Magnolia Mistletoe An Edisto Christmas Novella By Lindsey Brackett

 

Hannah Calhoun knows what she wants for Christmas. But before she can become a full-fledged partner in her mother’s wedding planning business, she has to prove she can handle her own shortcomings.

Benjamin Townsend is an entrepreneur always looking out for the next big thing—and if hosting weddings on Edisto is it, he’s all in. Even if that does mean spending a lot of time with Hannah, whose world is way more full of happily ever after than his.

Once the magnolia and mistletoe are hung, will an Edisto Christmas be exactly the magic these two need?

Pick up your copy here...

https://www.amazon.com/Magnolia-Mistletoe-Edisto-Christmas-Novella/dp/164526291X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=27A9CB6UFSMFG&dchild=1&keywords=magnolia+mistletoe+lindsey+brackett&qid=1606527627&sprefix=Magnolia+Mis%2Caps%2C165&sr=8-1

Lindsey P. Brackett has read obituaries on the radio, conned middle schoolers into reading Shakespeare, and directed musicals despite not having the ability to sing or dance. These days, she writes southern fiction infused with her rural Georgia upbringing and Lowcountry South Carolina roots. Her debut novel, Still Waters, was an INSPY Finalist and 2018 Selah Book of the Year. Find her podcasting at A Rough Draft Life with novelist Kristi Ann Hunter and stress-cooking on Instagram as @lindseyprackett. Someday, she hopes to balance motherhood and writing full-time. Until then, she’s just very grateful for her public school system.

Join her newsletter and receive a free short story at lindseypbrackett.com.

My Thoughts...

Well lets see where to start. I like most people don't think that great authors should right novellas. Do to the fact that you are always left wanting more.

That being said. I really enjoyed this story and the characters  were great the setting was great and the romance was just right. But I was left wanting to read more story by Brackett.

I gave this 4 stars and I am hoping for some more books from her soon.

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

Redeeming Love Keepsake Edition By Francine Rivers

 

California’s gold country, 1850. A time when men sold their souls for a bag of gold and women sold their bodies for a place to sleep. Angel expects nothing from men but betrayal. Sold into prostitution as a child, she survives by keeping her hatred alive. And what she hates most are the men who use her, leaving her empty and dead inside.  
 
Then she meets Michael Hosea, a man who seeks his Father’s heart in everything. Michael obeys God’s call to marry Angel and to love her unconditionally. Slowly, day by day, he defies Angel’s every bitter expectation, until despite her resistance, her frozen heart begins to thaw.  
 
But with her unexpected softening comes overwhelming feelings of unworthiness and fear. And so Angel runs. Back to the darkness, away from her husband’s pursuing love, terrified of the truth she no longer can deny: Her final healing must come from the One who loves her even more than Michael does…the One who will never let her go.  
 
A powerful retelling of the story of Gomer and Hosea, Redeeming Love is a life-changing story of God’s unconditional, redemptive, all-consuming love.

New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers continues to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Her numerous bestsellers include Redeeming Love, A Voice in the Wind, and Bridge to Haven, and her work has been translated into more than thirty different languages. She is a member of Romance Writers of America's coveted Hall of Fame as well as a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Visit Francine online at www.francinerivers.com and connect with her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/FrancineRivers) and Twitter (@FrancineRivers).

My Thoughts...

This is a book that should be given to everyone this year. This would be an unforgettable gift. This hard cover edition is gorgeous. With the film coming out in 2021 so many younger people have not read it yet and need to read it before seeing the film. 

Give this hardcover edition this year to all the book lovers on your list.

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 Anne of Green Gables Devotional By Rachel Dodge

 

The Anne of Green Gables Devotional offers lovely inspiration that explores the theme of God’s love and faithfulness through the pages of the classic L. M. Montgomery novel, cherished by generations of readers. Each reading corresponds with a chapter from the book and invites you to embrace God’s redemptive plans for your life as His very own adopted daughter in Christ.
 

