable. To leave.
In her memoir, readers will recognize questions every believer faces: When is spiritual zeal a gift, and when is it a trap? What happens when a pastor holds unchecked sway over his followers? And how can we leave behind the harm inflicted in the name of God without losing God in the process?
By turns hilarious and heartbreaking, Girl at the End of the World is a story of the lingering effects of spiritual abuse and the growing hope that God can still be good when His people fail.





Elizabeth Esther is a popular blogger and advocate who has appeared on shows such as Fox News and Anderson Cooper Live. Elizabeth and her husband, Matthew, live with their five children in Santa Ana, California.

I am so sorry about this review. It is NOT okay to swear in Christian books.
I don't honestly know how a Christian publisher could have published this book. The foul language was just awful in the book. The very first chapter the Lord's name is taken in vain and then over half way in the book the F bomb in dropped.
I have to say this is not a book that I would ever recommend to a good Christian person, that is just my opinion, but I don't care to read books with foul language in it.
The story was very painful and "Wiz" is a very genuine person. 
I love the turn around that she has and I love that God is big enough to meet us anywhere.
I gave this book 3 stars. (Only because of the foul language) She could have got her point across with out it!
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Thursday, March 27, 2014

The Singing Quilt by Kathi Macias



Jolissa Montoya believes God is calling her to work with the disadvantaged children in her inner-city neighborhood. There’s only one problem: The children wouldn’t be able to understand her. Jolissa suffers from a speech impediment and has a thick accent because Spanish is her first language. Ridiculed through much of her youth, she is quite shy and reticent to speak. She is convinced that what God has spoken to her heart is impossible. Impossible, that is, until one day when her confidante shows her a quilt—a quilt that depicts the life of a courageous woman. Can another woman’s courage move her to try the impossible and step out and follow God wherever He leads her?

The Singing Quilt is set against the backdrop of the life of Fanny Crosby, who in addition to writing hundreds of songs was also a well-known public speaker and active in Christian rescue missions despite her disability. Readers will be inspired not to let fear or a disability prevent them from answering what they think is God’s impossible call.

The Singing Quilt is the third book in the contemporary fiction “Quilt” series written by award-winning author Kathi Macias. The series focuses on various social issues, including racial and pro-life issues.

Pick up your copy here


Multiple award-winning author Kathi Macias’s nearly 35 books include this “Quilt” series, the award-winning “Freedom” series, and the “Extreme Devotion” novels for New Hope Publishers. Her devotionals reach hundreds of thousands—through the Christian Civic League, Black Christian News, Latino Christian News, Christians in Recovery, and crosswalk.com. The Excellence in Media Angel Award, San Diego Christian Writers Guild fiction awards, Golden Scroll Novel of the Year (Red Ink), Carol Award finalist (Red Ink), 2011 Author of the Year for BooksandAuthors.net, and an international writing contest grand prize are some of her credits. A popular speaker for women’s retreats, conferences, churches, and TV and radio programs, Kathi also loves outreach to prison and homeless ministries, and praying for and aiding the persecuted church globally. A mother and grandmother, Kathi lives with husband, Al, in California.

God is big enough to meet us anywhere!
There is not another author who writes with such passion and the Lord shines on every page as Kathi Macias. Kathi really loves the Lord she serves and it shows in her writing.
Forgiveness, Love, and a huge heart and love for the Lord, that is what you will find on every page of this amazing book.
I loved learning about Fanny Crosby with Jolissa. Eva is the grandma we all wish we had. These characters become like family.
Kathi, has really done her research for this book. I really enjoyed reading it and the neat thing was I learned a lot while reading this book.
If you are looking for a book to get away from the world we live in this is your book.
I gave this book 5 stars two times. I HIGHLY recommend this book.
I was given a copy of this book by the author for my honest review.

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Dancing with Fireflies By Denise Hunter


 

Jade returns home to Chapel Springs after years of protecting her fragile heart. Then along comes Daniel, making her long to dance again.