This beautiful 40-day devotional includes original artwork throughout, and each reading includes examples from the novel, scripture, life application, prayers, and discussion questions perfect for groups, book clubs, or personal reflection. It’s perfect as a personal read or gift for a bosom friend!

Pick up your copy here...

https://www.amazon.com/Green-Gables-Devotional-Chapter-Chapter/dp/1643526162/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3GADR8J06RHIF&dchild=1&keywords=the+anne+of+green+gables+devotional&qid=1605384527&sprefix=The+Anne+of+Green+Gables+De%2Caps%2C161&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExSTU5M0xRUUNaOEJNJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUExMDQzNTQ1MVpHUlFQWjdDMFlKRyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwOTAwODA2MzU3WlFEVkZHRzREViZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Rachel Dodge is the author of Praying with Jane: 31 Days Through the Prayers of Jane Austen (Bethany House 2018) and the Anne of Green Gables Devotional: A Chapter-By-Chapter Companion for Kindred Spirits (Barbour 2020). Rachel teaches college English classes, gives talks at libraries, teas, and book clubs, and is a writer for the popular Jane Austen's World blog and Jane Austen's Regency World Magazine. She is passionate about encouraging and equipping families to grow closer to Jesus through prayer and the study of God's Word. A kindred spirit at heart, Rachel enjoys books, bonnets, and ball gowns. She makes her home in California with her husband and their two children.

Artwork

Original whimsical artwork is placed throughout the devotional to bring the devotions and spirit of this classic story to life.

Devotions

The devotions included explore the theme of God’s love and faithfulness through the pages of the classic L. M. Montgomery novel. Each reading includes examples from the novel, scripture, life application, prayers, and discussion questions.

Special Gift

Makes a great personal devotional or a thoughtful gift for a kindred spirit and even includes discussion questions that can make this the perfect companion for bible studies and book groups.

   My Thoughts...

Another Great gift idea for Anne of Green Gables fans there are many of us. This would be a fantastic gift. I love the artwork in this devotional and the daily prayers and great for any age. This is going to be a fun gift to give this year. I hope that everyone gets a copy of this and a few extra for those they love.

5 stars from this book lover.

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

Redeeming Love The Companion Study By Francine Rivers

 

Venture deeper into the heart of the classic bestselling novel Redeeming Love with this six-week study and discover life-changing Bible truths.

Through Redeeming Love, millions of readers have experienced the captivating love story of Angel and Michael Hosea that illustrates God’s power to redeem even the most lost among us. Redeeming Love: The Companion Study invites you to enter more fully into both the classic novel’s eternal message and the biblical story that inspired its writing. 
 
Each week’s readings include:
• a personal reflection by Francine Rivers about the writing of Redeeming Love and the power of God’s Word
• key scenes from Redeeming Love, selected to illustrate God’s loving pursuit of you
• Bible study lessons that creatively blend story and Scripture to glean fresh insights
• thoughtful reflection questions designed to inspire you to a deeper experience of God

Perfect for both individual reflection and group discussion, this study will draw you deeper into the life-transforming love celebrated in Redeeming Love.

Pick up your copy here...

https://www.amazon.com/Redeeming-Love-Companion-Francine-Rivers/dp/0525654364/ref=sr_1_1?crid=10DYBPTWZS0LR&dchild=1&keywords=the+companion+study+redeeming+love&qid=1605383935&sprefix=The+Companion+Study%2Caps%2C164&sr=8-1

New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers continues to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Her numerous bestsellers include Redeeming Love, A Voice in the Wind, and Bridge to Haven, and her work has been translated into more than thirty different languages. She is a member of Romance Writers of America's coveted Hall of Fame as well as a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Visit Francine online at www.francinerivers.com and connect with her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/FrancineRivers) and Twitter (@FrancineRivers).

My Thoughts...

I have another great gift for you guys that are still looking for the perfect gift to give to that special someone. This would also make a great small group study for the ladies looking for small group studies for the new year.

A fun stocking stuffer or a just because I am thinking of you gift.

5 stars from me and I hope you grab a few copies.

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

A Path to Redeeming Love A 40-day Devotional By Francine Rivers

 

This forty-day devotional based on the classic bestselling novel Redeeming Love leads you on a personal, six-week journey into God’s all-consuming embrace.

We know that God loves us unconditionally. So why is it so hard to break free from the past and live in that truth? Inspired by the biblical book of Hosea, Redeeming Love introduces a love so profound that it forever changes Angel, a woman who had viewed herself as broken beyond redemption. With A Path to Redeeming Love: A 40-Day Devotional, you can immerse yourself daily in the truth of God’s unshakable love for you.
 
Personal essays from Francine explore key themes from the novel—Rejected, Resigned, Rescued, Redeemed, Reconciled, Restored—inspired by Scripture. In addition, each daily devotion includes:
 
• an excerpt from Redeeming Love, Angel and Michael Hosea’s classic love story
• Bible verses for meditation
• prompts for Bible study, prayer, and journaling to enhance reflection and application
 

Whether you feel stuck or hurt, confused or lost—or simply want to experience more deeply God’s boundless grace—this devotional invites you into a transformative understanding of God’s redeeming love.

Pick up your copy here...

https://www.amazon.com/Path-Redeeming-Love-Forty-Day-Devotional/dp/0525654348/ref=sr_1_1?crid=30CMM8E0VLF7N&dchild=1&keywords=a+path+to+redeeming+love+a+forty-day+devotional&qid=1605383081&sprefix=Path+to+Redeeming%2Caps%2C171&sr=8-1

New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers continues to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Her numerous bestsellers include Redeeming Love, A Voice in the Wind, and Bridge to Haven, and her work has been translated into more than thirty different languages. She is a member of Romance Writers of America's coveted Hall of Fame as well as a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Visit Francine online at www.francinerivers.com and connect with her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/FrancineRivers) and Twitter (@FrancineRivers).

My Thoughts...

This devotional is wonderful. I can see this in everyone's stocking this year. People giving this as a gift would so many happy this year. It would be so much fun to have a small group get together and share their  thoughts with each other.

This is a 5 star gift idea for you all.

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

Cover Your Tracks By Daco S. Auffenorde

 

Margo Fletcher, eight months pregnant, is traveling by train from Chicago to Spokane, her childhood home. While passing through an isolated portion of the Rockies in blizzard conditions, the train unexpectedly brakes. Up ahead, deadly snow from a massive avalanche plummets down the mountain. Despite the conductor’s order for the passengers to stay seated, former Army Ranger Nick Eliot insists that survival depends on moving to the back of the train. Only Margo believes him. They take refuge in the last train car, which Nick heroically uncouples in time to avoid the avalanche. The rest of the train is hurled down the mountainside and is soon lost forever in a blanket of snow. Margo and Nick, the sole survivors, are stranded in the snowstorm without food, water, or heat. Rescuers might not arrive for days.

When the weather turns violent again, the pair must flee the shelter of the passenger car and run for their lives into the wilderness. They must fend off the deadly cold as well as predatory wild animals foraging for food. Eventually, Nick leads Margo to shelter in a watchtower atop a mountain. There, we learn that both Margo and Nick have secrets that have brought them together and threaten to destroy them.

Cover Your Tracks is a chilling story of love and hate, the devastating power of nature, and the will to survive.

Pick up your copy here...

https://www.amazon.com/Cover-Your-Tracks-Daco-Auffenorde/dp/1684425506/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1JGMSJIAN4361&dchild=1&keywords=cover+your+tracks+daco+auffenorde&sprefix=Cover+your+Tracks%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-1

Born at the Naval hospital in Bethesda, Maryland and raised in Huntsville, Alabama—also known as Rocket City for its role in building the rocket that took astronauts into space—Daco holds a B.A. and M.A.S. from The University of Alabama in Huntsville and a J.D. from the Cumberland School of Law. She is a member of the International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, Romance Writers of America, Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Alabama Writers' Forum, Authors Guild, and Alabama State Bar.

My Thoughts...