Creative and complicated, Jade McKinley felt like a weed in a rose garden growing up in Chapel Springs. When she left, she thought she’d never look back. But now, pregnant, alone, and broke, she has no other choice but to return.
The mayor of Chapel Springs, Daniel Dawson, has been an honorary member of the McKinley family for years. While his own home life was almost non-existent, Daniel fit right into the boisterous McKinley family. He’s loved Jade for years, but she always saw him as a big brother. Now that she’s back, his feelings are stronger than ever.
As Jade attempts to settle in, nothing feels right. God seems far away, she’s hiding secrets from her family, and she’s strangely attracted to the man who’s always called her “squirt." Finding her way home may prove more difficult than she imagined.

Pick up your copy here...



Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than 20 books, including "Barefoot Summer" and "The Convenient Groom". She has won The Holt Medallion Award, The Reader's Choice Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and is a RITA finalist.

In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her husband says he inspires all her romantic stories, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

When Denise isn't writing she's busy raising three heroes-in-the making with her husband.

You can learn more about Denise through her website www.DeniseHunterBooks.com or by visiting her FaceBook page at https://www.facebook.com/authordenisehunter


A MUST READ!
Super, Fantastic, Heartwarming, brilliant are just a few words to describe this book.
I am Denise's number one fan, she does not know how to write anything but 5 star books.
Dancing with Fireflies was yet another one of those five star books, you can NOT put it down once you start reading it.
I fell in love with Jade and Daniel and cheered every step of the way for them.
This is the best romance book you will read all year.
I was so happy at how everything turned out in the end.
This just might be Denise's best book by far!
I gave this book 5 stars of course.
I was given a copy if this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Summer of Joy By Ann Gabhart



For Jocie Brooke, the summer of 1964 certainly was eventful, but it's nothing compared to what's coming to Hollyhill, Kentucky, and the Brooke family next. The past is coming to call, threatening to destroy the relationships that everyone thought were so strong. Two people--one thought to be gone for good and the other no one's ever heard of--are making their way to the small town. And it promises trouble for everyone.

This complex and beautifully written story is the perfect conclusion to The Heart of Hollyhill series. With true-to-life family drama, refreshing humor, and characters readers have come to love like dear friends, Summer of Joy will delight Gabhart's fans.

Pick up your copy here


Ann H. Gabhart caught the writing bug at the age of ten and has been writing ever since. She's published over twenty-five books for both adults and young adults. Scent of Lilacs, her first inspirational novel, was chosen as a Top Ten Books in Christian Fiction by Booklist magazine. Her first Shaker book, The Outsider, was a finalist for ECPA Christian Fiction Book of the Year and was a Top Pick by Romantic Times Book Review Magazine.

Ann lives on a farm in Kentucky not far from where she was born. She and her husband have three children and nine grandchildren. Ann loves hiking on her farm with her grandkids and her dog, Oscar. Her website is
www.annhgabhart.com.

I have read many of Mrs. Gabhart's books, in fact I loved her Shaker books. So I did not know what to expect with this contemporary fiction book.
It was slow starting out, but the characters star to develop on into the book.
I love that it was set in Kentucky being from West Virginia and Kentucky that made me happy.
Hollyhill, Ky would be a great place to live.
Mrs. Gabhart, really did a great job with Jocie and her family in this last book in the series.
I gave this book 4 stars.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Monday, March 24, 2014

A Table by the Window By Hillary Manton Lodge



Heirloom recipes, family secrets…and a chance for love
 
The youngest heir to a French-Italian restaurant dynasty, food writer Juliette D’Alisa has spent her life negotiating her skill with words and her restaurant aspirations. When her brother Nico offers her a chance to open a restaurant together, she feels torn—does she really have what it takes? Should she risk leaving her journalism career?