All I seem to want to read lately is psychological thrillers. I devour them in just a few hours. I must say that this was a good one to take my mind off all the crazy in the world right now. This was a story of love & hate and I was entertained until the very end. I can't wait to read Auffenorde's next book.

grab your copy of this 4 star read.

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

Tailgates & Truck Dates By Haley Rhoades

 

Life in the small town of Athens is easy, safe, and predictable. It’s everything Adrian wants in her life. Madison has 4,724 reasons to leave Athens as soon as she can. Life in a small town isn’t for everyone yet sometimes it’s difficult to escape. The two new adult friends are making the most of the first year after high school. The always in control Adrian dreams of owning her own business, falling in love, and raising a family all in Athens. Will her dreams of small-town life fall into place? Madison and Hamilton leave for college in the fall. Although on different paths neither plans to return to life in Athens. Will one-night derail Madison’s way out?

Pick up your copy here...

https://www.amazon.com/Tailgates-Truck-Dates-Locals-1/dp/0998959057/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=8-1

Haley Rhoades’s writing is another bucket-list item coming to fruition, just like meeting Stephen Tyler and skydiving. As she continues to write romance and young adult books, she plans to complete her remaining bucket-list items, including ghost-hunting, storm-chasing, and bungee jumping. She is a Netflix-binging, Converse-wearing, avidly-reading, traveling geek.
A team player, Haley thrived as her spouse’s career moved the family of four eight times to three states. One move occurred eleven days after a C-section. Now with two adult sons, Haley copes with her newly emptied nest by writing and spoiling Nala, her Pomsky. A fly on the wall might laugh as she talks aloud to her fur-baby all day long.
Haley’s under five-foot, fun-size stature houses a full-size attitude. Her uber-competitiveness in all things entertains, frustrates, and challenges family and friends. Not one to shy away from a dare, she faces the consequences of a lost bet no matter the humiliation. Her fierce loyalty extends from family to friends, to sports teams.
Haley’s guilty pleasures are Lifetime and Hallmark movies. Her other loves include all things peanut butter, Star Wars, mathematics, and travel. Past day jobs vary tremendously from an elementary special-education para-professional, to a YMCA sports director, to a retail store accounting department, and finally a high school mathematics teacher.
Haley resides with her husband and fur-baby in the Des Moines area. This Missouri-born girl enjoys the diversity the Midwest offers.
Reach out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or her website…she would love to connect with her readers.

My Thoughts...

This country girl enjoyed this quick read.

So far after reading 3 of Rhoades books I have not been disappointed yet.

Each book was unique  in story and characters and settings that makes me love her books and her writing.

I have to share this one with you because it was a fun fast read.

4 stars and ready for some more from Rhoades.

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

Boxers of Briefs By Haley Rhoades

 

In the aftermath of tragedy, Ali leaves her upper middle-class life and college to start over in a city where everything isn’t attached to the memory of Leslie. She finds part-time work at a temp-agency to pay for her cheap studio apartment and beat up old car.

Good fortune smiles upon her as the agency places her in two positions at once. She begins each work day at a legal firm then helps in the office of a nearby gym. The two positions are as different as her two bosses. Her mornings with Tyson require business attire, efficiency, and a professional manner. Her afternoons at Clay’s gym are casual, unstructured, and messy. While working in each office, Ali develops friendships with each boss. She struggles keeping her work and private life separate.

As the tragic anniversary approaches, her nightmares increase in frequency. Her lack of sleep and lustful feelings toward each boss further complicate her world. Then she learns Tyson and Clay are best friends.

As her temporary positions draw to a close, Ali must decide if a friendship with a boxer or a lawyer can become more. How’s a girl to decide? Will a friendship turn into love? Will Ali keep Tyson and Clay in her desire for a happily ever after?

Pick up your copy here...

https://www.amazon.com/Boxers-Briefs-Haley-Rhoades/dp/0998959049/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=8-1

Haley Rhoades' writing is another bucket-list item coming to fruition, just like meeting Stephen Tyler and skydiving. As she continues to write romance and young adult books, she plans to complete her remaining bucket-list items, including ghost-hunting, storm-chasing, and bungee jumping. She is a Netflix-binging, Converse-wearing, avidly-reading, traveling geek. A team player, Haley thrived as her spouse's career moved the family of four eight times to three states. One move occurred eleven days after a C-section. Now with two adult sons, Haley copes with her newly emptied nest by writing and spoiling Nala, her Pomsky. A fly on the wall might laugh as she talks aloud to her fur-baby all day long. Haley's under five-foot, fun-size stature houses a full-size attitude. Her uber-competitiveness in all things entertains, frustrates, and challenges family and friends. Not one to shy away from a dare, she faces the consequences of a lost bet no matter the humiliation. Her fierce loyalty extends from family, to friends, to sports teams. Haley's guilty pleasures are Lifetime and Hallmark movies. Her other loves include all things peanut butter, Star Wars, mathematics, and travel. Past day jobs vary tremendously from an elementary special-education para-professional, to a YMCA sports director, to a retail store accounting department, and finally a high school mathematics teacher. Haley resides with her husband and fur-baby in the Kansas City area. This Missouri-born girl enjoys the diversity the Midwest offers. Reach out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or her website...she would love to connect with her readers.

My Thoughts...

Trauma  and a love triangle What? In one book, why yes this quick read has a little bit of both.

One thing about Rhoades books is she adds a trivia page in her books and let me tell you they are so much fun.

I think Rhoades is a fun author and she writes about everything and her books hold your attention , but you are left wanting more, You know what I'm talking about those authors that should write the never ending book. She is one of those.

I gave this book 4 stars and recommend grabbing a copy.

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 Right Kind of Fool By Sarah Loudin Thomas

 Thirteen-year-old Loyal Raines is supposed to stay close to home on a hot summer day in 1934. When he slips away for a quick swim in the river and finds a dead body, he wishes he'd obeyed his mother. The ripples caused by his discovery will impact the town of Beverly, West Virginia, in ways no one could have imagined.

The first person those ripples disturb is Loyal's absentee father. When Creed Raines realized his infant son was deaf, he headed for the hills, returning only to help meet his family's basic needs. But when Loyal, now a young teen, stumbles upon a murder it's his father he runs to tell--shaping the words with his hands. As Creed is pulled into the investigation he discovers that what sets his son apart isn't his inability to hear but rather his courage. Longing to reclaim the life he abandoned, Creed will have to do more than help solve a murder if he wants to win his family's hearts again. 

Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Right-Kind-Sarah-Loudin-Thomas/dp/0764234013/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2T19YF5HFZ6H3&dchild=1&keywords=the+right+kind+of+fool+sarah+loudin+thomas&sprefix=the+right+kind+of+fool%2Caps%2C229&sr=8-1

Sarah Loudin Thomas grew up on a 100-acre farm in French Creek, WV, the seventh generation to live there. Her Christian fiction is set in West Virginia and celebrates the people, the land, and the heritage of Appalachia.

Sarah is a fund-raiser for a children’s ministry who has time to write because she doesn’t have children of her own. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Coastal Carolina University and is the author of the acclaimed novels The Sound of Rain and Miracle in a Dry Season–winner of the 2015 Inspy Award. Sarah has also been a finalist for the Christy Award, ACFW Carol Award and the Christian Book of the Year Award. She and her husband live near Asheville, NC.

Learn more at www.SarahLoudinThomas.com

My Thoughts...

I get so consumed with  Thomas' books. She is one of the few writers that just has a way with words, that pull you in and you get so lost in the book.

This book was set in West Virginia which made it even better. The Characters  were some of the best I have read in a while.

I highly recommend this 5 star read and I hope that you grab an extra copy for your best friends stocking.

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

Bend Don't break By Haley Rhoades

 

When lust meets fate, the seven deadly sins await.It's a living, breathing beast, churning tumultuously within me. It never rests; it shows its head daily as I encounter ghosts from the life I wanted but was ripped away from me.When Schuyler meets Calvin, she must find a way to carve a different future out or give up on her chosen career path and family goals. Is his love enough for her to take a chance?