After the death of her grandmother, Juliette discovers an antique photograph of a man who looks strikingly like her brother. As the truth behind the picture reveals romance and dark secrets, Juliette struggles to keep the mystery away from her nosy family until she can uncover the whole story.

Inspired by her grandmother’s evolving story, Juliette resolves to explore the world of online dating. To her surprise, she finds a kindred spirit in Neil McLaren, a handsome immunologist based in Memphis, Tennessee. With a long-distance relationship simmering, Juliette faces life-shifting decisions. How can she possibly choose between a promising culinary life and Neil, a man a world away in more ways than one? And is it possible her Grandmother’s story can help show the way?




Hillary Manton Lodge is the author of A Table by the Window, Plain Jayne, a Carol Award Finalist, and Simply Sara, an ECPA Bestselling book. A graduate of the University of Oregon's School of Journalism, Hillary discovered the world of cuisine during an internship at Northwest Palate Magazine. A storyteller at heart, in her free time she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, watching foreign films, and exploring her most recent hometown of Portland, Oregon. She shares her home with her husband, Danny, and their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Shiloh.

I am a fan of Hillary's, I really enjoyed her Amish fiction books. I could not wait to read her new romance.
I was not disappointed well maybe that is not all true, I loved the characters and I really enjoyed the recipes in each chapter. I did however get a little upset at the end of the book Hillary left me wanting more and she left me hanging.
I have to wait for book two, Reservation for Two in the Family Secrets and Heirloom Recipes series. 
This is a series that you will want to read all of the books at once. The writing and the storyline is so engaging you will not want to wait for the next book to come out.
I gave this book 5 stars, I recommend this book.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Twirl By Patsy Clairmont


Is life making you so dizzy that you’re forgetting what’s most important?
Patsy Clairmont loves a good twirl. The kind that will make a child fall to the ground, squeal with laughter, and then want to get up and spin in circles some more! However, there is a twirl where busy schedules and urgency create a different and unwanted variety of dizzy into our lives.
Though hurry-up is part of the human dilemma and certain seasons bring more of it than others, if it becomes a lifestyle you might find yourself on the slippery slopes of bitterness, sadness, and depression. Patsy’s hope is to help her readers maintain a dynamic view on life—with activities and choices that lead to renewal and peace. So take a little stroll with Patsy Clairmont through Twirl, and allow her unique perspective and deep well of biblical wisdom to realign your spin on life.

Pick up your copy here

An original Women of Faith® speaker, Patsy Clairmont combines quick wit and depth of biblical knowledge in a powerful pint-size package. A recovering agoraphobic with a pronounced funny bone, Patsy speaks to women from all walks of life. Patsy and her husband, Les, live in Tennessee.

This is a book that will help you remember what is most important in your life, and Oh boy will you enjoy reading this book. Patsy is just like your best friend she can make you smile with every written word in this book!
I loved this book. It was so refreshing and the humor in it was wonderful.
Patsy is a master word smith. She is full of quick wit and she shines on every page.
There is so many great nuggets of information, you should see my copy I have underlined and wrote on most of the pages.
When you read this book you will hear "Verily, Verily and you will be changed.( You will understand this after you have read the book.)
Each chapter is wrote with so much wisdom you are going to refer to this book many times in your life.
I gave this book 5 stars and I highly recommend it.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Your Heart's Desire By Sheri Rose Shepherd



Hope and healing for every woman who has ever loved a manBestselling author and Bible life coach Sheri Rose Shepherd shares 14 truths that will forever change the way you love and are loved. This book is written for the married woman who loves her man but struggles in her marriage. It’s for the single woman who wants to find a godly man to love and for the divorced woman who believed in her marriage until her man walked out.

Each chapter has life-challenging love stories, love coaching, powerful prayers, inspiring scriptural love letters, and a Transforming Truth.

If you’re ready for a refreshing perspective on love, men, and marriage, this book is for you.

Pick up your copy here
 
 
Best-selling Author, Speaker, Teacher, Humorist

Sheri Rose has a very refreshing way of bringing the Word of God to life. She knows how to renew the Eternal Hope in our hearts. Her speaking style is humorous, heartwarming and inspires every one to make their life count for eternity.

Sheri Rose is a woman who can relate to almost any woman's battle. This former Mrs. United States grew up in a dysfunctional home and was severely overweight as a teen. As a young woman, she battled depression and an eating disorder. She understands the pain that comes from a broken home and she knows what it means to fight for freedom from your past. In spite of an English teacher telling her she was "born to lose" and a learning disorder--Dyslexia--Sheri Rose has (in God's strength) written best-selling books, founded His Princess Ministries and speaks to tens of thousands each year at churches and women's conferences like the Extraordinary Women Tour.

Her Joy for the Lord, humorous heart-warming stories mixed with truth and transparency renews our Faith by reminding us how much we are truly loved and adored by our Father in heaven. Once you heard Sheri Rose speak you will never again doubt that you are..."God's Chosen Princess"... here for a divine purpose!

She lives in Southern California with her husband of 22 years and their daughter.
 
This book is chalk full of much needed advice and super scripture.
Author Sheri Rose relationship expert tells you about her own struggles and how she over came.
At some time or another we have all wished for a relationship coach well you get that with this book.
The author is your mentor and she will keep you motivated to move forward and put God on top of your relationships.
I found this book very helpful and worth my time to sit down and read and take lots of notes.
I gave this book 5 stars and I recommend it, in fact it would be a fantastic wedding gift.
I was given a copy of this book as a gift. The comments in the review are my own.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Sincerely Yours GIVEAWAY!



In this collection of brand-new historical novellas from four outstanding storytellers, four young women find their lives altered after each receives a letter that sets her on a new path toward a changed life--and perhaps lifelong love. From a Hudson River steamboat to a lush drawing room, from a carousel carver's workshop to a remote and controversial hospital, readers will love being swept into the lives of four young women who are making their way in the world and finding love where they least expect it.

Pick up your copy here

Jane Kirkpatrick is the award-winning author of many novels, including A Flickering Light. She is a frequent speaker at conferences and lives in Oregon. Visit www.jkbooks.com for more.

Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of the Texas Dreams series, the Westward Winds series, and Christmas Roses. She lives in Wyoming. Visit www.amandacabot.com for more.

Laurie Alice Eakes
is the author of The Midwives series and The Daughters of Bainbridge House series. Laurie Alice writes full-time from her home in Texas, where she lives with her husband. Visit www.lauriealiceeakes.com for more.

Ann Shorey
is the author of the At Home in Beldon Grove series and the Sisters at Heart series. Ann and her husband make their home in southwestern Oregon. Visit www.annshorey.com for more.

Can a letter change your life?
I enjoyed this book, all four novellas were very well written. I love romances so this was a treat for me. The very best novella was A Saving Grace by Jane Kirkpatrick she has such a gift and is a very talented writer. An award winning story! Jane gives reference to a book By Greg Olsen Called Starvation Heights at the end of her novella  that you may also want to pick up.
You will enjoy this book and the four letters that change these four characters lives.
I gave this book 4 stars. I recommend picking up a copy to read over the weekend.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

The Devil Walks in Mattingly By Billy Coffey



For the three people tortured by their secret complicity in a young man's untimely death, redemption is what they most long for . . . and the last thing they expect to receive.
It has been twenty years since Philip McBride's body was found along the riverbank in the dark woods known as Happy Hollow. His death was ruled a suicide. But three people have carried the truth ever since—Philip didn't kill himself that day. He was murdered.
Each of the three have wilted in the shadow of their sins. Jake Barnett is Mattingly's sheriff, where he spends his days polishing the fragile shell of the man he pretends to be. His wife, Kate, has convinced herself the good she does for the poor will someday wash the blood from her hands. And high in the mountains, Taylor Hathcock lives in seclusion and fear, fueled by madness and hatred.
Yet what cannot be laid to rest is bound to rise again. Philip McBride has haunted Jake's dreams for weeks, warning that he is coming back for them all. When Taylor finds mysterious footprints leading from the Hollow, he believes his redemption has come. His actions will plunge the quiet town of Mattingly into darkness. These three will be drawn together for a final confrontation between life and death . . . between truth and lies.