Pick up your copy here...

https://www.amazon.com/Bend-Dont-Break-Sweet-Version/dp/1734664614/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=Bend+Dont+Break+Haley+Rhoades&sr=8-2

Haley Rhoades’s writing is another bucket-list item coming to fruition, just like meeting Stephen Tyler and skydiving. As she continues to write romance and young adult books, she plans to complete her remaining bucket-list items, including ghost-hunting, storm-chasing, and bungee jumping. She is a Netflix-binging, Converse-wearing, avidly-reading, traveling geek.
A team player, Haley thrived as her spouse’s career moved the family of four eight times to three states. One move occurred eleven days after a C-section. Now with two adult sons, Haley copes with her newly emptied nest by writing and spoiling Nala, her Pomsky. A fly on the wall might laugh as she talks aloud to her fur-baby all day long.
Haley’s under five-foot, fun-size stature houses a full-size attitude. Her uber-competitiveness in all things entertains, frustrates, and challenges family and friends. Not one to shy away from a dare, she faces the consequences of a lost bet no matter the humiliation. Her fierce loyalty extends from family to friends, to sports teams.
Haley’s guilty pleasures are Lifetime and Hallmark movies. Her other loves include all things peanut butter, Star Wars, mathematics, and travel. Past day jobs vary tremendously from an elementary special-education para-professional, to a YMCA sports director, to a retail store accounting department, and finally a high school mathematics teacher.
Haley resides with her husband and fur-baby in the Des Moines area. This Missouri-born girl enjoys the diversity the Midwest offers.
Reach out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or her website…she would love to connect with her readers.

My Thoughts...

What an emotional read, so many ups and downs that you can't put the book down. This was my first book by Rhoades and I can't wait to read the next few that I have on my to be read shelf right away.

I gave this book 4 stars and I think it's going to be one that you will enjoy. So grab your copy and get cozy for the ride of your life. 

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 Three Mrs. Wrights By Linda Keir

 Mr. Wright has everything. All that’s left to give him is what he deserves.

Lark has good things coming: a career as a board-game designer and a whirlwind romance with a handsome investor. Trip is so compassionate and supportive, he’s almost too good to be true.

Jessica has always been cautious, but she can’t resist Jonathan. The brilliant TED-talking visionary has big plans for his inspiring medical start-up. Now Jessica is invited to be part of the team—and to partner with the founder outside the office.

Holly has settled into a comfortable life with Jack, her husband of nearly twenty years. They’ve raised three children, they own a beautiful home, and they’ve founded a worthy charity. She’s proud of building a marriage that has endured—she just doesn’t want to look too closely at the cracks.

Lark, Jessica, and Holly are three strangers with so much in common it hurts. Their one and only is one and the same.

The charming Mr. Wright’s serial lies are about to catch up with him…

Pick up your copy here...

https://www.amazon.com/Three-Mrs-Wrights-Linda-Keir/dp/1542019702/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1603502661&sr=8-1

Linda Keir is the pen name of Linda Joffe Hull and Keir Graff. The authors of Drowning with Others and The Swing of Things, they are currently at work on their third book.

My Thoughts...

This sounded like such a great read. It had a  lot of  foul language and the sex scenes were over the top. I had such high expectations for this book. It has the protentional to be a really good one.

I sadly gave it three stars and I hope that the authors can change some of the negatives and bring more positives with their next book.

I did give it three stars and I will give the next book a try, it may get better.

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

Hope's Gentle Touch By Laura Hodges Poole

 

After her abusive husband’s death, Misty Stephens returns to her job as a nurse and volunteer at a women’s shelter. She intends to put her life back together and has no intention of ever being vulnerable to a man again. But when an abuse victim dies in her care, Misty finds herself consoling the girl’s brother ... and fighting attraction.Adam Jenkins sees Misty’s heart for the oppressed and implores her to help build Hope House, a women’s shelter, in honor of his sister. Though grieving, Adam is drawn to Misty. But he approaches romance the way he does ranching—quick and decisive—an almost disastrous mistake. While dealing with family fallout and troubles at work, this new project and Misty become a light shining into Adam’s grief.A common purpose binds them together, and Misty’s heart starts to open to Adam. But she finds it much harder to lower her defenses than she imagined. Can any man be fully trusted—especially a powerful, wealthy rancher? When the past rears its ugly head and her reality starts to crumble, Misty's trust in God and hope for a bright future are put to the test. Will hope’s gentle touch finally bring the love Misty’s heart needs to heal?

Pick up your copy here...

https://www.amazon.com/Hopes-Gentle-Touch-Laura-Hodges/dp/1645262693/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1604109723&sr=1-2

Laura Hodges Poole is a Christian writer with dozens of articles, devotions, and short stories in publication. She has published four books and contributed to two others. She is a 2019 Selah Award finalist for "Return to Walhalla," the 2016 ACWC Badge of Honor Winner, a 2014 ACFW Genesis semi-finalist, and a 2012 RWA Emily finalist (second place) in Christian fiction. Laura is member of Jeff Goins' Tribe Writers. Her credits include being a writing conference contest judge in 2017 and 2018. As an editor and member of The Christian PEN, Laura enjoys mentoring and helping other writers polish their work. Her passion is encouraging others through her blog, "A Word of Encouragement." When she’s not writing, you might find her hiking, playing the piano, or being crafty. A mother of two, Laura lives in South Carolina with her husband and son.

Laura's upcoming Christian romance novel, "Hope's Gentle Touch," will release in October 2020 with Firefly Southern Fiction, an imprint of LPC.

Website: laurahodgespoole.com
"A Word of Encouragement" @ https://laurahodgespoole.blogspot.com
Follow @ Pinterest.com/lhpoole
Twitter @ Laura_Poole
Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/#!/LauraHodgesPoole
Email: laurapoole565@gmail.com

My Thoughts...

This was a hard topic to write about abuse is a very hard topic period  but Poole has written it with so much grace. this is a new author to me and I really can't say enough about her writing. Such a heartfelt read and I can't wait for more books from her.

I love this cover, it makes you want to grab this book and start reading it.

I gave this book 4 stars and I recommend it.

 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 Blended Quilt By Wanda Brunstetter

 

Will pursuing Sadie’s dreams mean leaving a romance behind?
 

Sadie Kuhns has a lot happening in her life. She is creating a unique quilt by blending a traditional Amish pattern with a Hawaiian pattern as a tribute to her time spent in the islands, and she is working on a self-published book. But her relationship with Wyman Kauffman has stagnated after six months of courtship. He can’t seem to commit to a profession that would secure a future, and he is jealous of the time Sadie gives to her own pursuits. Is there really any reason to drag this courtship out? Only time will tell in this new novel from New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter, writing with her daughter-in-law Jean Brunstetter.

Pick up your copy here...

https://www.amazon.com/Blended-Quilt-Jean-Brunstetter/dp/1643526014/ref=sr_1_3?crid=29MKOTGH86QV4&dchild=1&keywords=the+blended+quilt+by+brunstetter&qid=1604093195&sprefix=The+Blended+quilt%2Caps%2C195&sr=8-3

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of almost 90 books with more than 10 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today.

Wanda's fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda's desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.

All of Wanda's novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

Wanda's primary attraction to the Amish is their desire to live a devout Christian life that strives to honor God, work hard, and maintain close family ties. Whenever she visits her Amish friends, Wanda finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties, which is in stark contrast to the chaos and busyness that plagues so many modern "Englishers." Time and time again, Wanda loses her heart in the Amish life, and she hopes her readers will, too. For more information, visit: www.WandaBrunstetter.com

My Thoughts...

 You always get an Amish story for the books with Brunstetter. She loves the Amish and spends much time with them so you get the idea of just how they live from her. The characters  and the description's of the area is always spot on.

Oh I don't want to forget to tell you about the fantastic recipe at the end of the story Sadie's Coconut Carrot Cake. You are going to want this book just for this recipe . I could eat the Coconut icing on everything.

I gave this book 4 stars and I am waiting for the next one to come.

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