Pick up your copy here

I write about what I see and wrap a story around it, which often results in characters who realize stumbling through life is okay because it's still moving forward. That seems appropriate, I think. In the end we're all doing the best we can with what we have, smiling through the fear we face, and trying to find the beauty in life's sameness. So I watch and I listen, and what doesn't end up in a book will usually find its way to my blog, What I Learned Today.

I really enjoyed Coffey's last book When Mockingbirds Sing so I could not wait to crack this one open.
The Devil Walks in Mattingly was a little bit darker then the last and most of the time I don't care for dark books but this one was different than most dark books.
For those of you who are thinking a dark read is not my cup of tea, well I have to say it was really good , I was not disappointed at all. You will really enjoy this read.
This is one of those books that has many points of views, more and more authors are using more then one point of view it seems now. That was the only thing that I did not like about the book.
I gave this book 5 stars.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review. 

Sunday, March 16, 2014

What Follows After By Dan Walsh


In October 1962, Colt Harrison and his little brother, Timmy, hatched a plan. They would run away from their Florida home, head for their aunt's house in Savannah, Georgia, and refuse to come home until their parents got back together. But things go terribly, terribly wrong. Colt's mother and father must come to grips with years of neglect and mistrust in order to recover their beloved sons, their love for one another, and their broken marriage.

In this emotional story, Dan Walsh takes readers on a journey to rediscover the things that matter most in life--love, truth, and family.

Pick up your copy here

Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of 9 novels, published by Revell and Guideposts, including The Unfinished Gift, The Reunion and The Dance. He has won 3 ACFW Carol Awards, 2 Selah Awards, and twice his novels have been named as finalists for RT Reviews Inspirational Novel of the Year.

For those who haven't read Dan's books, reviewers often compare him to Nicholas Sparks and Richard Paul Evans. His latest project is partnering with Gary Smalley on a 4-book fiction series. The first book, The Dance, released in April 2013. It hit both the CBA and ECPA bestsellers list. The 2nd novel, The Promise, released in September. Dan served as a pastor for 25 years and now writes fulltime. He and his wife Cindi have been married 36 years and have 2 grown children, both married, and 1 grandson. They live in Port Orange, FL. You can follow him on Facebook or Twitter, or read his blog, as well as preview all his books by visiting his website at http://danwalshbooks.com.

Oh my, Dan Walsh has out done himself.  This just might be he best book ever.
I read this in one afternoon I could not put it down I had to find out if Timmy was found.
This is a edge of your seat book.
Page after page of  fantastic love of God and forgiveness.
I  love Colt and I was so happy for Timmy and Colt's parents happy ending.
This is a must read book.
I gave this book 5 stars and recommend it.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Friday, March 14, 2014

The Storm Inside By Sheila Walsh




Women feel the storm activity all around. We find ourselves teetering somewhere between everyday chaos and crisis.
 We can feel a storm brewing, we are in the middle of a storm, or we are facing the aftermath of a storm. But don't be afraid because it is possible to grow through turbulent times.
 Storms show you what's really going on inside, reveal what you really believe, and actually make you stronger. In this powerful book Sheila will help you:

Redefine your failures as a new beginning instead of an end.
Replace the words always and never in your life with positive declarations of hope.
Know with confidence how to help a friend in chaos or crisis.

Pick up your copy here


Sheila Walsh, Women of Faith® speaker, is the author of the award-winning Gigi, God's Little Princess® series, God Loves Broken People, The Shelter of God's Promises, and a new fiction novel, Sweet Sanctuary. Sheila lives in Texas with her husband, Barry, and son, Christian.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-WLoo745yw

I have to be real honest and say I am a huge fan of Mrs. Walsh.
Okay now that that is out of the way. This book is one that every women should have a copy of on her book shelf and read once a year. It was fantastic, full of scripture to back all of Mrs. Walsh's sound advice and full of wonderful stories that we all can relate to.
Pick up a copy of this fantastic book to find out who you really are in all the crisis and chaos going on in your life.
I learned a lot from this book and I am happy to say it was a 5 star two times book.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.


I am keeping a copy of this book on my book shelf but I did buy a copy to giveaway to one blessed WINNER! Just share this blog post on your Facebook wall and leave a comment to be entered to win a copy.

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

It Had to be You By Susan May Warren



Eden Christiansen never imagined her role as her younger brother Owen’s cheerleader would keep her on the sidelines of her own life. Sure, it feels good to be needed, but looking after the reckless NHL rookie leaves little time for Eden to focus on her own career. She dreamed of making a name for herself as a reporter, but is stuck writing obits—and starting to fear she doesn’t have the chops to land a major story. If only someone would step up to mentor Owen . . . but she knows better than to expect help from team veteran and bad-boy enforcer Jace Jacobsen.

Jace has built his career on the infamous reputation of his aggressive behavior—on and off the ice. Now at a crossroads about his future in hockey, that reputation has him trapped. And the guilt-trip he’s getting from Eden Christiansen isn’t making things any easier. But when Owen’s carelessness leads to a career-threatening injury and Eden stumbles upon a story that could be her big break, she and Jace are thrown together . . . and begin to wonder if they belong on the same team after all.


Pick up your copy here...



Growing up in Minneapolis and attending the U of MN, I learned to love city life, although I'm a woodsy girl at heart. Or maybe I'm an adventurer -- having lived and traveled all over the world, including Siberia Russia as a missionary for eight years. Probably that's why my characters can't sit still, and seem to get into one scrape after another -- they're too much like me! I love God, my family, my country, my church, and feel privileged every day to be able to write stories, that I hope inspire and entertain!

Well let me start by saying Susan has uber talent. She can sure write a contemporary romance that you will not want to put down until the very last page.
Are you looking for a book that will entertain you and inspire you? Then this is your book!
I loved the characters Jace and Eden and rooted for them all the way until the end. All of the characters are like family.
I was so sad when the book ended. I can't wait for the next book Take a Chance on Me coming this summer.
Don't miss this 5 star book, I  highly recommend this book.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Saturday, March 8, 2014

A Broken Kind of Beautiful By Kaite Ganshert


Sometimes everything you ever learned about yourself is wrong 
Fashion is a fickle industry, a frightening fact for twenty-four year old model Ivy Clark. Ten years in and she’s learned a sacred truth—appearance is everything. Nobody cares about her broken past as long as she looks beautiful for the camera. This is the only life Ivy knows—so when it starts to unravel, she’ll do anything to hold on. Even if that means moving to the quaint island town of Greenbrier, South Carolina, to be the new face of her stepmother’s bridal wear line—an irony too rich for words, since Ivy is far from the pure bride in white.

If only her tenuous future didn’t rest in the hands of Davis Knight, her mysterious new photographer. Not only did he walk away from the kind of success Ivy longs for to work maintenance at a local church, he treats her differently than any man ever has. Somehow, Davis sees through the façade she works so hard to maintain. He, along with a cast of other characters, challenges everything Ivy has come to believe about beauty and worth. Is it possible that God sees her—a woman stained and broken by the world—yet wants her still?

Pick up your copy here


Katie Ganshert graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison with a degree in education, and worked as a fifth grade teacher for several years before staying home to write full-time. She was born and raised in the Midwest, where she lives with her husband, their young son, and their goofy black lab, Bubba. When she's not busy writing or playing or reading or snuggling, she is obsessing over the paperwork and the waiting that comes with adoption. She is the author of Wildflowers from Winter and Wishing on Willows. Visit her website at katieganshert.com

I have read all three of Kaite's books and I must say this book was by far the very best one. She has out done herself. Katie has such talent she is a very gifted writer. God can be found all over this book, on every page.
You will love all of the characters, Ivy, Davis, and Sara, were fantastic and I really loved Marilyn she was sure to be a favorite  of all as well.
I loved the ending, I was rooting for a happy ending the whole way through the book.
I read this book in one sitting it was not a book that could be put down, it is so engaging!
I gave this book 5 stars plus. I highly recommend this book!
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Holding a Tender Heart By Jerry Eicher GIVEAWAY!

                                              FANTASTIC BOOK! DO NOT MISS THIS ONE!

From the pen of bestselling Amish fiction author Jerry Eicher (half a million books sold) comes a charming new series set in Snyder County, Pennsylvania.
Debbie Watson is a young Englisha girl who has grown up admiring her Amish friends, the Beiler sisters. As she prepares to graduate from college, Debbie considers making the life-changing decision to convert to the Amish faith and lifestyle.
Soon Debbie's presence in the community attracts the attention of two suitors: Alvin Knepp, the youngest son of a poor Amish farmer, to whom Debbie is very much attracted; and Paul Wagler, the more successful and sought-after man, whose constant attention to Debbie reminds her of her old Englisha boyfriend--whom she'd rather forget.
Jerry Eicher's many fans and readers of Amish fiction will love this heartwarming new series from a master storyteller.

Pick up your copy here


As a boy, Jerry Eicher spent eight years in Honduras where his grandfather helped found an Amish community outreach. As an adult, Jerry taught for two terms in parochial Amish and Mennonite schools in Ohio and Illinois. He has been involved in church renewal for 14 years and has preached in churches and conducted weekend meetings of in-depth Bible teaching. Jerry lives with his wife, Tina, and their four children in Virginia.

Okay let's all face it there is NOT another male who can write an Amish fiction book half as well as Jerry.
I fell in love with Holding A Tender Heart Book 1 in The Beiler Sisters series.
You are going to LOVE Debbie and all three Beiler sisters.
The characters are true family and almost real. I love the touch of romance in this book.
You are not going to be able to put this book down once you start reading it.
I can not wait for book two.
I gave this book 5 stars.
I was given a copy of this book by the author for my honest review.

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Real Women Leading with Proverbs 31 Values By Lisa Troyer And Dawn Yoder


Today’s marketplace is not always a “values-friendly” environment. Business leaders Lisa Troyer and Dawn Yoder show you that you can live and thrive in a “valueless” workplace when you live by biblical values and principles.

Real Women: Leading with Proverbs 31 Values is a must-have leadership resource for today’s Christian woman. Written by women in the marketplace, Real Women cultivates biblical truth, credible relationship development, and practical application into everyday life through ten foundational principles. Once women embrace these ten principles, they will soon discover the multiple attributes of the Proverbs 31 woman in today’s marketplace and learn practical ways to implement the wisdom from that timeless Scripture passage.

Women will be encouraged to develop their God-given gifts and talents in the marketplace as they live out the principles that invite others to embrace the equality-inspiring values they live by. Knowing that we are not the end users of the gospel message, the Proverbs 31 leader will find the initiative to inspire the upcoming generation to view womanhood as a gift and continue the learning process that will impact generations to come.

Pick up your copy here


Sometimes referred to by friends as the “singing executive,” wife, mom, radio personality, recording artist, speaker, and author Lisa Troyer finds herself heart-deep in activities that are changing lives forever. Her Circle of Friends women’s outreach, formed over a decade ago, is growing in all directions. No matter the outlet or the venue, Lisa uses her gift of encouragement, her influence, and her resources to open doors for women everywhere to discover their significance and belonging, whether with their neighbor, on the airwaves, or in the boardroom. She and her family currently live in Ohio.

This was an inspiring read.
All women should inspire to be a Proverb 31 women and lead like one.
I liked that the book has scriptures and some details explained behind each scripture.
It also has places in the book to write your specific action steps, that is an added benefit.
This is a good book and will help influence women and help them lead in a biblical way.
I gave this book 4 stars.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Love Redeemed By Kelly Irvin GIVEAWAY!



In the second book of the New Hope Amish series, acclaimed author Kelly Irvin spins a tale of romance, grief, and redemption deep in Amish country.
Phoebe Christner is thrilled when the families of her close-knit Amish community decide to spend a week at the lake. She feels she's earned a break...and it doesn't hurt that Michael Daugherty will be coming along. They'll find ways to spend time together--she's certain of it--and their romance will have time to blossom.
But when tragedy strikes, Phoebe and Michael are torn apart by their pain and the knowledge of their guilt. As they both cope with the loss of a loved one, they will come to discover that they are worthy not only of each other's love, but God's love.
A tender novel of faith and family set in the heart of Amish country.

Pick up your copy here




Kelly Irvin is the author of the Bliss Creek Amish series and the New Hope Amish series, both published by Harvest House Publishers. Love Still Stands, the first book in the New Hope series, debuted in September 2014, and the follow-up, Love Redeemed, debuts March 1, 2014.

The Bliss Creek Amish series, set in Kansas, includes To Love and to Cherish, A Heart Made New, and Love's Journey Home.

In the New Hope series, familiar characters from Bliss Creek move to Missouri to start a new district and a new life. The final book, A Plain Love Song is slated for release in September 2014.

Kelly recently signed a contract with Zondervan Publishing for a three book series, Lone Star Amish. The first book, The Bee Keeper's Son, will debut in 2015.

Kelly is also the author of two romantic suspense novels, A Deadly Wilderness and No Child of Mine, set in San Antonio, Texas.

The Kansas native is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Sisters in Crime. In addition to attending the ACFW annual conference regularly, she has attended the Glorieta Writers Conference. She also serves as secretary of the ACFW San Antonio local chapter Alamo City Christian Fiction Writers.

A graduate of the University of Kansas William Allen White School of Journalism, Kelly has been writing nonfiction professionally for thirty years. She studied for three semesters at the University of Costa Rica, learning the Spanish language. As a journalist, she worked six years in the border towns of Laredo and El Paso, where she was exposed to culture and language that serves as fodder for her fiction writing. She has written hard news, features, entertainment pieces, restaurant critiques, editorials, and weekly columns. Writing awards include the Silver Star Award from the Texas Mental Health Association for articles pertaining to mental health and numerous awards in news, feature, and editorial writing from the Texas Press Association and Texas Press Women.

For 20 years, she has worked in public relations for the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department, where her duties include writing and designing an employee newsletter, writing news releases, collaborating on marketing campaigns, coordinating ribbon-cuttings and groundbreakings, coordinating press conferences, updating the web site, and acting as a media spokesperson.

Kelly has been married to photographer Tim Irvin for twenty-six years, and they have two young adult children. A recent addition to the family is their first granddaughter. In her spare time, she likes to write short stories, read books by her favorite authors, and play with the new baby.


For more information, visit http://www.kellyirvin.com



This is book 2  in the New Hope series, oh boy are you in for a treat. I read this book in one sitting. I could not put it down.
Such strong characters, you will think they are real and they could be your family, the story is so well written.
Kelly can sure write a fantastic book on healing. You will fall in love with Phoebe and Michael.
You will feel God on every page as you read this book. You will fall in love with Kelly Irvin after reading this book.
5 star Amish fiction romance that you do not want to miss. I recommend this book!
I was given a copy of this book by the author for my honest review.